F-1 Student Travel and Re-entry

Are you a current NOVA student?  Are you planning to go home for the summer?  Visit the Travel and Re-entry section of our website for information on what you need to do before you leave!

Go to the Office of International Student Services or see an international student advisor on your campus at least two weeks (10 business days) before you plan to travel outside the United States. You will need to obtain a travel signature on your I-20 and submit the F-1 Travel Outside the United States form.

• F-1 Travel Outside the United States Form

Travel safely!  We love souvenirs!

NOVA Student Housing Information

Are you thinking about studying at NOVA but don't know where to live?  One thing you should keep in mind is that NOVA does not have dormitories.  Our international students live in apartments and houses in the local area near our campuses.

Visit the Off-Campus Housing Service website for more information on places to live.  There are listings for local apartment buildings and a message board where you can connect with other students.

If you want to live with a host family in a home stay, we recommend you contact Just Like Home.

Contact the Office of International Student Services if you would like more information on housing options.

Transfer to NOVA

Are you an F-1 student in the U.S. studying at another school?  Transfer to NOVA! Students may apply to transfer up to the following dates:

Transfer Application Deadlines:
Associate's Degree Program
Spring Semester - December 1
Summer Session - May 2
Fall Semester - August 8


Intensive English Program
Spring Semester - December 1
Summer Session - Download our Summer IEP Schedule
Fall Semester - August 8

Visit the website for information on how to apply and how to complete the F-1 Transfer Process.

Questions? Contact the Office of International Student Services by email or phone 703-323-3423.

Help with Financial Documents

We receive more questions about financial documents than any other part of the international student application process. 


Can I have more than one sponsor? 
How much money do I have to show in the bank account?
Can my sponsor be from my home country or do they need to live in the US?
Do I have to have the bank statement translated into English?
What documents should I submit if I have a scholarship from my country's government?
Can the bank statement be in my own name or do I have to have a sponsor?
What is the F-1 Financial Statement Form and how do I fill it out?

Visit our website for answers to these questions and many more.
The requirements for financial documents are different depending on which program you apply for:
Intensive English Program
Associate's Degree Program

Why do international students choose NOVA?

Here are just a few of the reasons why international students from all over the world choose to study at Northern Virginia Community College:

• Guaranteed Admission Agreements
• Associate Degree Programs and Certificates
• Intensive English Program
• Low Tuition Rates
• Six Campuses Located in Northern Virginia

NOVA has approximately 35,000 full time students. Among them, we welcome over 2,000 international students from more than 100 different countries.

Students who complete an associate’s degree at NOVA transfer to prestigious universities all across the US including University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, George Mason University, American University and many others.

Overseas Application Deadlines

Fall Semester: June 1
Spring Semester: November 1
Summer Sessions: April 1 and May 6
Download the Summer IEP Schedule.

Visit our website for more information on how to apply to NOVA.

Welcome New International Students!

New international students are arriving from all over the world to study at NOVA!

Here's a quick checklist of what to do:

1.  Arrive in the U.S. within 30 days of the date listed on your I-20.
2.  Go to your campus and check in.
3.  Take the placement test(s).
4.  Enroll for your classes.
5.  Pay your tuition. 
6.  Go to orientation.
7.  Start class!

Need more information?  Visit our website about Getting Started!