Normandale welcomes students from all over the world!
You are an international student if you are not a U.S. citizen or not a U.S. immigrant and have an F-1 Student Visa. Study in the States is a useful website of the Department of Homeland Security that explains the rules and regulations governing the international student process in the U.S.
Of our nearly 15,000 students, over 100 are international students from 10+ nations. We are the largest community college in Minnesota with a diverse, safe, and respectful campus community.
Start your U.S. educational journey with us! At Normandale, you will find:
The number of international students enrolled in Normandale in 2020.
The percentage of students who are people of color.
Number of nations represented by international students.
If you are a permanent resident, refugee or person with political asylum status, apply for general admission.
If you are not a U.S, citizen, you will need a non-immigrant or student visa (F-1) to study at Normandale Community College. Learn more about visa types here.
Non-immigrant visas that allow for study:
H-1, H-3, H-4, J-1 (au pair) K-1, L-2 or R1.
After you submit your online application, send a copy of your visa and your passport. J-1 visa holders must also submit a copy of the DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitors.
If you do not have one of the visas listed above, you may want to apply for an F-1 student visa or a visa change of status.
Tourist/B visa
Individuals with a Tourist/B visa can apply for a change of status while currently in the U.S., but are NOT eligible to enroll in college courses with a B visa and must wait for approval of their change of status application by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These may take more than a year for approval. Due to the current processing time for B to F-1 change of status requests, B visa holders may want to consider leaving the USA and applying for an F-1 visa through an embassy in their home country.
F-1 Student Visa
The F-1 Student visa is the most common visa for students who want to study in the United States. Once you have applied and been admitted to Normandale as an international student, you will be issued an 1-20 through the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and can then apply for the F-1 student visa through the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Visit the U.S. Department of State web site for more information on student visas and the application/interview process.
If you are an international student with an F-1 visa transferring from another college or university in the United States, you will be issued a new I-20 once you have been admitted to Normandale and your record in the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) has been released to Normandale Community College. See our International Student Transfer Student section below.
Learn more about nonimmigrant visa classifications that allow for study and change of status.
All application requirements must be submitted by the appropriate deadline or the student will be considered for the following term. Normandale Community College does not admit F-1 students for any summer terms.
Applicants outside of the United States or who are currently in the U.S. but will be returning home:
Fall Semester - June 1
Spring Semester - October 1
Applicants inside of the United States and who will be remaining in the U.S. (transfer students at a U.S. college or university, or applicants not on an F-1 visa seeking change of status):
Fall Semester - July 1
Spring Semester - November 1
We review applications for acceptance only after all steps are completed and materials are received.
Application Steps
All application materials should be submitted at one time. Missing or incomplete documents will prevent your application from moving forward in the admissions process. Once your application is complete, it will be reviewed and you will receive an admissions decision to the email address provided on your application or to your assigned Normandale student email account. Any documents submitted with the application become the property of Normandale Community College and cannot be returned to the student.
Due to federal privacy laws, Normandale staff cannot speak to anyone (except the student) regarding their application and any official college records. If you (the student) has an individual whom you would like to give College staff permission to speak to regarding your student application and materials needed to complete the application, then you must submit the Authorization to Release Student Information Form (PDF). This form must be completed by the applicant and emailed directly to international@normandale.edu along with a copy of your passport. This form will only be accepted from the applicant.
Documents sent by relatives, friends or third parties of an applicant without an Authorization to Release Student Information Form on file will not be accepted.
If you are a prospective international student applying from a foreign country seeking an F-1 Student Visa to complete a degree at Normandale College, please complete these steps to become an initial status student.
Start by viewing the application instructions and then complete and submit the International Application form (PDF) and the Supplemental Admissions form (PDF).
All applicants must provide proof of English proficiency as part of their application in order to be eligible for the Form I-20. (Note: Applicants from these countries where English is the official language (PDF) are exempt from these requirements.) Applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following options (within the last two years) as proof of English language proficiency.
