WHY HOUSTON, TEXAS, USA?
Houston was ranked #1, “Coolest Cities to Live In,” by Forbes, July 2012.
Houston is the #1 city for job creation.
Houston serves as corporate headquarters for 23 companies listed on the 2012 Fortune 500, the second-greatest number of any U.S. city.
The Port of Houston has ranked first in the United States in volume of foreign tonnage for 17 consecutive years, and is expected to become the premier port once the Panama Canal expansion is complete.
Houston is home to the country’s third-largest consular corps, and more than 90 languages other than English are spoken. No racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of Houston’s population. The 17-acre downtown Theater District is home to nine performing arts organizations and second only to Manhattan in number of seats concentrated in one geographic area.
The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston is one of the nation’s ten largest art museums.
Houston has 52,700 acres of parkland including 550 parks, public green spaces, and open water. Houston’s two major airports offer nonstop service to 186 cities worldwide. George Bush
Intercontinental Airport is served by 18 airlines, and five airlines operate out of William P.
Hobby Airport.
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WHY NORTH AMERICAN
UNIVERSITY?
Safe and responsible environment - North American University (NAU) administration, faculty, and staff are committed to providing a safe and responsible environment for all students. Location, location, location – NAU is located in north Houston, eight miles from George
Bush Intercontinental Airport, and ten miles from downtown Houston.
Greater Houston metropolitan area – Houston is home to one of the world’s best medical centers, NASA, a thriving museum and art district; and the Rodeo ranks among the best destinations for career-minded (future) professionals, entrepreneurs, managers, and leaders.
Focus on global cultural competency – NAU’s community engagement programs offer excellent opportunities to get involved in the civic life of Houston and apply skills learned in the classroom in social settings.
Faculty hold advanced degrees – NAU’s faculty is highly qualified with doctorate degrees in their fields and a vast body of professional experience.
Personalized learning environment - NAU offers a student-centered learning environment where every student is valued and provided with opportunities to grow.
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CHECKLIST FOR INTERNATIONAL FRESHMAN STUDENTS
(PLEASE MAKE SURE ALL ITEMS DETAILED BELOW ARE COMPLETED)
APPLICATION STAGE
PART 1 – DOCUMENTS
(ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE IN ENGLISH OR TRANSLATED AND NOTARIZED)
Submit Required Documents:
Online application (www.na.edu/admissions)
Pay application and mailing fees online
Copy of Official High School Diploma
Scholarship Application (www.na.edu/scholarships)
Copy of Passport (picture page only)
Copy of Financial Statements
International Financial Support Form (www.na.edu/international)
If applicable, English Proficiency scores such as TOEFL or IELTS.
Upon receipt of the above documents and deemed the admission criteria are met, North
American University will issue an Acceptance Letter and an I-20. An I-20 is a document a student needs in order to obtain a visa to enter the United States.
PART 2 – VISA APPOINTMENT
After receipt of the I-20 and Acceptance Letter from NAU, complete the following steps:
Contact your local U.S. embassy to schedule a Visa Interview Appointment
Complete the Electronic Visa Application Form (DS156). Visit https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
Pay the SEVIS fee online at www.fmjfee.com
List your interview date (mm/dd/yyyy) ___/___/______
Notify the NAU Admission Counselor of your Visa Interview Appointment
Interview Day/Checklist for your Visa Interview Appointment: o Passport o I-20 o SEVIS Receipt o Financial Documents o Transcript or Diploma
See next page for VISA TIPS
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NAU Quick Facts
Founded in 2007
Located in Houston, TX the 4th largest city in the U.S.
Bachelor of Science Degrees in Computer Science, Education and Business Administration
Faculty has advanced degrees, no teaching assistants teaching courses
Free tutoring on campus
Small class size - Ratio of professor to student: 1:11 based on Freshman class
Low tuition - $11,900 per academic year
Scholarships are based on academic achievement
Low price for room and board: 2-Bed Dorm= $4,500 (may differ based on options)
Diverse student body over 58 countries and 31 states represented
Meal Plan 19 per week= $3,800 (may differ based on options)
Club sports include basketball, football (soccer) and volleyball
Student clubs available on campus from student government to Anime clubs.
Dorms are near campus with a shuttle that takes students to and from campus.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE VISA INTERVIEW
The visa interview enables the student to prove their eligibility to study in the United States. The student's main objective must be to make sure that he does not give the U.S. Embassy any reason from his or her side to reject the visa.
