Your future, our focus
Congratulations on your acceptance to Northwest College! Follow the steps below to prepare for your arrival.
Select one of the optionsto receive your I-20 and NWC acceptance letter:
Option 1: We will send your materials to you via the United States Postal Service (USPS) free of charge. USPS takes approximately 4-6 weeks or longer and does not provide a tracking number. Contact Amanda Enriquez if you select this method.
Option 2: Express mail service is available at your own expense. NWC uses an express mail service - eShip Global - to coordinate the mailing. This option takes approximately 3-7 days and provides a tracking number. If you choose this option follow the instructions on how to register with eShipGlobal.
When you receive your I-20, read it carefully and sign and date it on line 11. You will need this form as well as your SEVIS fee receipt when you meet with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for your F-1 student visa interview.
All students must pay a SEVIS fee, which can be done at www.fmjfee.com. The SEVIS fee is required for F, M, and J non-immigrants. The site explains the fee requirement and procedure to pay online. You can also pay through mail.
After you have paid the SEVIS fee, make an appointment at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your city/country. When you make your visa appointment, ask the consular officer if there is any other documentation you should bring to your interview. In addition to your I-20 and SEVIS receipt, they will want to see your passport, financial statements, high school graduation certificates and/or other documents.
For a quick guide to 10 points to remember when applying for a non-immigrant visa click here.
As soon as you receive your visa, complete the housing contract, which is available our your NWC Student Portal, and pay the housing deposit. You will not be placed in a room until your contract and deposit have been received.
All new students attending NWC must take an online math and English placement exam before registering for classes. This exam will inform us of your math and English level and will allow us to register you for classes before you arrive. All students must read the steps to complete the exam and complete the steps below.
Once you receive your F-1 visa, book a flight to theYellowstone Regional Airport in Cody, Wyoming. The airport code is COD and it is served by Delta and United Airlines. Notify Amanda Enriquez of your travel plans as soon as you make them. NWC will pick you up at the airport and bring you to the Northwest College campus. Do not book your flight into Billings, MT. We will not be able to pick you up if you fly into Billings.
Spend time with your family and friends and make sure you have contact information for them. If you are going to use your cell phone in the U.S., talk to your cell phone company about using your phone in the U.S.
And of course, start packing! If you have a laptop, bring it. You will be able to buy many things once you arrive (electronics, clothing, bedding, etc.). You should pack special things that will be difficult to find in Powell – pictures, special food/spices, and special clothing will be a nice reminder of home. We will email you with a packing list a few weeks prior to your travels. Feel free to email us for more advice at any time. Our Facebook page will also be helpful!
You must attend the international student orientation. It is required and will help you adjust to your new life in the United States. Please refer to your acceptance letter for the orientation dates.
