Current International Student Information | NorthWest Arkansas Community College

Main Content Start

Current International Student Information


Group of International Students

As a current international student at NWACC, you'll attend an orientation to learn more about the college, immigration requirements, and various student services and resources, as well as understand the required course load.

Feel free to view the below information to learn more about being an international student at NWACC.

Course Expectations

NWACC and the United States government expects all F-1 and J-1 international students to enroll in a total of 12 credits per semester. Of those 12 credits, nine must be live on-campus coursework. 

You must complete your courses even if you are not doing well in a course. To protect your immigration status, the college recommends that you enroll in 15 credits each semester so you have the flexibility to drop a course if necessary.

The United States government allows NWACC to award an I-20 or DS-2019 for the duration of study that is expected for an associate degree. You will have an average of two years to obtain a college degree at NWACC. If needed, NWACC can grant an extension prior to the end of your ‘duration of status’.


Federal Regulations

View the most current federal regulations for F-1 Visa.