Admitted International Graduate and Professional Students

• Your I-20 is the document you will need to be able to apply for an F-1 student visa. As soon as you receive your NSU acceptance you should submit the I-20 Process Form and all required documents. Required documents:
  • I-20 Process Form
  • Proof of Financial Support
    • Bank statements showing the total cost of attendance for one year, less any scholarships you are receiving from NSU. 
    • Financial Sponsorship Form (Required any time a proof of financial support is not in the student’s name, including parental bank statements)
  • Copy of the information page of your passport
  • NSU Transfer Authorization Form (Required only for students already studying in the U.S. on a valid I-20)
• I-20s will be shipped within seven business days once all required documentation is received.  For additional information see Requirements for Obtaining an I-20.
• • NOTE:  Due to COVID-19, all I-20s are currently being issued with digital signatures and delivered by email only.  This practice is in alignment with information provided by the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).  Students should print the emailed I-20 to have available with them for their visa appointments and in their carry-on (hand) luggage when they travel into the U.S.
• Once you receive your I-20 you must apply for your F-1 visa. Obtaining an F-1 student visa can take several weeks or even longer, depending on your home country.
  • NOTE:  On March 20, 2020, the U.S. Department of State announced that all routine visa services around the world would be temporarily suspended.  Please visit www.nova.edu/internationalaffairs/covid19 for additional information on COVID-19 implications for F-1 students.  Students are strongly encouraged to review the posted webinar recordings and contact intl@nova.edu if they have any concerns.

• NSU requires that all students communicate via their NSU email address. Your NSU email address is your NSU username + @mynsu.nova.edu (example username[at]mynsu.nova.edu). 
  • Retrieve Your Username (You will need your NSU ID#)
  • Set Your Password
  • If you need assistance with this process please contact the NSU Help Desk at +1 (954) 262-4357 or help@nova.edu.

• Contact your admissions advisor or program advisor for information on registering for classes.  Utilize the full list of NSU's Academic Programs to identify contact information for your program.  
  • Many courses fill very quickly so students should contact their advisor very soon after they receive their NSU acceptance.
• All students must complete the Student Enrollment Agreement (SEA) in order to register for classes. The SEA requires students to agree with NSU standards and policies. 
  • View a copy of the SEA
  • SEA FAQs

• ON CAMPUS HOUSING
  • Limited on-campus graduate student housing may be available for 2020-21.  Please visit the Graduate Housing page for additional information.
• OFF CAMPUS HOUSING
  • Students may find resources for securing housing from Off-Campus Housing Services.
  • Resource: International Student Rental Policies by Local Housing Partners (excel) - Use this spreadsheet to determine the policies NSU's local apartment complex partners have for renting to international students, especially those without Social Security Numbers SSN.

• HEALTH INSURANCE
  • All NSU students are automatically enrolled in the NSU Student Health Insurance Plan and your student account will be charged accordingly.  If you are insured under another insurance plan, you must opt out of the NSU Student Health Insurance plan each academic year by the given waiver deadline.  Please review the following pages for additional information.  Questions about the NSU Student Health Insurance should be directed to studenthealth@nova.edu. 
    • Health Insurance Information
    • Waiver Information
    • Waiver Deadlines

• IMMUNIZATION RECORDS
  • All students living on campus must submit their immunization records to housing@nova.edu.  Students will not be permitted to move into their on-campus housing unless immunization records are received. 

• PAY YOUR NSU BILL
  • Payment for NSU student account charges is due in full at the time of registration.  Students will not be able to check-in to the Residence Life and Housing halls until all requirements to satisfy outstanding student account balances have been fulfilled.  Students may view their student account status including account balance, charges, payments, and financial aid awards in SharkLink.
    • Student Billing Accounts
    • Payment Policy
    • Payment Options

International Student Orientation is mandatory for all incoming international students attending classes on the main/Fort Lauderdale campus.  Students attending one of the regional campuses are also invited to attend.

 Please visit the International Student Orientation page for additional information.

All F-1 students on initial NSU I-20s must complete the F-1 Check-In process in order to have their SEVIS records registered and activated.  Students who fail to complete the F-1 Check-In process will have their SEVIS record and immigration status terminated.  This is a U.S. immigration requirement and no exceptions can be made.

Please visit the F-1 International Student Check-In page for additional information.