DOCUMENTS TO BE TAKEN:
I-20/SEVIS form issued by the U.S. institution
Completed DS-160 online visa application form
Receipt of the visa application fee
SEVIS receipt fee
Visa appointment letter
Passport and recent photograph
Documents that confirm your financial and personal tie-ups to your homeland which requires your compulsory return after the completion of your course in the United States.
Strong financial support documents and bank statements.
If financially dependent on another person, proof of relationship with the particular person such as birth certificate along with the person's salary proof, job detail and passport copy.
Academic certificates, transcripts, original SAT and TOEFL score reports.
Source: Some items taken from the site visa.graduateshotline.com/tips-for-visa-interview.html#.VP4e0E1_LZ5 5 of 14
Tips before the Interview:
Proper preparation: This is mandatory if you hope to answer all the presented questions in the interview with confidence.
Documents: The previous night, check if all the documents which you will require are indeed present in your bag. This will lower the tension and stress which you will have to face.
Arrange the Documents: Arranging the documents in proper order in a folder ensures that it can be produced as soon as it is asked for without confusion and chaos.
Tips for the Interview:
Dress: Neat and presentable appearance is very essential, so dress formal.
Stay calm and answer with confidence: Maintain direct eye-contact while answering the questions.
Answer directly and to the point as it works wonders in the interview.
Maintain a positive tone of voice.
Body language: The interview officers will check your body language; practice your body language. .
DONT'S for the Interview:
Never be late for the interview.
Never attempt to use falsified documents. The risks involved are too high and are just not worth it.
Never misrepresent even the smallest information.
Don't talk or submit any document unless you are asked to.
Don't use torn or crushed documents; make sure the documents are presentable.
Be calm and confident while you are answering the questions and if you are still nervous don't make it obvious.
Answer honestly, fluently and precisely; don't stammer or elaborate a point.
Breathe, you are almost done!
Good luck, remember you are talking to a human just like yourself.
Remain calm and be the awesome student you are. You have nothing to hide!
Source: Some items taken from the site visa.graduateshotline.com/tips-for-visa-interview.html#.VP4e0E1_LZ5 6 of 14
PART 3 – NEXT STEPS
Notify the NAU Admission Counselor about the outcome of your Visa Interview
Purchase an airline ticket – Port of Entry to the United States is Houston, TX (IAH) o Complete the on-line Airport Pick-Up application on NAU’s website
Complete the NAU Housing application at at www.na.edu/housing/application.
Receive a vaccination for Bacterial Meningitis (if available; otherwise, you will need to get the vaccine upon arrival if under the age of 22 by the start of the semester)
Complete the Health Insurance forms (International students are required to have health insurance) Have initial finances arranged
PART 4 – UPON ARRIVAL IN HOUSTON
Keep passport and I-20 on person at all times
Keep NAU contact phone numbers and emails o NAU Airport pick-up must know flight number and travel itinerary. Any delays or changes must be communicated via email housing@na.edu
(a) +1 832 230 5542
(b) +1 832 230 5555
(c) +1 832 230 5411
Keep important documents
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1) How do I apply to North American University?
1.
Complete the online Admission Application Form www.na.edu/admissions
2. Pay the Application Processing Fee: $250 (it includes application and I20 mailing and airport pick up fees)
2) How can I make a payment for Application and Mailing Fees?
There are two types of payments:
1. On-line payment (preferred)
2. Applicant can request Bank Account information of the college from the Admission Counselor in order to transfer the payment. All financial information of the Applicant will be kept confidential.
3) What are the required documents?
A complete application requires all the documents listed below:
1.
Online Application Form: Submitted through NAU Account
2.
Non-refundable Application Fee ($250 US):Payments can be made using the links provided above in the payments section.
3.
Financial Status: Bank letter and International Financial Support Form (Sponsorship Letter)
4.
Official Academic Credentials & Test Scores High school diploma or transcript, SAT/ACT, TOEFL or
IELTS scores (supporting documents such as reference letters, proof of achievement , certificates, etc.)
5.
Meningitis Vaccination Record: A record taken within the past 5 years. This does NOT apply to students over 22 years by the start of the semester.
6.
Copy of Passport:Only the photograph and visa (when received) page are necessary.
Note: If you are a transferring from another U.S. institution to NAU, please submit a copy of your current I-20 and a signed copy of the Student Advisor Form.
