PROGRAM TYPES
International students can apply for admission into one of these programs.
The Degree Program is for students pursuing a certificate of achievement, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree full-time. Coursework is presented in English and there is no English as a Second Language (ESL) component. This program is subject to the English Language Proficiency requirement (see below).
The Pathway Program is for students who have an intermediate command of the English language but require ESL instruction prior to pursuing full-time academic coursework in English. The Pathway Program includes a blended schedule of advanced-level ESL coursework in addition to some first-year college level coursework applicable for a degree or certificate. This program is subject to the English Language Proficiency requirement (see below). Students who complete the Pathway program are encouraged to continue their studies in the Degree program.
The ESL program is a full-time program focused on English grammar, common vocabulary, writing, speaking, and listening skills with an emphasis on preparing for study at an English-speaking college or university.
Students who complete the ESL program are encouraged to continue their studies in the Pathway or Degree programs. There are no specific English Language Proficiency Requirements for acceptance into our ESL program.
APPLICATION AND ENROLLMENT PROCESS
Initial students meet the following criteria:
- You are applying from your home country or other foreign country
- You need a CSN I-20 to obtain an F1 visa
- You will enter the U.S. using this I-20 to study at CSN
Requirements
- Online International Student Application
- Copy of Passport
- Bank Statement
- Sponsor Letter
- List of English Proficiency Test Scores
- High School Diploma/Transcripts
- $45 Application Fee ($25 due with application / $20 due with enrollment)
Admission & Enrollment Process
- Complete the International Student Application, upload all requirements and pay your application fee online
- You will receive an email with your NSHE ID and a second email with instructions to validate your account after you apply
- Once you are admitted, an I-20 and Letter of Acceptance will be issued and emailed directly to you (the student).
- Make an appointment with the U.S. embassy in your home country to apply for the F1 student visa after you receive the I-20
- Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee online.
- Review the requirements for your visa interview and prepare supplemental information and documents.
- Information on the mandatory orientation, placement tests, health insurance, academic advising and class registration will be emailed to all admitted students individually.
- Pay tuition, buy your books and get ready to begin the semester!
Transfer students meet the following criteria:
- You are physically in the U.S. with an F1 visa and I-20 from another school.
- You will be transferring to CSN from another school within the U.S.
Requirements
- Online International Student Application
- Copy of Passport
- Bank Statement
- Sponsor Letter
- List of English Proficiency Test Scores
- High School Diploma/Transcripts
- $45 Application Fee ($25 due with application / $20 due with enrollment)
- Copy of Visa
- Copy of I-94
- Copy of I-20
- Transfer In Form
- Official Transcripts from all colleges and universities that you have attended in the U.S.
If transferring after OPT, also include: - Copy of OPT card
Admission & Enrollment Process
- Complete the International Student Application, upload all requirements and pay your application fee online
- You will receive an email with your NSHE ID and a second email with instructions to validate your account after you apply
- Once you are admitted, a Letter of Acceptance will be issued and emailed directly to you (the student).
- Provide a copy of your CSN Letter of Acceptance to your current school and inform them that you are transferring. Your current school will need to transfer your SEVIS record electronically in order for your CSN I-20 to be created
- Information on the mandatory orientation, placement tests, health insurance, academic advising and class registration will be emailed to all admitted students individually.
- Pay tuition, buy your books and get ready to begin the semester!
- Your CSN I-20 will be issued to you after the semester begins. If you need your I-20 for travel purposes, let us know before you travel
Change of Status Students meet the following criteria:
- You are physically in the U.S. on a visa other than F1
- You would like to apply for a change of status through immigration to request official permission to study in the U.S.
Contact our office to determine if you are eligible to apply for a change of status. Due to time sensitive eligibility requirements and the lengthy process with immigration, we encourage students to apply for the F1 visa in their home country.
Requirements
- Online International Student Application
- Copy of Passport
- Bank Statement
- Sponsor Letter
- List of English Proficiency Test Scores
- High School Diploma/Transcripts
- $45 Application Fee ($25 due with application / $20 due with enrollment)
- Copy of Visa
- Copy of I-94
If changing from J1 or J2 visa, also include: - Copy of DS-2019
Admission & Enrollment Process
- Complete the International Student Application, upload all requirements and pay your application fee online.
- You will receive an email with your NSHE ID and a second email with instructions to validate your account after you apply
- Once you are admitted, an I-20 and Letter of Acceptance will be issued. You will be notified when your I-20 is ready for pick-up.
- A Senior Specialist in our office will meet with you to review the change of status process and requirements.
- Follow the instructions given to you to apply for a change of status through immigration
- Information on the mandatory orientation, placement tests, health insurance, academic advising, and class registration will be emailed to all admitted students individually.
- Pay tuition, buy your books, and get ready to begin the semester!
