International Students

Step 1: Complete the online application form which includes:


Student Profile

  • Basic 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 $41,050 in funds, such as in the form of: 
  • A bank statement
  • Annual Salary (Employment)

Step 2: Request a transcript to be sent directly to Northern Academy’s Admissions Office via admissions@northernacademy.org (Transcripts in foreign languages should be accompanied with English translation.)

Step 3: Obtain at least two student recommendation letters, one from from a teacher in English, and another from a math teacher

Step 4: Attend an online admissions interview/audition

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

Download the 2023-24 International Admissions Process (PDF)

下載2023-24北方學院申請步驟(PDF)

Boarding Tuition: $37,450

General Fee: $600 (administrative, general heath, activities, and trips)

International 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 1: Confirm acceptance of admissions offer (please contact the Admissions Office)

Step 2: Sign the Enrollment Contract & Financial Agreement then compare NYS vaccination requirements to your child’s vaccination records. (NYS vaccination requirements can be found in the acceptance email and here)

Step 3: Pay a 10% tuition deposit. The remaining balance is due at least 45 days before commencement of classes.

Step 4: Upon receiving Form I-20 from the PDSO 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 5: 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
  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 evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses for at least the first year of study
  7. Acceptance letter from the Northern Academy  Admissions Office 
  8. Information sheet about Northern Academy
  9. Your intention to depart the US after completing your studies.
  • Canadian applicants do not need a visa. You will only need to bring the documents listed above to the U.S. port of entry.

Step 6: 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 7: Arrange for travel into the US, and notify your PDSO. 

Step 8: Arrive in the US, and bring the following documents with you:

  1. Passport (valid for at least 6 months after you enter the US)
  2. Visa stamp or sticker (does not apply to Canadian citizens)
  3. Form I-20 (F-1)
  4. SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
  5. Supporting financial documentation for the first year of study

Step 9: Report to your PDSO at school on your program start date for an International Student Orientation. 

  • Your PDSO will email you regarding the specific date, time, and location for the orientation.

Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, there are some new legal requirements for new F-1 students: 

  • You are allowed to arrive in the US 30 days before the program start date. 
  • You must report to the International Student Office on the program start date so that you can be registered into the online system. All new F-1 students are required to be in the U.S. and attend some classes in-person for their first semester. New students cannot be taking all classes online under F-1 status. 
  • Before booking flights, please double check to make sure that there are no travel bans for traveling from your country to the US.
  • Please keep in contact with your PDSO about your travel dates. If you cannot enter the US, please notify your PDSO as soon as possible, so that your program start date can be deferred.
  • Because of the many unknown circumstances, we understand that you may encounter difficulties with visa applications, travel bans, or flight delays. If you cannot arrive in the US in time, please notify us right away.
  • The DHS website for Students and the Form I-20 has some useful references regarding I-20 procedures, and tips on entering the US.

t  +1 (845) 288-0636 / (845) 779-0802

e  admissions@northernacademy.org