​Ne​w Ben​efits User

You are classified as a New Benefit User if you have never received VA educational benefits. 

Step 1: Apply for Veteran Educational Benefits

• Apply online at https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply  
• Within 2-4 weeks, the VA will send you two copies of your Certificate of Eligibility. Bring one copy to the Norco Veterans Services Office. 

Step 2: Complete Enrollment Process at Norco College (If applicable)

• Submit an application for admission. Wait 24-48 hours for processing. 
• Complete New Student Online Orientation.
  

Step 3: E-Mail, mail or hand-carry Official Transcripts to Norco College

• Transcripts must be official, sealed, and less than 90 days old. 
• Submit Joint Service Transcripts​ (Army, National Guard, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard) and all other high school and college transcripts. (* Air Force veterans can request transcripts from ​​​​Community College of the Air Force​.)

Step 4: Meet with a VA Certifying Official 

• ​​Select Program of Study
• ​​​For VA purposes, a specific approved educational goal must be chosen. No undecided or General Education programs will be accepted by the VA. Norco College articulation agreements are found at www.assist.org. 
• A list of approved programs is available at the GI Bill^®​​ website​
  
• ​​Request for evaluation of prior coursework
  
• ​​​All prior coursework must be evaluated before student education plans are created. 
• ​In order to proceed to the next step, you must be approved by a VA Certifying Official. 

Step 5: Meet with a VA Academic Counselor for a VA Student Education Plan (SEP)

• Classes that are included in the Students Educational Plan will be payable by the VA. A student may only pursue one educational goal at a time. Change of educational goal should be discussed with a VA Certifying Official at the time of meeting. 
• When registering for classes refer to your copy of the SEP. Only required classes on the SEP are payable by the VA. 

Step 6: Register for classes using WebAdvisor

• Veterans Priority Registration Eligibility Requirement: 
• Veterans will receive 4 years of priority registration from the date of separation as listed on the DD214. Submit your DD214 to a VA Certifying Official for approval. 
• Registration dates and times are issued to every student. Click on My Registration Date/Holds on WebAdvisor. View the Registration Video located under Instructions/Tutorials on WebAdvisor for assistance. 
• Pay attention to important dates (last day to add, drop with refund, without a “W”, and with a “W”) and remember that it is your responsibility to drop your class. 

Step 7: Submit the Veterans Intent & Statement of Responsibility (VISoR) & receive Certification

• The VISoR is available in the Veterans Resource Center or located on the forms​ web​page. The VISoR must be completed by the student every semester.
  
• A Certifying Official will verify that the courses match the student’s VA Student Education Plan before proceeding with VA certification. 
• Once certification at Norco College is complete, students will receive a VA Certification ID number. Veterans/dependents may call 1-888-GIBILL^®​-1 to verify enrollment and payment status.​