Visas and Immigration

Checklists and Helpful Links

In order to enter the United States in F-1 status, students must present the following documents to the immigration inspector at the port of entry:

A valid passport (valid six months beyond the date of entry)
A valid F-1 visa (not required for Canadians)
(Students from all other countries should have an “NIE” (National Interest Exemption) statement printed directly on their visas.)
A valid I-20 Form
A copy of your SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt
Original financial documentation
Admission letter from Northwood University

Your passport, issued by your country of citizenship, should be valid for six months beyond the date you enter the United States and remain valid for the length of your stay. To obtain or renew your passport, contact your home government authorities. It is a good idea to keep a photocopy of your passport in case it is ever lost.

Get I-20 from NU and check for errors

The Form I-20 is issued to students who intend to study in the U.S. in F-1 status.

Initial Attendance I-20

If you are not in the U.S. you will receive an Initial Attendance I-20 from Northwood University. You will need the I-20 to pay the SEVIS fee and to apply for an F-1 visa. If you have dependents (spouse or children) traveling with you, each dependent will need their own I-20 to apply for an F-2 visa. F-2 dependents do not pay the SEVIS fee. Use only the Northwood I-20 when you enter the U.S. to come to Northwood.

Transfer I-20

If you are currently in F-1 status in the U.S., you may transfer your SEVIS Record to Northwood University. You will need to complete a transfer-in form. Once the transfer is complete, Northwood will issue you a new I-20.

Check your I-20 for Errors

After you receive your I-20 and admissions materials from Northwood, please review everything carefully and check for any errors on your I-20. Email Northwood immediately if you find an error on your I-20 so that we can correct it and mail an updated I-20.

How much is the SEVIS Fee?

The fee for F-1 students is $350.

Initial I-20: Must pay SEVIS Fee

If you are coming to Northwood University from outside of the United States, you will need pay the SEVIS fee before applying for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy. After paying the fee, print a copy of your SEVIS fee payment receipt. You will need to show the receipt to the U.S. consulate or embassy and when you enter the U.S.

Pay the SEVIS Fee at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement SEVIS Fee website.

DS-160 Application

Once you have paid the SEVIS fee, you will need to fill out a DS-160 Application in order to schedule your visa appointment. Once you complete the application, be sure to print and keep the DS-160 barcode page. You will then schedule a visa interview appointment. You may need to pay the visa application processing fee depending on your country. For additional information, please review the U.S. Department of State website.

Enter the U.S.

You may enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before the program start date as listed on your I-20. If you will be delayed in your arrival, please notify Northwood University immediately.

Please review the important dates for arrival and orientation dates. Free airport pick up services available ONLY to students who fly into Midland/Bay/Saginaw airport (MBS).

What happens when I enter the U.S.?

At the port of entry, the U.S. Customers and Border Officer will inspect your Form I-20 and give it back to you. The Border Officer will also inspect your passport and F-1 visa (if applicable), issue an admission stamp, write “F-1/DS”, and return your passport to you.

I-94 Arrival/Departure Form

Form I-94 is the official record that indicates your status and duration of stay in the U.S.

For more information, please see the following resources from U.S. Customs and Border Protection:

I-94 Automation Fact Sheet
I-94 Official Website
Help with I-94 Automation

Notify Northwood if you are delayed

Attending International Student Orientation is required. Please review the important dates for arrival and orientation dates. Free airport pick-up services are available ONLY to students who fly into Midland/Bay/Saginaw airport (MBS). All sessions are mandatory. If unexpected events cause your arrival to be delayed beyond the start date of orientation, please notify Northwood University immediately. You will be required to make up any orientation sessions that you miss.