<p>Yes, if you want to play NCAA D1 or D2 sports in college, you need to be cleared by the NCAA. That applies to anybody, including walk-ons. There is academic and amateur eligibility. </p>
<p>For more info, go here: [International</a> Student-Athletes - NCAA.org](<a href=“http://www.ncaa.org/wps/portal/ncaahome?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/ncaa/NCAA/Legislation%20and%20Governance/Eligibility%20and%20Recruiting/International%20Student-Athletes/international_student_athletes.html]International”>http://www.ncaa.org/wps/portal/ncaahome?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/ncaa/NCAA/Legislation%20and%20Governance/Eligibility%20and%20Recruiting/International%20Student-Athletes/international_student_athletes.html)
This link has FAQ, forms, etc.</p>