International Student & Scholar Services

Accepted Student Checklist

Congratulations on your acceptance to Northwest College! Follow the steps below to prepare for your arrival.

  1. Select your I-20 and acceptance letter shipping method
    Select one of the options to 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 the express mail service eShip Global to coordinate the mailing. This option takes approximately 3-7 days and provides a tracking number.
  2. Pay the SEVIS fee

    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.

  3. Make a visa appointment

    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.

  4. Complete your housing contract

    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.

  5. Take your English & Math placement test

    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.

    1. Identify a proctor – find a teacher, adviser, supervisor, or librarian who is able to proctor your ACCUPLACER exam. Please refer questions about this process to Amanda Enriquez.
    2. Identify a place to take the exam – find a library, classroom, or other private and quiet setting where you can take the exam.
    3. Schedule a time to take the ACCUPLACER exam – be sure to arrange this with your proctor
    4. Take the ACCUPLACER
  6. Book your flight into Cody, Wyoming (COD)

    Once you receive your F-1 visa, book a flight to the Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody, Wyoming. The airport code is COD and it is served by 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.

  7. Five international students with arms around each other standing behind a table
    Start packing and planning

    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 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!

  8. Arrive for orientation

    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.

  9. Enjoy life at NWC!!!