Testing Options
Course Options
Enrolling in a language institute or other college/university with an F-1 visa allows you to transfer the F-1 visa record to Normandale Community College upon successful completion.
Students currently attending a U.S. high school should contact the Admissions Office at 952-358-8207 to determine the documentation needed for English proficiency.
F-1 Students must have completed secondary education (high school). You will need to provide a copy of an official certificate or graduation exam results from your secondary school with a completion date. An English translation is required if the original document in not in English. If you have completed a post-secondary degree, an unofficial transcript from a college our university outside the U.S. or inside the U.S will also be accepted.
If you attended a university in your home country and would like transfer credit, please request official transcripts with course by course evaluation through ECE website or WES.
Documents in a language other than English must be accompanied by English translations from a certified service.
The college may decline to use any documents submitted.
Applicants must have sufficient funds available to pay all necessary expenses for the duration of their studies at Normandale Community College. At the time of application, you must show you have adequate financial support to cover all educational and living expenses for one full calendar year pf $27,150 USD. Financial aid is not available and there are a few scholarships and on-campus jobs for international students.
Students with a scholarship or government sponsorship must provide a signed copy of the award letter. The letter must be on letterhead and include effective dates of the scholarship/sponsorship.
The Financial responsibility form and supporting documents are used to confirm a student has the financial resources to live and study in the United States. In order to issue an I-20, Normandale College must have evidence that the funds are available.
Provide a certified copy of original immunization records or complete this immunization e-form showing rubella, mumps, measles, diphtheria, and tetanus.
If available, submit a photocopy of current passport.
Once your application and all supporting documents have been received and reviewed, you will receive an acceptance email if you meet the admissions requirements.
Bring your Form I-20, all financial documents and other required documents to the visa interview. This includes, but is not limited to passport, I-20, a printed copy of your acceptance letter (email), financial support documents, and the SEVIS receipt. Visit the U.S. Department of State web site for more information on student visas and the application/interview process or the Department of Homeland Security Study in the States, Applying for a Visa and Prepare for your Visa Interview.
Submit your visa. After your visa interview, email international@normandale.edu to notify the College if your visa was approved or denied. When you receive you F-1 visa, send a copy to international@normandale.edu.
Note: If your visa application is denied, you may reapply for the visa within a 12-month period without having to pay the SEVIS fee again. If you are denied, plan on reapplying and notify Normandale at international@normandale.edu.
Receive F-1 visa in passport. F-1 Visa students may enter the United States no more than 30 days before the program start date on their official I-20. Arriving before that date may result in denied entrance to the U.S. Normandale College requires that students arrive at least two weeks before classes begin.
Schedule an appointment with the Normandale International Admissions Representative to receive your new Form I-20 and Normandale College instructions to prepare for semester start. Normandale College requires that students arrive at least two weeks before classes begin.
If you are already I the United States and you are requesting to change your current visa status to obtain F-1 student status (example: B1/B2, F2, J1 H4), and enroll in courses at Normandale College to complete a degree.
Note: B visa (visitors) can complete admission steps while visiting in the U.S., but are not eligible to enroll in college with a B visa. It is necessary to wait for approval of the change of status application by USCIS before you are able to begin. These applications are delayed and could take more than a year and approval in not guaranteed. Individuals with a B visa may consider leaving the United States and apply for an F-1 visa through an embassy or consulate in their home country.
Start by viewing the application instructions and then complete and submit the International Application form (PDF) and the Supplemental Admissions form (PDF).
All applicants must provide proof of English proficiency as part of their application in order to be eligible for the Form I-20. (Note: Applicants from these countries where English is the official language (PDF) are exempt from these requirements.) Applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following options (within the last two years) as proof of English language proficiency.
Testing Options +
Course Options
Enrolling in a language institute or other college/university with an F-1 visa allows you to transfer the F-1 visa record to Normandale Community College upon successful completion.
Students currently attending a U.S. high school should contact the Admissions Office at 952-358-8207 to determine the documentation needed for English proficiency.
