FAQs for International Students

International students do not qualify for state or federal financial aid. We highly encourage international students to visit an Education USA advising center to learn more about financing their education in the United States.  

NCC also offers programs that can be taken 100% online. International students who complete online classes or online programs from their home countries do not need to obtain a student visa.

No. As a student with an F-1 student visa, you need to enroll full-time with at least 12 credits in order to maintain status. You can enroll in either 12 credits of ESL classes or 12 credits of academic classes.

If you are already studying in the U.S. on an F-1 student visa, your SEVIS record can be transferred to NCC. First you must apply to NCC. When you are accepted at NCC, complete NCC's Transfer In form. Give the form and your NCC acceptance letter to your current institution so they can transfer your SEVIS record to NCC. You must continue to attend class at your current institution while your transfer is being processed. Your current institution and NCC will notify you of the transfer release date. You should contact NCC soon after the transfer release date and ensure that the DSO has the biographical and financial data needed to update the student's SEVIS record. You must also report to NCC within 15 days of the program start date and enroll full-time in the first required session or term at NCC.

If you are already in the U.S. on another type of nonimmigrant visa, first you must apply to NCC. You will need to indicate your type of visa and provide a copy of it with your NCC application. When you are accepted by NCC, we will send your Form I-20 and SEVIS Remittance Form I-901 to you. Complete the Form I-901 and pay the SEVIS fee. Then you can apply for your change of status by filing a Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) with U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services. Click here to download the Form I-539 and filing instructions. Please note that some classes of nonimmigrants must wait for their change of status application to be approved before they can begin taking classes.

Yes. As an international student, you will apply for an F-1 student visa, and your dependents (spouse and/or children) will apply for F-2 visas. When completing your Certification of Finance as part of your NCC application, you will need to provide proof of an additional $2,000.00 for each dependent. 

Bethlehem is beautiful! When you arrive in August, temperatures will likely range from 80-95 degrees Fahrenheit (26-35 degrees Celsius). From November until March, temperatures can drop to freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius) and usually well below freezing later in the winter. The winter months are usually accompanied by snow and ice. As springtime approaches in late March to early April, temperatures begin to rise again to about 45-60 degrees Fahrenheit (7-15 degrees Celsius) followed by a warmer spring semester.

Health insurance is required for all F-1 international students at NCC. Visiting a doctor or hospital can be very expensive in the United States, so the college has selected an affordable and comprehensive health insurance plan from LewerMark Insurance. For detailed information, go to: www.lewermark.com/northampton.

Please bring original immigration documents in your carryon bag. Students should also bring:

• U.S. dollars or cash in your currency to exchange upon arrival 
• Electrical outlet and plug converter (the U.S. uses 120 V and has type A and type B electrical plugs)

Additionally, if you are living on campus you will need:

• Completed Housing and Residence Life Health form
• Vaccination records 
• Bed linens (long twin sheets, pillow, blanket) and towels

F-1 Visa Students

1. Visit the ICE website for more information about how to travel abroad and re-enter the U.S. while studying on an F-1 visa.
2. Review the consulate or embassy website of the country to which you want to travel.Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to obtain a tourist visa to enter the country you want to visit, even if just for a few days. Review the website and visa requirements carefully. If a tourist visa is required, you are responsible for applying for and obtaining the visa before you travel.
3. At least one week before you travel, bring your I-20 to College Center 287. We will sign and approve your international travel and make sure your SEVIS record is up to date.
4. Remember to keep your original immigration documents easily accessible to you while traveling.

J-1 Visa Students

Students with J-1 visas should make an appointment in College Center 287 before planning any international travel. Your specific grant program may restrict or prohibit international travel while you are studying here on a J-1 visa.

No, you do not need a state ID. However, it is highly recommended since it is a convenient form of identification.

F-1 and J-1 Visa Students

To apply for a Pennsylvania state ID:

1. Apply for a Social Security Number at the local Social Security office. The nearest office is located at 555 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018.
2. Gather the documents that are required for your student visa type on the PennDOT Fact Sheet. Obtain an electronic copy of your I-94.
3. Visit NCC’s Records Office in the Enrollment Center. Ask them to give you a letter that confirms you are a student at NCC.
4. Complete an application for Initial Identification Card.
5. Prepare a check or money order for the amount listed on the Initial Identification Card application.
6. Take the above materials to the local PennDOT office to apply for your state ID. The nearest office is Easton PennDOT Center, 2473 Nazareth Road, Easton, PA 18045.

F-1 Visa Students

If you have a driver’s license from your home country, you can drive in Pennsylvania for up to one year or until your foreign driver’s license expires, whichever comes first. International driving permits are strongly recommended but are not required.

J-1 Visa Students

Come to College Center 287 and make an appointment before driving in the U.S. with a foreign driver’s license. Your specific grant program may restrict or prohibit driving while you are studying here on a J-1 visa. If you are permitted to drive, you can drive in Pennsylvania for up to one year or until your foreign driver’s license expires, whichever comes first. International driving permits are strongly recommended but are not required.

First you need to obtain a learner’s permit, then you can apply for a driver’s license.

F-1 Visa Students – Obtaining a Learner’s Permit (Step 1)

To apply for a Pennsylvania learner’s permit:

1. Download and review the Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual. This will help prepare you for both the knowledge test for your learner’s permit and the skills test for your driver’s license.
2. Apply for a Social Security Number at the local Social Security office. The nearest office is located at 555 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018.
3. Gather the documents that are required for your student visa type on the PennDOT Fact Sheet. Obtain an electronic copy of your I-94.
4. Visit NCC’s Records Office in the Enrollment Center. Ask them to give you a letter that confirms you are a student at NCC.
5. Download a Form DL-180: Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit Application.
   1. Complete page one of the application.
   2. Have page two of the application completed by a healthcare provider.
6. Prepare a check or money order for the amount listed on the Form DL-180 application.
7. Take the above documents to the local PennDOT center to apply for your learner’s permit. The nearest office is Easton PennDOT Center, 2473 Nazareth Road, Easton, PA 18045. You will take your written learner’s permit exam and will also get a vision screening.

F-1 Visa Students – Obtaining a Driver’s License (Step 2)

To apply for a Pennsylvania driver's license:

1. Make an appointment at the local PennDOT center to take your skills test.
2. Gather the documents that are required for your student visa type on the PennDOT Fact Sheet. Obtain an electronic copy of your I-94.
3. When you arrive for your appointment, you must also have your learner’s permit, photo ID, the vehicle you will take the test in, and proof of insurance and registration for the vehicle you will take the test in.
4. When you successfully pass the skills test, you will have your photo taken and your license will be printed. There is no fee for your license.

J-1 Visa Students – Driving in the U.S.

Make an appointment in College Center 287 before you apply for a learner’s permit or driver’s license. Your specific grant program may restrict or prohibit driving while you are studying here on a J-1 visa.

F-1 Visa Students

Employment is restricted by your visa. First you need to make an appointment in College Center 287 to discuss if you can work. If you are allowed to work, you need to apply for and obtain a Social Security Number once you receive a job offer.

J-1 Visa Students

Students with a J-1 visa may not work while they are studying in the U.S.

Apply for a Social Security Number at the local Social Security office. The nearest office is located at: 555 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018.

J-1 Visa Students

Your J-1 program regulates requirements for Social Security Numbers. Make an appointment in College Center 287 for more information.