Traveling to NKU Links

Requirements

You do not need a new I-20 to re-enter the United States after an absence of less than 5 months.  However, you will need your I-20 properly endorsed on page 4 by the Designated School Official (International Student Advisor) in the Office of International Student Affairs.  Regarding your visa, it is all right to remain in the U.S. if the F-1 visa has expired, as long as your I-20 has not expired and you are otherwise maintaining your status.  If the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) approves a change of status for you within the U.S., you will need to apply for an F-1 visa stamp while outside the U.S. in order to re-enter the country.  Be sure to take your approval notice and documentation of your financial support.  Under all circumstances, it is now advisable to travel with a current copy of your transcript that documents your pre-registration for the following semester.

You must also check the visa requirements of those countries through which you travel.  If you are traveling to Canada, you may be required to apply for a Canadian visa to enter the country.  The ISA Office has available current lists of those citizens who are required to obtain a Canadian visa prior to crossing the border.

Decision and Notification

After applicants have mailed their completed applications to Northern Kentucky University, they should allow four to six weeks for a reply.  All required documents must be completed and on file before an admission decision can be made.  You should not make arrangements for travel to the United States until you receive formal written notification of your acceptance from the University.

Travel and Arrival

International Students are responsible for making the necessary arrangements for their transportation and arrival to the Northern Kentucky University campus in Highland Heights, Kentucky.  Transportation can be arranged by plane, bus, or car from any port-of-entry to the United States.  When traveling by plane from your country, remember to arrange for your arrival at the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport, located about 10 miles from the University. If you arriving as a new student and would like someone to pick you up from the airport, please e-mail isa@nku.edu.