If you have attended CSN in the past with a CSN I-20, you are considered a returning student.
Requirements
- Online International Student Application
- Copy of Passport
- Bank Statement
- Sponsor Letter
- List of English Proficiency Test Scores
- High School Diploma/Transcripts
- $45 Application Fee ($25 due with application / $20 due with enrollment)
If transferring from another school, also include: - Copy of Visa
- Copy of I-94
- Copy of I-20
- Transfer In Form
- Official Transcripts from all colleges and universities that you have attended in the U.S.
If transferring after OPT, also include: - Copy of OPT card
Admission & Enrollment Process
If you are returning/initial:
- Complete the International Student Application, upload all requirements and pay your application fee online
- You will receive an email with your NSHE ID and a second email with instructions to validate your account after you apply
- Once you are admitted, an I-20 and Letter of Acceptance will be issued and emailed directly to you (the student).
- Make an appointment with the U.S. embassy in your home country to apply for the F1 student visa after you receive the I-20
- Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee online.
- Information on health insurance, academic advising, and class registration will be emailed to all admitted students individually.
- Pay tuition, buy your books, and get ready to begin the semester!
If you are returning/transfer:
- Complete the International Student Application, upload all requirements and pay your application fee online
- Once you are admitted, a Letter of Acceptance will be issued and emailed directly to you (the student).
- Information on health insurance, academic advising and class registration will be emailed to all admitted students individually.
- Pay tuition, buy your books, and get ready to begin the semester!
- Your CSN I-20 will be issued to you after the semester begins. If you need your I-20
for travel purposes, let us know before you trave
ENGLISH PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS
All non-native English speakers must provide proof of English proficiency for the Degree and Pathway programs. Click on the link below to see the list of acceptable English proficiency test scores and placement. Test scores cannot be older than two years.
See List of English Proficiency Test Scores
See English Proficiency Waiver
ANNUAL BUDGET
| Academic Year 2025-2026 (Includes Fall & Spring semesters) |
|---|
These are the estimated costs. You should expect additional personal and transportation expenses. *Fees are subject to change by the NSHE Board of Regents
Dependents: If a spouse or child will accompany you while you are studying in the U.S., he or she will be required to obtain an F2 dependent visa. Costs for dependents are as follows:
- Spouse - $7,000
- Child (each) - $3,000
APPLICATION DEADLINES
| New Students (Initial) | Transfer & Returning Students |
|---|
Change of Status Students: Check with the International Center for deadlines.
HEALTH INSURANCE
The CSN Student Health Plan is a mandatory, affordable health insurance plan tailored to meet the health care needs of CSN international students. It features year-round, world-wide coverage, meaning students can receive medical care wherever they are.
Learn more about the Gallager Student Health & Special Risk Insurance Plan
Health Insurance Waiver Policy & Procedure: Students must enroll in the CSN approved health insurance plan or demonstrate that they are a dependent on an insurance plan of a spouse, parent or legal guardian living in the U.S. The plan must be equal to or better than the plan offered by Gallagher. Contact the International Center for information on how to apply for the waiver
Important Note: All international students on an F-1 visa are required to have health insurance coverage for the entire semester. Students will only be allowed to register for courses after they have purchased insurance.
CREDIT TRANSFER
Transferring credit from a non-U.S. College or University
To transfer foreign college or university credits to CSN, you must complete a two-step process:
- Submit your transcripts for a course-by-course evaluation to a current member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). They will prepare an official report converting your coursework into U.S. grades and credits.
- The NACES evaluator will send you an official report in a sealed envelope - do not open it! Submit the sealed envelope directly to the address below.
Transferring credit from a U.S. College or University
Request your official transcripts to be sent electronically to apply.ic@csn.edu or have them mailed directly to the address below.
Mailing Address for All Credit Transfers:
CSN International Center
6375 West Charleston Blvd, WCD106
Las Vegas, NV 89146
For both U.S. and international transcripts, the International Center will make a copy for our records and forward the documents to the CSN Registrar’s Office for an internal evaluation to determine which courses apply toward your major at CSN.
Processing Time:
Depending on volume, evaluations can take 3 to 8 weeks to complete. We recommend starting this process as early as possible.
ADMISSION TO HEALTH SCIENCE (LIMITED ENTRY) PROGRAMS
International students interested in Health Science Programs, such as dental hygiene, nursing or radiology technician, will enroll in a general AS degree and take pre-requisite courses until they satisfy the health science admission requirements. International students must consult with a Health Science Program Advisor in their first semester to obtain detailed information about the program requirements. Immunizations are required for students accepted into a Health Science Program.
Detailed information may be found at the CSN Health Sciences website.
F-1 Student VISA
- For information about visa wait times
- For information about applying and preparing for your visa interview, please contact us.
If you are a new student, you can find more information about scheduling and preparing for your interview at a US embassy near you.