4) What is a Bank Letter? Where can I get one?
A Bank Letter is an official document that proves your financial status. You can request it from the bank where you have a bank account.
4a) When would I need to provide a Sponsorship Letter?
If the bank letter is in the Applicant’s name, you are not required to provide a sponsorship letter to us. However, if the Bank Letter is in someone else’s name, NAU requires a sponsorship letter from the sponsor available at www.na.edu
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5) Where can I get an Official Transcript or Diploma?
The Applicant must provide an Official Transcript or Diploma from the high school where he or she graduated. The transcript or diploma must be translated into English and verified by a notary officer.
6) When will I be able to get the I-20?
The I-20 will be issued as soon as the Applicant’s documents are complete and meet admission criteria, with application and mailing fees paid. NAU cannot issue an I-20 before the full application is complete.
7) How can I prove my English proficiency?
All international students are required to take an English Language Proficiency test after their arrival if they do not have a TOEFL or IELTS tests score. The test includes Writing, Grammar, and Speaking.
8) What do I need to do if I am not proficient in English?
Applicants will study at the Gulf Language School before going to North American University
9) What is the minimum required score for TOEFL or SAT?
TOEFL IBT score: 61
TOEFL PBT score: 550
TOEFL CBT score: 213
IELTS score: 5.5
SAT Writing: 500; Math: 500; Reading: 500
10) What type of visa should I apply for?
Students should apply for the F-1.
11) What should I do if I have a spouse and children?
You must contact and inform the International Admission representative. An Admission Counselor will issue an I-20 for dependent visa. The Applicant will be able to apply for Dependent Visa F-2.
12) When can I start applying for a visa?
As soon as you receive the I-20 from North American University, you will be able to apply for a visa.
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13) How can I start my application for a visa?
Please visit the website of the U.S. embassy in your country and locate Student Visa. Or, you can find answers to all questions regarding a student visa on the following website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html 14) What is SEVIS?
The SEVIS I-901 fee is mandated by Congress to support the program office and the automated system that keeps track of students and exchange visitors and ensures they maintain their status while in the United States. Each student or exchange visitor issued an initial Form I-20 or DS-2019 on or after October 27, 2008, is responsible for paying this fee to SEVP.
15) How much do I need to pay for SEVIS?
Students applying for the F-1 Visa must pay a mandatory fee of $200. For more information about the SEVIS payment, visit the following website: https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/
16) What documents do I need to provide during the interview?
The Applicant must bring an I-20, Passport, Receipt of SEVIS Payment, DS 156 Form, Bank Letter or proof of financial status, and a passport photo.
17) What questions will be asked during the interview?
Be prepared to answer questions about why you chose North American University, why you wish to come to the United States to study, and how you plan to use your degree when you return to your home country.
Websites to help you prepare:
18) What is the next step after the interview?
It is mandatory to inform the Admission Counselor about your interview result.
19) What do I need to do if I did not get a visa?
Inform the Admission Counselor, and you can reapply for another interview. Many students can get their visa on their second, third, or even fourth try. You do not need to pay a SEVIS fee again.
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20) What do I need to do when I get a visa?
Inform the Admission Counselor of your flight; and submit the on-line application for a Housing
Application Form, Airport Pick-Up Form, and Meningitis Form.
Housing Application Form is a reservation for a room in the dormitory. All international students are required to send a Housing Application Form seven days before their arrival. www.na.edu/campus-life/housing Airport Pick-Up Form is required so that the student can be picked up at the airport. www.na.edu/campus-life/housing Please inform us if you do not wish to use NAU’s airport pick-up service.
Meningitis Form is a requirement of the Texas State Education Board. All first-time and transfer students who will be staying on campus must have the vaccination. There are two types of vaccinations in the form. The student has to have only one in his/her home country and send the form to NAU before arriving.
Note: All applicants are required to fill out ON-LINE a Housing Application Form and Airport PickUp Form, and email a soft copy Meningitis Form BEFORE arrival.
NAU college policy states limitations of assistance to student(s) without proper forms as follows:
Without the Housing Form, NAU cannot guarantee housing to arriving student(s). It may cost between $60 and $90 USD per night to stay at a nearby hotel at the student’s expense; as well as transportation, which could cost between $30 and $50 USD one way by taxi cab.
Without the Airport Pick-Up application, NAU personnel cannot be held responsible for airport pickup arrangements of arriving student(s).
