H-1B Scholars

The H-1B specialty occupation visa category is for foreign nationals (FN) who are identified as highly skilled workers with a bachelor’s degree or higher. H-1B beneficiaries are eligible for six years in this visa category and Northwestern University (NU) sponsorship for permanent residency, with approval from supervisor and the International Office.

If you would like to apply for an H-1B visa or seek to maintain your H-1B through an extension or amendment, please begin the process by speaking with your sponsoring department concerning your current visa status and what type of visa your supervisor will sponsor. The IO only accepts H-1B requests from NU sponsoring departments.

If your department has confirmed their sponsorship of your H-1B, then you are ready to Apply for an H-1B.

Reminder for H-1 Beneficiaries:

  • Initial H-1B Beneficiaries from outside the US, please check in with the International Office upon arrival in the US to start your position.  Please complete the H-1B Beneficiary Check-In Form and bring your immigration documents--including your original I-797 approval notice--for the IO to copy and keep on file.
  • After all trips outside the US, please bring your original I-797 approval notice back to the IO for us to keep your file.