F-1 Students must have completed secondary education (high school). You will need to provide a copy of an official certificate or graduation exam results from your secondary school with a completion date. An English translation is required if the original document in not in English. If you have completed a post-secondary degree, an unofficial transcript from a college our university outside the U.S. or inside the U.S will also be accepted.
If you attended a university in your home country and would like transfer credit, please request official transcripts with course by course evaluation through ECE or WES.
Documents in a language other than English must be accompanied by English translations from a certified service.
The college may decline to use any documents submitted.
Applicants must have sufficient funds available to pay all necessary expenses for the duration of their studies at Normandale Community College. At the time of application, you must show you have adequate financial support to cover all educational and living expenses for one full calendar year pf $27,150 USD. Financial aid is not available and there are a few scholarships and on-campus jobs for international students.
Students with a scholarship or government sponsorship must provide a signed copy of the award letter. The letter must be on letterhead and include effective dates of the scholarship/sponsorship.
The Financial responsibility form and supporting documents are used to confirm a student has the financial resources to live and study in the United States. In order to issue an I-20, Normandale College must have evidence that the funds are available.
Provide a certified copy of original immunization records or complete this immunization e-form showing rubella, mumps, measles, diphtheria, and tetanus.
Submit a photocopy of current passport
Submit a photocopy of current visa
Submit a photocopy of current I-94. You may print the I-94 from the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol website or submit a copy of the white (I-94) card attached to your passport and submit with application materials.
If you are a J-1 visa holder, you must submit a photocopy of DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitors.
Once your application and all supporting documents have been received and reviewed, you will receive an acceptance email if you meet the admissions requirements.
Visit the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for more information on completing the Form I-539.
If you are currently enrolled as an international student at another U.S. college or university with a current I-20 and seeking to transfer to Normandale Community College to complete a degree at Normandale College.
Students transferring from another college or university in the United States who are currently out of status must complete the following steps and also must apply to USCIS for reinstatement. Registering for classes will be dependent on the USCIS approving request for reinstatement.
Start by viewing the application instructions and then complete and submit the International Application form (PDF) and the Supplemental Admissions form (PDF).
All applicants must provide proof of English proficiency as part of their application in order to be eligible for the Form I-20. (Note: Applicants from these countries where English is the official language (PDF) are exempt from these requirements.) Applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following options (within the last two years) as proof of English language proficiency.
Testing Options
Course Options
Enrolling in a language institute or other college/university with an F-1 visa allows you to transfer the F-1 visa record to Normandale Community College upon successful completion.
Students currently attending a U.S. high school should contact the Admissions Office at 952-358-8207 to determine the documentation needed for English proficiency.
F-1 Students must have completed secondary education (high school). You will need to provide a copy of an official certificate or graduation exam results from your secondary school with a completion date. An English translation is required if the original document in not in English. If you have completed a post-secondary degree, an unofficial transcript from a college our university outside the U.S. or inside the U.S will also be accepted.
If you attended a university in your home country and would like transfer credit, please request official transcripts with course by course evaluation through ECE or WES.
Documents in a language other than English must be accompanied by English translations from a certified service.
The college may decline to use any documents submitted.
Applicants must have sufficient funds available to pay all necessary expenses for the duration of their studies at Normandale Community College. At the time of application, you must show you have adequate financial support to cover all educational and living expenses for one full calendar year pf $27,150 USD. Financial aid is not available and there are a few scholarships and on-campus jobs for international students.
Students with a scholarship or government sponsorship must provide a signed copy of the award letter. The letter must be on letterhead and include effective dates of the scholarship/sponsorship.
The Financial responsibility form and supporting documents are used to confirm a student has the financial resources to live and study in the United States. In order to issue an I-20, Normandale College must have evidence that the funds are available.
Provide a certified copy of original immunization records or complete this immunization e-form showing rubella, mumps, measles, diphtheria, and tetanus.