Without immunization of Bacterial Meningitis and the accompanying Meningitis Form, Texas State
Law requires arriving student(s) to stay in non-college accommodations for at least 10 days (close to
$600 to $900 USD), obtain a vaccination ($100-$250 USD), and be responsible for transportation to and from administering clinic(s).
All Applicants must bring the I-20 and all required documents with them. There is a risk in returning to your country for forgotten and/or lost documents at the checkpoint (students will not be allowed to enter the United States without an I-20 and a visa).
Applicants must be diligent in maintaining proper documentations in the United States. The practices of a student’s country may not match with the practices of the United States. Contact the
Admission Counselor to verify the required documents.
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21) Which bank is the best for opening an account?
Research any banks that have locations in the United States and the Applicant’s home country.
Known banks with global locations are CITI Bank, HSBC, and Chase. NAU does not endorse any particular banking institution.
22) Which Airlines should I use to fly?
Purchase airline tickets with the port of entry in Houston (IAH). Airlines that transfer in Europe include Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France, or KLM for ease in arrival to Houston.
23) How much luggage can I bring?
Most airlines allow one piece of baggage (with a maximum weight of 23 kg) and one carry-on and one personal item. Be sure to check with the airline on luggage minimum/maximum.
24) What are the most important official documents I should bring with me?
Official documents that should be on the Applicant’s person during travel are the passport and the
I-20. Do not put these items into your checked luggage as a U.S. customs officer will ask for them.
Note: Do not put items such as money, laptops, or digital cameras in checked luggage. For security reasons, place these items in a personal carry bag/purse.
25) Do I need to bring my driver’s license with me?
Transportation other than a vehicle is difficult in Houston. A driver’s license is advisable; however, it is recommended to wait at least six months before buying a car in order to speak fluent English, if necessary, with a police officer, and to navigate easily around the city and surrounding areas.
The following links offer information on obtaining an International Driver License: www.international-license.com www.idlid.com www.idlservice.com 12 of 14
26) What should I bring to Houston with me?
DOCUMENTS:
1- Passport
2- I-20
3- Copies of documents submitted to obtain an I-20 and a visa
CLOTHING:
Bring clothes including underwear in a carry-on in case checked luggage is lost.
Houston weather rarely experiences freezing temperatures. Light jackets or sweaters that can be worn in layers over street clothes should be adequate.
OPTIONAL:
Food - It is forbidden to bring meat, vegetables, and fruits into the United States. There are many nationalities represented in Houston and it is easy to find a store that carries familiar food. Fragrances and personal-care items over 100 ml must be carefully packaged in checked luggage. Travel-size containers should be used for items carried in personal/carry-on items.
Dictionary and/or Pocket Translator.
Electronic converters for laptop, digital camera, cell phone, etc. The United States operates on
110 Volt.
27) Is it easy to visit doctors in the United States?
Healthcare is more expensive than in most other countries. Please have a comprehensive physical with dental and vision exams before coming to the United States.
Visit a dentist for oral health check-up. Dentists are generally more expensive here.
Visit an ophthalmologist for a vision exam. Glasses and contacts are expensive here.
Any medication that is prescribed to take regularly should be translated into English and verified legal in the United States. Bring extra in case local pharmacies do not carry your medication. Obtaining antibiotics in the United States requires a prescription from a doctor.
28) How can I get Health Insurance?
NAU provides Health Insurance, which is mandatory for all international students. Health Insurance is automatically billed to the student’s account upon arrival.
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29) How can I call home to my parents from the United States?
Phone cards may be purchased nearly anywhere from airports to gas stations.
30) How can I buy a phone in the United States?
The NAU Student Service Office can assist students in obtaining a cell phone in a reasonable timeframe. 31) Do you have internet connection at NAU and facilities?
NAU provides both Wi-Fi and Cable internet on campus and in student housing.
32) What address should I use for official forms or sending and receiving mail?
NAU Campus: 3203 N. Sam Houston Pkwy W, Houston, TX 77038. This address may be used for official forms related to VISA.
Boys’ Dorm: Chestnut Residence: 12701 N. Freeway, Houston, TX 77060. This address may be used to send and receive mail. Be sure to have your full name and Mailbox number
(assigned) above the dorm address.
Girls’ Dorm: Willow Residence: 330 N. Sam Houston Pkwy E, Houston, TX 77060. This address may be used to send and receive mail. Be sure to have your full name and Mailbox number (assigned) above the dorm address.
