ADMISSIONS & RECORDS

International Student Admissions
Prospective International Student Application Process

To attend New River Community College (NRCC) on an F-1 student visa, a student must be issued a SEVIS I-20.

The student visa deadline for the application/transfer process is December 1, 2024 for the Spring 2025 semester.
Students should contact Sheila Hart for more information.

The following admission requirements must be met before the SEVIS I-20 will be prepared:

1. Test of English as a Foreign Language for those whose native language is not English
   1. a: TOEFL score of 500 (paper and pencil version) or better, OR
   2. b: TOEFL score of 173 (computer-based version) or better, OR
   3. c: TOEFL score of 61 (internet-based version) or better, OR
   4. d: IELTS minimum academic score of 6, OR
   5. e: Proficiency at the EDE 10 level as determined by English and reading placement tests.
2. International Student Supplementary Data Form (form can be downloaded from web site) and financial support documentation.
3. Proof of health and accident insurance providing 24-hour, year-round coverage (including summer).
4. Proof of compliance with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (U.S.C.I.S.) regulations for transfer students. For more information, refer to the "International Students" section on NRCC's Admissions & Records Office web page at https://www.nr.edu/admissions/.

After all information is reviewed and student is accepted, an I-20 is processed on SEVIS (Student Exchange Visitor Information System) and the I-20 is sent to the student.

Pay I-901 Sevis Fee. More information online here

After receiving the I-20, the student must apply for a visa at his/her nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and should be prepared to present the following documents:

• Letter of admission to NRCC
• SEVIS Form I-20
• Valid passport or travel documents (validity date of six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the U.S.)
• Passport photographs
• Proof of financial support
• Proof or evidence that the applicant has binding ties to a residence in a foreign country that is not being abandoned and that the student plans to leave the U.S. when the program of studies is completed
• Receipt for Sevis Fee
• Other items required by the specific embassy or consulate.

The student may be issued an F-1 visa based on the evidence of the documents presented and interview with the Consulate Officer.

A USCIS officer at the port of entry reports on SEVIS the student's entry into the U.S. and information is sent to New River Community College. When the student arrives on campus, the college notifies SEVIS of the student's enrollment. Each semester, enrollment and event updates, are entered into SEVIS. Finally, the student's departure is recorded in SEVIS.

The student should read the instructions for students on page 2 of the SEVIS Form I-20 from NRCC. Under U.S. law, the student may use the I-20 to enter the United States ONLY for study at New River Community College and may not use the I-20 to attend another institution.

When the I-20 is signed and dated, the student is agreeing to abide by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Laws governing F-1 visa status. The student is responsible for knowing the regulations pertaining to the specific non-immigrant classification. Failure to follow the required federal regulations and procedures in an appropriate manner will result in the loss of legal status in the United States.

When a student enrolls in classes, copies of his or her passport, visa, I-94 card, and proof of health insurance are required.