International Students
- Is CSN accepting international students for the Spring 2022 semester?
Yes, we are accepting applications for the Spring 2022 semester until November 15th.
Please be sure to check the admission requirements on our website and start your application in TerraDotta. - What can I do if I receive my I-20 and the U.S. embassy in my home country is closed?
Most U.S. embassies around the world are currently closed due to the pandemic. Check the U.S. embassy website often to find out when they will re-open. Embassies will be very busy once they re-open so you want to make sure you schedule your appointment as soon as they re-open.
- How can I contact the International Center?
The International Center is located on the West Charleston Campus D-106 and is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Phone number 702-651-5820.
For information about CSN, please send an email to inquiry.ic@csn.edu.
For admission services and admissions-related questions, please send an email to apply.ic@csn.edu.
If you are currently enrolled at CSN and have questions about maintaining your F-1 status or immigration and personal matters, please send your email to advisor.ic@csn.edu or call the International Center to schedule an appointment.
- Are there travel restrictions to enter the U.S.?
As of January 26, 2021, all air passengers entering the U.S. must have a negative COVID-19 test result taken within three calendar days of departure or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days.
As of 26th January 2021, anyone boarding a flight bound for the US must now show a negative PCR test carried out less than 72 hours prior to boarding the flight. Passengers, who do not have a negative test will be denied boarding. Also, it is my understanding that they will have to quarantine after arrival as well.
- Can I stay in the United States while taking all classes online?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) extended the temporary guidance to apply for the Fall 2021 semester. This guidance allows all continuing international students to take the fall semester fully online in the US or abroad. Therefore, students have an opportunity to choose hybrid, online or in-person classes for Fall 2021.
New international students are required to enroll in at least one in-person or hybrid course. All international students must to register for a minimum of 12 credits and make normal progress toward their degree.
- How can I get a travel signature on my I-20?
You need to submit a travel signature in TerraDotta or contact us at 702-651-5820 to schedule an appointment.
Reminder: Travel signatures are valid for one year for enrolled students and six months for alumni on OPT.
- If I am out of the United States for more than five months, what will happen to my F-1 status?
The SEVP has confirmed that as long as your SEVIS record remains "active," the 5-month temporary absence rule will not apply. Therefore, if you are planning to complete your Fall 2021 coursework from your home country, you will not be penalized to return to the U.S. for Spring 2022. We are closely monitoring to keep students' SEVIS records "active."
- Can I still apply for OPT with everything that is happening right now with the COVID-19 outbreak?
Yes. You can still apply for OPT. If you want to apply for OPT, you need to attend an OPT workshop to explain what documentation you need to submit to apply for OPT. For more information, please send your email to advisor.ic@csn.edu.
Reminder: Do not apply for OPT or submit your OPT application to the United States government without having your OPT documentation reviewed by an International Center advisor first and receiving your new OPT I-20.
- Can I apply for OPT from my home country?
No. Federal regulations require you to be in the United States at the time you apply for OPT. If you are currently outside the United States, you must re-enter the U.S. before your program end date on your I-20 to apply for OPT.
- Has the United States federal government made any announcements regarding the extension of 90 days of unemployment time for approved OPT due to COVID 19?
No. The government has not made any updates or extensions for the 90-day unemployment rule for OPT students.
WELCOME!
The international community is an important part of the CSN community, and we believe that International Students:
- Are crucial to our learning environment while supporting academic and personal growth
- Help our community understand cultural differences, educate us, challenge us and help us move forward together
You are welcome here and thank you for considering CSN. Find out more information in our 2021 International Student Viewbook.
Israel Alvarado - International Student from Mexico
BRIEFLY ABOUT US
Our Mission
The College of Southern Nevada empowers our students and communities to achieve, succeed, and prosper.
Our Vision
The College of Southern Nevada is recognized as a leader among community colleges in fostering student success, shared governance, and performance excellence.
