News & Activities

IO News

IO Chicago - Updated Summer Hours

Beginning Wednesday, June 25, 2008, the Chicago location of the IO will be open every other Wednesday. Hours of operation will remain the same: 10:30am - 1:00pm and 1:45 - 3:30pm.

The IO in Chicago is located in Room 1012 in Abbott Hall.

OPT Extension Information

On Friday, April 4, 2008, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released changes to F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) rules.  The new rules, effective April 8, 2008, will affect all F-1 students currently on OPT and all future OPT applicants.  Students in certain fields may be eligible to extend OPT from 12 to 29-months, based on a 17-month extension.  The new rules also involve stricter reporting requirements for all students on OPT and limitations on periods of unemployment.

Additional IO information:
F-1 OPT Extension Information and Application Materials

Related Links:
SEVP Policy Guidance on OPT

International Office Listserv – SUBSCRIBE NOW!

IO listservs are used to disseminate information quickly and efficiently. To receive these messages, students must subscribe to the list of their choosing.

Current Listservs:
INTNEWS: Information for F-1/J-1 students.
SCHOLAR: Information for J-1 and H-1B scholars, faculty and staff.
DEPARTMENTS: Information for departmental faculty and staff.
ADMITOFFICES: Information for offices responsible for admitting international students.

Note: When subscribing, you must choose from the above list and insert the listname as instructed below.

To subscribe, send an email to: listserv@listserv.it.northwestern.edu

Leave the subject blank. In the body of the message, write: subscribe listname firstname lastname.

IO Activities

Undergraduate Student Orientation

The IO is in the process of developing and planning International Undergraduate Student orientation. Newly admitted undergraduate international students should watch for information being sent to them via email regarding dates, times, and locations. This orientation will take place just prior to NU Wildcat Welcome Week.

IO Workshops

Employment Workshops for F-1 Students

No employment workshops are scheduled at this time. If you have questions, please contact your International Student Advisor.

Note for J-1 Students: Please contact your International Student Advisor to set-up a meeting to discuss Academic Training.