Obtaining a U.S. Visa
Due to heightened security and more careful scrutiny of visa applications by the U.S. Department of State, it is taking longer for students to obtain their U.S. visas. Therefore, it is very important that you apply to Norfolk State University at least four months prior to the semester you wish to start and make certain all documents are submitted so that you may receive your I-20 form or DS-2019 in a timely manner. It may also help to include an email address for faster correspondence.
Financial Documentation
International students planning to enroll on a student (F-1 or J-1) visa must complete the Student Certification Form and provide proof of financial support. Before an I-20 or Ds-2019 Form will be issued, the student must be admitted to the University and provide assurance that sufficient financial resources are available to cover the costs for the first year of study and that adequate funding will be available for subsequent years.
Financial support may be obtained from more than one source, but documentation must be original, certified, and no more than 6 months old. Applicants should maintain a second set financial documents to apply for the visa as the documents submitted to the University will not be copied or returned.
Health Insurance Policy
Non-immigrant Visa Students
Every Norfolk State University student residing in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa is required to have and maintain a valid health insurance policy for his or her duration of study (including period of practical training). The policy must, at a minimum, provide for both accident and sickness benefits and meet the criteria specified below.
Automatic Enrollment
All NSU international students will be automatically enrolled each semester for health insurance coverage, which meets minimum criteria as set forth below, through Norfolk University's insurance provider. Students will be enrolled for both accident and optional sickness benefits.
The premiums for both accident and sickness benefits will be automatically added to each student’s account prior to the start of each semester. This policy applies to all international students, whether full-time/part-time, graduate/undergraduate.
Students who willingly or knowingly fail to maintain the required health insurance coverage will be ineligible for all benefits accorded to F and J visa students (e.g. on-campus employment, graduate assistantships, and practical training) and will be subject to academic course registration holds.
Traveling to the U.S.
Please keep the following in mind when preparing to travel to the United States:
U.S. ports of entry are turning away students who attempt to enter the country earlier than 60 days prior to the start date printed on the I-20 form. They are also denying entry to those students who attempt to enter the country after the start date printed on the I-20 form - unless prevailing circumstances exist and proof in the form of a letter or telephone contact with a school official can be provided.