International Students

Step 1: Complete the online application form which includes:


Applicant Profile

  • Student and family information
  • Education background
  • An Artistic Portfolio (required of arts track applicants)
  • A non-refundable application fee of $80

Visa Application

  • I-20 Application (included in the Online Application)
  • A scan of the applicant’s passport photo page
  • Proof of at least $42,500 in funds, such as in the form of:
    • A bank statement
    • Annual Salary (Employment)

Step 2: Obtain at least two student recommendation letters, one from from a teacher in English, and another from a math teacher

Step 3: Complete the online Math and English assessments (please check your inbox for the assessment email and link)

Step 4: Attend an online admissions interview/audition (Check your inbox for the interview notification email)

Step 5: A decision notice is typically sent within 2 weeks of the interview/audition

View our International Student Application Process

The applications for our 2025 Spring semester are now open. 

Application period for our spring semester will conclude on November 29, 2024. Please be sure to complete your child’s application package before the deadline.

Boarding Tuition: $38,700

General Fee: $650 (administrative, general heath, activities, and trips)

International Student Visa Fee:

  • $3,000 – first-time international students
  • $2,000 – continuing students

Program Fee: $5,000 (only applicable to students who need ESL support.)

We offer needs-based financial aid as well as merit-based scholarship opportunities. Please inquire for details.

Step 6: Read the acceptance email carefully and confirm acceptance of the admissions offer by paying 10% of the total net Tuition and Fees via this link.

If your child’s student visa was denied, please send us proof of visa denial within 30 days of receiving the denial letter to admissions@northernacademy.org. Once we receive the proof of visa denial, we will refund you the deposit minus a $300 processing fee.

Step 7: Once we receive the 10% deposit we will start your child’s I-20 application.

  1. The PDSO/DSO (Principal designated school official/Designated school official) issues a draft I-20 around 5 business days after receiving the deposit.

  2. Double check the draft to confirm all information is correct.

    1.  If corrections are NOT needed, reply to the email stating all information is correct.

    2.  If corrections are needed, reply with the correct information.

  3. PDSO/DSO will send a confirmation email to the applicant’s Parent/Guardian’s email address on the application.

We usually give about a month’s time for the whole visa process and the student can enter as early as 30 days before the start date stated on the I-20. Important: Entry into the United States is not guaranteed after the program start date.

Step 8: After receiving the confirmation email from our PDSO/DSO, proceed with Step 9.

Step 9: Upon receiving Form I-20 from the PDSO/DSO at Northern Academy, please pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.

  • Visit www.fmjfee.com. (You can only pay for the SEVIS I-901 fee using this site, do not pay via any other websites.) Keep the receipt for your visa interview.

Step 10: Schedule a visa interview at your local US Embassy or Consulate

You will need to bring the following documents to your visa interview:

  1. Form I-20, with a signature from the PDSO/DSO

  2. SEVIS I-901 fee receipt

  3. A signed passport, valid for at least 6 months after the date you plan to enter the US

  4. Visa application forms from the US consulate (e.g. DS-160) and required photos

  5. Transcripts and diplomas from previous schools

  6. Tuition receipt from Northern Academy, and/or

  7. Evidence of proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses

  8. Acceptance letter from the Northern Academy Admissions Office

  9. Information sheet about Northern Academy

  10. Your intention to depart the US after completing your studies.

Step 11: Prepare for the visa interview

  1. Know the usual questions

  2. Practice your English

  3. Know the program and how it fits your career plans

  4. Employment should not be your main goal to go to the US

  5. Prepare all documents and receipts

  6. Arrive on time

Step 12:

  1. Once you pass your visa interview, continue with Step 13.

  2. If your child’s student visa was denied, please send us proof of visa denial within 30 days of receiving the denial letter to admissions@northernacademy.org. Once we receive the proof of visa denial, we will refund you the deposit minus a $300 processing fee.

Step 13: Notify us of your child’s visa approval by emailing proof to admissions@northernacademy.org

Step 14: The Admissions Office will send you your child’s Tuition Agreement form and Enrollment Consent & Required Documents form.

Step 15: Complete both forms and ensure that your child’s full balance is paid off at least 45 days before the program start date listed on I-20.

For your convenience, please view and complete our Acceptance Checklist via this link

Failure to complete Step 15 at least 45 days before the program start date will result in the cancellation of your child’s I-20 and visa.

Step 16: You will receive your child’s Official Enrollment email once the uploaded health documents have been cleared by our nurse.

The Official Enrollment email contains vital information, including the link to purchase your child’s school uniform, your child’s enrollment date, boarding details, office directory, and more. 

Step 17: Arrange for travel into the US.

Step 18: When preparing for departure to the US, notify your PDSO/DSO (both Mr. Simon Jiang (sjiang@northernacademy.org) and Chloe Chan (cchan@northernacademy.org)) about when you will be arriving in the United States. Please bring the following documents with you:

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months after you enter the US)

  • Visa stamp or sticker (does not apply to Canadian citizens)

  • Form I-20 (F-1)

  • SEVIS I-901 fee receipt

  • Supporting financial documentation

Step 19: Report to the PDSO/DSO at school on your program start date for an International Student Orientation.

t  +1 (845) 288-0636 / (845) 779-0802

e  admissions@northernacademy.org