Visa Resources
What is a Visa?
In order to enter the United States, you'll need a visa – a document issued by the U.S. government, usually at an embassy or consulate outside the U.S. This document allows you to present yourself at the U.S. Port of Entry and request to be let in.
After you have applied and are accepted to NWTC, you will take the steps to apply for your visa.
Steps to Apply for Your Visa
Note: Some steps may vary depending on your country's rules. Consult the embassy or consulate website for the country you intend to apply from.
Step 1: Complete Form I-20 and Pay SEVIS I-901 Fee
Once accepted to the college, you will be enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and you will be issued the Form I-20 by the college. You will then pay the SEVIS I-901 fee to the U.S. government and bring your Form I-20 to a visa interview.
Step 2: Complete Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
- Learn more about the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160. Print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
- Upload your photo while completing the online form DS-160. Be aware of the photograph requirements.
- You will need to pay a visa application fee when scheduling your visa interview.
Step 3: Schedule Visa Interview
Generally, schedule the interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you live. (You may schedule your interview at any U.S. embassy or consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify outsider your place of permanent residence.) Wait times vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa as early as possible. F-1 visas can be issued up to 120 days in advance of your start date for your course of study (listed on your I-20).
Can I defer my offer of admission?
If you can no longer attend NWTC in the semester listed on your I-20, you can defer your admission one time at no additional cost and enter in a future semester. If your visa was denied and there is time before your program start date, you can schedule another interview and present better documentation for a more successful result. If you do not have time before the program start date, you should request a deferral of your admission and your I-20.
To request a deferral:
- Complete the Deferral Form. Include any updated documents including financial, English test scores, and passport and send to international@nwtc.edu.
- Submit a new International Student Application if necessary.
- International students are eligible to defer their admissions or application for up to one academic year at no cost. Requests beyond this allotted time will require the student to submit a new International Student Application with updated admission documents and pay the application fee.
Where can I get more information on visa requirements?
Visit the U.S. State Department website for full details on visa requirements.
Helpful Reminders
- There are no guarantees that you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans for buy tickets until you have a visa.
- If you are refused a visa, you are permitted to reapply, providing your circumstances have changed. Attempting to obtain a visa by willful misrepresentation may lead to permanent refusal of a visa.
- Your spouse and unmarried children who intend to reside with you during your stay may apply for an F-2 visa. Get more details on F-2 visas for dependents of F-1 visa holders.
- A visa is valid until its expiration date.
- If a valid U.S. visa is in an expired passport, the visa is still valid. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission into the U.S. If your visa expires while you are in the U.S., you are still in legal status, since the entry stamp/Form I-94 documents your authorized period of stay, and your visa is an entry document. (You will need a new visa if you plan to travel outside the U.S. and come back.)
What should I do to get a student visa?
Most international students attending the NWTC hold student (F1) visas. After you are admitted to the NWTC you will receive a Notification of Admission and a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 Form). In order to obtain a student visa, present the Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 Form) to a United States embassy or consulate. The U.S. Department of State offers more information about obtaining a student visa. If you are attending a college or university in the United States, you must obtain a new Form I-20 from the NWTC. Be sure to complete the International Student Transfer Form. Your SEVIS record must be released from your former school to NWTC. If you have specific questions about student visas, you can contact International Programs directly.
I have a tourist visa to the U.S. Is that good enough?
No. The tourist visa is not designed for students seeking a certificate-bearing program. You will need to apply for a change of status or leave the United States and apply for an F-1 visa. Please seek the legal advice of a qualified immigration attorney or official for legal advice in these matters.
I have a different type of visa or am a dependent of a U.S. visa holder; do I need to change my status to F-1?
This depends on the rules of your specific visa. You will want to verify whether or not academic study for the purposes of obtaining a certificate or diploma is permitted under your current status. You are encouraged to seek F-1 status to gain all rights and benefits of that visa status. In the case of being a dependent, this is particularly useful because it allows you to stay in-status regardless of any changes in status of your sponsoring visa-holder. Please seek the legal advice of a qualified immigration attorney or official for legal advice in these matters.
Connect with Us
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
International Programs
2470 W. Mason St. Green Bay, WI 54303
Phone: +1 (920) 498-6915
Email: international@nwtc.edu