This section will give you information about what you need to do before your arrival in Boston or Seattle. Pathways admissions staff will guide you through your next steps, which include:
1. Book your student housing
Live in International Guest House, a comfortable student residence in central Boston, convenient to the University. These modern, secure accommodations provide the ideal environment for studying and for enjoying student life. Contact us for help with your housing application.
New students arriving at Northeastern’s Seattle campus can book short-term housing at Vermont Inn. If you would like assistance with your booking, International Pathways staff will be happy to help.
2. Apply for your student visa
An I-20 is a US immigration document, issued by universities, that you need before you can apply for a US student visa. Here are the basic steps you will need to complete before you arrive in the USA.
- Submit deposit, requirement financial documents and appropriate I-20 request form to receive I-20 form.
- When you have your I-20 form in hand, pay the I-901 SEVIS fee and print a copy of your receipt.
- Locate the US consulate or embassy nearest to you and schedule an appointment for an interview. Interviews can be scheduled as early as 120 days prior to the start date on your I-20 form. We recommend making an appointment early, as dates can fill up quickly and visas may take up to several weeks to process, depending on where you live.
- Visit the US Department of State website to make sure you have prepared all the required documents. Your visa interview will likely be brief. You will be asked to discuss:
- why you wish to study at your chosen university
- your pathway program
- your future degree program
- what you plan to do after you graduate
There is no need to be nervous about this interview, but it helps to be prepared to answer these and other questions concisely.
If you have any questions about applying for your student visa, don’t hesitate get in touch with one of our advisors.
3. Review your health insurance options and submit your immunization records
You should also review your health insurance options and submit your proof of immunization forms. If you are missing any required immunizations, you will need to get these prior to your arrival on campus. Seattle students are not required to provide immunization records.
4. Let us know when you will arrive
You should schedule your flights to arrive in time for the orientation week. You can request an airport pick-up, which will take you directly to your accommodations. Whether you use this transfer service or plan to find your own transportation from the airport, it is important that you notify International Pathways of your arrival details.