Submit a photocopy of current passport
Submit a photocopy of current visa
Submit a photocopy of current I-94. You may print the I-94 from the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol website or submit a copy of the white (I-94) card attached to your passport and submit with application materials.
Submit a photocopy of current I-20.
Once your application and all supporting documents have been received and reviewed, you will receive an acceptance email if you meet the admissions requirements.
Schedule an appointment with the Normandale International Admissions Representative to receive your new Form I-20 and Normandale College instructions to prepare for semester start. Normandale College requires that students arrive at least two weeks before classes begin.
All application requirements must be submitted by the appropriate deadline or the student will be considered for the following term.
Students outside of the United States or who are currently in the U.S. but will be returning home:
This includes students who are currently in the U.S. but will be returning home.
Fall Semester - June 1
Spring Semester - October 1
Students inside of the United States & who will be remaining in the U.S.:
Fall Semester - July 1
Spring Semester - November 1
We review applications for acceptance only after all steps are completed and materials are received.
Normandale offers a wide range of degree programs and certificates. We also provide transfer options for many colleges and universities nationwide. Admission to the college does not automatically qualify a student for all courses and programs. A separate application to a program such as health sciences may be required..
No, Normandale do not offer a separate English language program. F-1 international applicants who wish to pursue an academic degree program must meet English proficiency requirements at part of the application process (see academic requirements.)
Please review the financial responsibility information under the application instructions. International students pay the same tuition rate as domestic students. F-1 students must provide evidence of adequate financial support as part of the admissions process.
The estimated cost to attend includes tuition, books, supplies, fees medical insurance (required for all international students), room and board, transportation and miscellaneous or personal expenses.
F-1 students are eligible to apply for scholarships. Please be mindful of requirements, deadlines and the overall process. Find information about payment options here.
International (F-1 and other visas) are not eligible for federal financial aid. All international students must have sufficient funds to support themselves and cover all of their student expenses while attending Normandale College. Please see the above question about cost.
F-1 students are eligible to apply for scholarships. Please be mindful of requirements, deadlines and the overall process.
Find information about payment options here.
No. The college does not provide student housing, but apartments are available in the area for students to rent. Please note that you are responsible for arranging our own living situation before beginning classes at Normandale.
Yes. On-campus employment opportunities for international students are limited and not guaranteed. While school is in session, students can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters. During summer semester and breaks students may work up to 40 hours per week.
Working off-campus without authorization will result in losing active visa status. Learn more about student employment.
You may also have the option for training in the United States after your program ends.
Approval from your Designated School Official (DSO) is needed for Curricular Practical Training.
All admitted F-1 students are required to purchase a medical insurance plan approved by the MN State System. You will buy this insurance through the college. The insurance plan may be waived with proof of insurance through an exchange program or government agency. The college is not responsible for any medical bills incurred by any student.
You cannot pay for your classes in advance. Your cost for tuition and books will be determined once you register for courses.
Yes, as an F-1 visa student, you must enroll for a full-time course load, which is 12 or more credits each semester. A minimum of 9 of those credits must be in-person. During the coronavirus pandemic, F-1 students were temporarily counted more online credits towards full-time course load. Continuing international students are not required to take summer courses, but can take them if they choose. There is no credit minimum required for summer.
Students must remain in good academic standing, which includes staying above a cumulative 2.0 GPA and passing at least 66.6% of the credits they attempt.
Within the US
International students are allowed to travel within the U.S. as they wish. This includes Hawaii, Alaska, or any U.S. Territory. No special documents are required; however, it is recommended that students should bring their passport, I-20, I-94 card, proof of health insurance, and evidence of financial support.
Outside of the U.S.
International students should have their I-20 signed each time they leave the U.S. and want to reenter. Students should contact the international student coordinator at least one full month ahead of the scheduled travel date.
Every F-1 student will need to present the following documents to reenter the U.S.:
You may apply for Dental Hygiene, Nursing, and Nursing Mobility programs. You must be admitted to Normandale first, and then apply for a specific program.
Start by completing an international admissions application. Contact the Health Science department for additional details.
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