On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a final rule that establishes a fixed time period of admission and an extension of stay procedure that impact students and scholars on F-1 and J-1 visas, and other academic restrictions specifically for F-1 students. The rule is anticipated to take effect Sept. 15, 2026 and will affect members of the international community in different ways. As OISS gathers more information and communicates specific guidance to individuals and groups, we ask that members of the international community refer to the DHS Rule on Admission and Extension webpage as an up-to-date resource. Members of the Northwestern international community who have questions are encouraged to reach out directly to their assigned OISS advisor.
Compare Visa Types, Fees and Processing Times
Use the table below to find processing times and fees for the various visitor and employee visa types. Please note the OISS processing times are the minimum; requests can be submitted up to 6 months in advance of the start date.
|
Visa Type |
OISS Processing Time |
External Processing Time |
OISS Fees |
USCIS Fees |
Attorney Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
J-1 |
10 business days |
Varies based on consulate |
$325 $200 rush fee; automatically applied if request is submitted within 10 business days of program start date |
n/a |
n/a |
|
New H-1B |
3 months in advance of start date |
2 - 3 weeks with USCIS premium processing
Overseas requests will vary by Consulate
|
$1,400 |
$460 I-129 fee* $500 fraud fee* $2,965 premium processing fee* |
If the H-1B petition receives request for evidence (RFE), then attorney fees can range $1,000 - 3,500 depending on complexity. |
|
H-1B Change of Employer |
3 months in advance of start date |
2-3 weeks with USCIS for Receipt Notice |
$1,400 |
$460 I-129 fee* $500 fraud fee* Optional: |
n/a |
|
H-1B Amendment |
3 months in advance of start date |
2-3 weeks with USCIS for Receipt Notice |
$1,400 |
$460 I-129 processing* Optional: $2,965 premium processing fee* |
n/a |
|
H-1B Extension |
3 months in advance of start date |
2-3 weeks with USCIS for Receipt Notice |
$1,400 |
$460 I-129 processing* |
n/a |
|
E-3 Overseas |
3 months |
Varies based on consulate |
$1,400 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
E-3 within the U.S. |
3 months |
Varies but usually 4-12 months with USCIS for Approval Notice |
$1,400 |
$460 I-129 processing and $500 fraud fee* |
n/a |
|
TN |
2 months |
Varies for Mexicans based on consulate; n/a for Canadians |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
TN (if requesting a change of status or an extension from within the U.S.) |
2 months |
Varies but usually 4-12 months with USCIS for Approval Notice |
n/a |
$460 I-129 processing* |
n/a |
|
B1 |
n/a |
Varies based on consulate |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
LPR |
Varies |
Varies |
$2,500 |
|
Varies |