F-1/J-1 Visa Information

Greetings and welcome to the IO. The information housed within these pages pertains directly to students who have been recently admitted to an academic program at Northwestern University. As a newly admitted student to Northwestern, you are now eligible to apply for a Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 (for an F-1 or J-1 visa respectively).

F-1 vs. J-1 Student Visa Category
Visa Information
SEVIS
Information for Canadian Citizens

F-1 vs. J-1 Student Visa Category

You may choose to apply for either visa category based on your intent and eligibility. If you have specific questions about choosing the proper visa category contact intadmit@northwestern.edu.

F-1 Visa Category

ELIGIBILITY

  • Student must be admitted to a program of study leading to a specific educational objective.
  • Student must be proficient in English.
  • Student must show sufficient evidence of financial support.

EMPLOYMENT

  • On-campus employment is permitted without special authorization (limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session).
  • Off-campus employment may be authorized by the International Office during the degree program. Certain eligibility requirements apply.
  • Off-campus employment may be authorized by the United States Citizenship & Immigration Service during the degree program. Certain eligibility requirements apply.
  • Off-campus employment after graduation is permitted (up to 12 months) with authorization from the United States Citizenship & Immigration Service.
DEPENDENTS
  • F-2 dependents are not permitted to work.
  • F-2 dependent spouses may not attend school full-time. Part-time study must be recreational or avocational in nature.
  • F-2 dependent children may attend grades K-12 full-time.

J-1 Visa Category

ELIGIBILITY

  • Student must be admitted to a program of study leading to a specific educational objective.
  • Student must be proficient in English.
  • Student must show sufficient evidence of financial support for the full length of study.
  • Students must have a minimum $50,000 worth of health insurance coverage for self and all dependents.
  • Student must either be part of an established exchange program OR
  • Students must have a significant amount of funding come from an institutional source (e.g. government agency, university funding, or employer-based funding). PhD students receiving funding from NU are eligible to apply for the J1 visa. Loans of any kind, including NU loans, constitute personal funds and do not qualify as institutional support or university funding.

EMPLOYMENT

  • On-campus employment is permitted with prior authorization from the International Office (limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session).
  • Off-campus employment, either before and after graduation, may be authorized by the International Office for up to 18 months or for the length of your program, whichever is shorter (36 months possible for PhD graduates).
  • Individuals in J status may be subject to 212(e), the 2-year-home-residency- requirement. If subject, an individual would be required to spend 2 years in his/her home country before becoming eligible to return to the U.S. in H-1B, L, K, or Permanent Residency status. Follow this link for more information: "http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1296.html"

DEPENDENTS

  • J-2 dependents may apply for work authorization after they arrive in the U.S. Authorization involves an application to the United States Citizenship & Immigration Service. Approval can take up to three months.
  • J-2 dependents may attend school full or part-time without special authorization.

Visa Information

Visa processing times vary widely depending on the country and time of year, and some applications may undergo a rigid and time-consuming background check. If you are subject to a background check, there is little Northwestern can do to speed up the process. Therefore, we suggest scheduling your appointment as soon as you receive your I-20 or DS-2019, no sooner.

U.S. consulates and embassies will issue F-1 and J-1 visa stamps no earlier than 120 days prior to the start date listed on the I-20 or DS-2019. Once you receive your visa, you may enter the US no earlier than 30 days prior to the program start date.

The following items are required in support of your application for an F-1 or J-1 visa:

  • Non-Immigrant visa application DS-160 (https://evisaforms.state.gov/). DS-157 & DS-158 may be required, see the consulate or embassy website for specifics.
  • Valid I-20 or DS-2019 from Northwestern.
  • Valid passport.
  • At least two passport-style photographs, taken recently. See embassy web site for specifications
  • Proof that you have permanent residence outside the U.S.
  • Current and original financial documentation.
  • A copy of the marriage certificate and/or birth certificate if your spouse and/or child are applying for the F-2/J-2 separately.
Additional Information:
  • Anyone admitted to multiple schools must decide which school to attend before applying for a visa stamp.
  • Visa processing may vary depending on the location of the U.S. consulate or embassy. For information specific to the consulate or embassy nearest to you, visit the U.S. Consulates and Embassies Abroad website.
  • Many consulates and embassies provide on-line appointment scheduling check the aforementioned website for more information.

Visa Resources:

Consular Resources:

SEVIS

Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) acts as the bridge for varied government organizations that have an interest in information on foreign students. SEVP uses web-based technology, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), to track and monitor schools and programs, students, exchange visitors and their dependents throughout the duration of approved participation within the U.S. education system.

You will be responsible for paying the SEVIS fee before obtaining your F-1 or J-1 visa stamp.

Information for Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens do not need an F-1 or J-1 visa stamp to enter the United States. However, Canadian citizens are required to carry the following when entering in student status:

  • I-20 or DS-2019;
  • Proof of SEVIS fee (I-901) payment; and
  • A valid passport.

It is a good idea to bring your letter of admission to Northwestern, and a copy of your financial documentation with you when you cross the border.