General
Total No. of students: 35,868
180+ degrees and certificates
1,244 courses
Community
6 Schools/11 areas of study
Faculty-to-student ratio 20:1
International students
No. of int. students: 279
No. of nationalities: +50
Largest College
No. 1 transfer college in Nevada
Most affordable
THE INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AT CSN
Our student-centered experience from A-Z:
- We offer affordable, high-quality degrees and programs in a values-based teaching environment
- We encourage academic and personal development
- We empower our students to achieve, succeed and prosper in a global World
- We want CSN to be your home away from home
Our goal is to create a learning environment where:
- All CSN students are offered international or intercultural experience
- All CSN students are part of an interactive classroom that values diversity, open communication, collaboration and engagement
- All CSN students learn and grow in a culture of creativity, innovation and opportunity
Xu Chen - International Student from China
CAMPUSES
CSN has three primary Campuses and seven extended learning conveniently located in and around Las Vegas. Refer to the bottom of this page for a complete listing of each location including address, phone number, and a map link.
6 STEPS TO BECOMING A CSN STUDENT
CSN offers a comprehensive range of degrees and certificate programs.
Browse the catalogue to find the right fit for you.
When you have decided on a program, start your online application. You will be asked to
- Create an account.
- Complete your application.
- Attach the required documentation.
- Pay an application fee.
Once your application has been processed and approved, you will receive a letter of admission and an I-20 accompanied by important information on how to apply for an F-1 visa.
Please follow the instructions carefully on how to schedule and prepare for your interview and bring both documents with you.
Arrival
Once you have been approved for an F-1 visa, you can start planning your arrival.
Plan to arrive in Las Vegas for your orientation program approximately two weeks before the start of the semester. The exact date will vary depending on the semester. Check the academic calendar for updates.
The international airport in Las Vegas is McCarran International Airport. There are several transportation options available from the airport to your new home in Las Vegas.
Housing
CSN does not have on-campus housing. Students generally choose between one of two options for housing:
- Homestays (students will live with a U.S. host family in their home and have your own room)
- Apartments (student rent a single or shared apartment)
We encourage you to explore your new home, neighborhood and everything Las Vegas has to offer in the Student Life section.
A mandatory Student Orientation Week for our new students is hosted as an introduction to CSN and offers an opportunity to meet other new students. Before you can attend an orientation in person, you must complete the following:
Note: CAPS 128 is a 5-week course specifically designed to ease the transition into the US student life at CSN.
When your New Student Orientation has been completed, you are ready to attend classes and begin your first semester at CSN. Welcome to the CSN Coyote Family!
LIVING IN LAS VEGAS
Climate
We’re located in the Mojave Desert in a subtropical hot desert climate. This climate is typified by long, very hot summers; warm transitional seasons; and short winters with mild days and cold nights. It rarely rains so bring your shorts and flip flops and leave your raincoat and boots at home.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas has approx. 149,213 hotel rooms and, to many, the city represents a world of fun, gambling, and entertainment. But it is also home to approx. 2.5 million people living in Paradise, Summerlin, Spring Valley, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and other communities within the Las Vegas metropolitan area. There are several international neighborhoods with strong ties to cultural roots.
For Fun
You are probably familiar with the Las Vegas Strip where most casinos are located. They offer a world of entertainment in gambling, concerts, shows, exhibitions, etc. However, Las Vegas has a lot more to offer. We also have beautiful nature with trails and lakes for you to explore. If you are a foodie, we have excellent cuisine from all corners of the world to challenge your taste buds and the Grand Canyon in Arizona or the beaches of California are only a short drive away.
Las Vegas is very international and if you open your ears, heart, and mind, you will be amazed at the diversity here.
Go explore!
An Chung - International Student from Korea
STUDENT LIFE
With more than 30 different clubs and student organizations, CSN offers its students plenty of social networking and extracurricular opportunities so they can gain new friends and a great support system in a very short time.
Our community is home to several professional sports teams and you should see them in action!
ISO is the name of our International Student Organization providing our international and domestic students with the opportunity to participate in many events and activities designed to bring us all a little closer together.
Join in the fun!