International Students

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Visas for the UK and the US
Depending on the country of nationality, international students may need to apply for 2 visas: the UK student visa and the F-1 US student visa.

UK Student Visa – For study in England (Fall semester)

For Citizens of an E.U. Membership Country
Participants who will be traveling on a passport from the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland will not need to apply for a Tier 4 (General) Student visa. Nationals of EEA countries and Switzerland have permission to enter and volunteer in the UK without a visa.

For Citizens of all other Countries
Participants holding a passport that is not an E.U. or US passport will have to apply for a Tier 4 (General) Student visa. As visa requirements for each nationality vary, students should look into the requirements for their country of citizenship as soon as possible.

Students who are citizens of a non-majority English speaking country, will have to demonstrate a level of English proficiency equivalent to a "B2" in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in each of the four components of language learning (reading, writing, listening and speaking). To see a list of approved English language tests, click here. Students must include a copy of the original test certificate with their visa application. For more information on the English language requirement, please click here.

F-1 Student Visa – For Study in the United States (Spring semester)
All international N.U.in participants must apply for a nonimmigrant student visa at a US Embassy/Consulate to start their Spring semester 2013 in the US at Northeastern University. For information regarding the requirements for a US student visa, please contact the nearest Consulate directly.

International students will receive an information sheet detailing the process of applying for a student (F-1) visa with their admissions letter. Once students submit the required documentation, they will then receive their I-20. Students should research whether they are able to apply for their F-1 student visa while in England prior to their arrival in London. Failure to conduct this type of research could seriously complicate the F-1 visa process. Participants must be prepared to arrive to campus in Boston by early January 2013. Students will receive an email indicating the exact arrival date and process in mid-October 2012.

If students have any questions regarding the visa application process they can contact Northeastern’s International Student and Scholar Institute (ISSI) at issi@neu.edu.