Frequently Asked Questions for F-1 Students

Payment Requirements for International Students

Please review how to view and pay your bill here: https://nl.edu/tuition-and-aid/student-accounts/viewpay-bill.

International students have 2 payment options (must select one prior to first day of classes):

1. TERM BY TERM TUITION PAYMENT PLAN (1 payment per term)
Payment of a term's tuition/fees and housing (if applicable) is made by the first day of the term.

2. DEFERRED TUITION PAYMENT PLAN (3 payments per term)
Deferred payment plan must be established in Nelnet by the first day of the term.  There is a $25 per term fee associated with this plan, and this plan requires a S. bank account or U.S. credit card. Tuition, fees, housing (if applicable) and other charges incurred for the term will be divided into three equal installments. These payment installments require a payment of one-third plus $25 by the first month of the term, another one-third payment during the second month of the term, and the final one-third payment during the third month of the term. NOTE: The university will only accept official payment plans that are set up with our partner, NelNet. A step-by-step guide on setting up a payment plan can be found here: How To Setup A Payment Plan.

Important Items to Know

1. Failure to make a term payment or establish a deferred tuition payment plan in Nelnet by the first day of the term can result in your courses being dropped.
2. Missed payment installments for the deferred payment plan option can result in your courses being dropped.
3. If an F-1 or J-1 student is dropped from classes due to non-payment, they risk SEVIS termination of their I-20 or DS-2019 record.
4. Account balances must be paid in full by end of the term to allow for next term registration.
5. Link to NLU Payment Plan Policy: https://nl.edu/tuition-and-aid/student-accounts/payment-plan-options
6. How to view and pay your bill: https://nl.edu/tuition-and-aid/student-accounts/viewpay-bill/

If you have questions about the payment policy or need assistance with setting up your deferred payment plan, please contact StudentFinance@nl.edu.

COVID-19 Impact on New and Continuing International Students

Please view the Student Exchange Visitor Program's (SEVP) Updates and COVID-19 for F-1 Students page to understand how COVID-19 affects you as a continuing student or a new international student planning to arrive in the US for study.

Travel/Immigration

I am a new student with an approved F1 visa in my home country. What if my program is offered only online? Can I still arrive in the U.S.?

No. As a new student entering the U.S. for the first time in F1 status, you are required to have a class schedule that includes classes on campus. If your specific academic program will not offer the on campus classes for the first term you will be here, you cannot arrive in the country.  

I need to leave the U.S. and NLU has not signed my I-20! Is that OK? How can I get an I-20 signature?

Please know that you do not need a travel signature on your I-20 document to either remain in OR to depart the U.S. You DO need a valid travel signature to return to the U.S. in F-1 status. A valid travel signature must be no more than twelve months old on the date that you return to the U.S. (For F-1 students on post-completion Optional Practical Training, travel endorsements are only valid for 6 months.) You will only need a valid signature to apply for a new visa if the F-1 visa stamp in your passport is expired and/or for your re-entry into the U.S. Please contact the Office of International Student & Scholar Services to receive a form I-20 that is valid for travel.  A new one can be provided to you digitally during COVID-19.

Can I apply for a U.S. visa right now?

Check your local U.S. embassy or consulate website to confirm operating status and find information about appointment scheduling and/or emergency services. Please be aware that global travel conditions will be impacted and could rapidly change. The changes may affect visa applicants and cause delays.

F-1 Employment

I need a Social Security Number. How can I apply for one? Can the process be completed online?

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, all Social Security Administration offices have limited services. Students need to obtain a job offer letter (for a job as an internship or on-campus position) and other required documents. You then need to contact the local SSA office near you using this webpage: https://www.ssa.gov/locator/. After you call the office to schedule a face-to-face appointment, prepare all the required documents to apply for a Social Security card.

If I am abroad, can I apply for OPT?

You must be in the US at the time of your OPT application. 

Do you anticipate any delays from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in processing OPT applications or issuing Employment Authorization Documents (EADs)?

It is unclear how the current situation may impact USCIS processing times. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, processing times averaged 3-5 months. Average processing times can be checked here. If you intend to apply for OPT, please do so as soon as possible in anticipation of any additional delays.

Other Information and Resources

Am I allowed to continue studies online during the Fall 2022-23 academic year outside of the regulatory limits for F1 students?

NLU will require F-1 students to follow the standard regulations for in-person class registrations. Only one online class may be used toward meeting the full-time enrollment requirement for your F-1 visa.

Will the Office of ISSS be open for the Fall 2022?

ISSS will be providing all services in person at the office on 122 S Michigan Ave. Depending on what is convenient for you, you can consider requesting an in person appointment, phone call or with Zoom here: Schedule an ISSS Appointment

Where can I find information about the NLU Student Health Insurance?

Information about the 2022-23 Student Health Insurance Plan (CIGNA) that will be applied to all international students can be found here. To waive out of the plan, please be sure to submit the waiver by the deadline for each term.

What resources can help me take care of my well-being during the COVID-19 public health crisis?

NLU offers a variety of confidential counseling resources through Skylight Counseling Center for free. Please visit the NLU webpage for Student Wellness and Mental Health listing valuable resources that may be of use for you during this time.