Arrival to NU

Checking-In
Attending an Orientation
Updating your Address
Health Services and Insurance

CHECKING-IN

U.S. immigration regulation states all F-1 and J-1 visitors attending Northwestern must "check-in" at the IO within five days of your arrival on campus or at your predetermined check-in session.

Check-In Sessions:

  • Law School- ELLM Israel
  • The Graduate School- International Summer Institute
  • Kellogg Business School- American Culture and English
  • Law School- LLM, JD, LLM Tax, LEAF
  • Kellogg Business School- 2Y 
  • Feinberg
  • The Graduate School- September 7, 2011
  • The Graduate School Resource Fair- September 12, 2011 
  • Undergraduate- Friday September 9, 2011

A registration hold has been placed on all incoming international students. This registration hold prohibits a student from enrolling in classes until he/she has checked in the International Office.

Please bring the following original documents with you for Check-In: 

  • I-20 or DS-2019;
  • Biographical page of passport;
  • F-1 or J-1 visa stamp; and
  • I-94 card (copy of front and back).

In addition, all students are required to complete the International Student Check-In Form. Please print and complete this form before you come to the International Office for check-in.

International students are required to provide a U.S. address at the time of Check-In.

ATTENDING AN ORIENTATION

International student orientation is held prior to the official start of the fall quarter each year. Orientation is a great opportunity to network with newly arrived students, learn about life in the U.S. and at Northwestern, and learn more about your F-1 or J-1 status while in the U.S. Attendance is mandatory.

UPDATING YOUR ADDRESS

All international students are required by U.S. federal immigration regulation to maintain a permanent foreign and U.S. address.  At Northwestern, F-1 and J-1 students are required to maintain Current and Permanent Address types in CAESAR as these addresses are automatically reported from CAESAR to SEVIS. Please note that your Permanent Address must not be your US Address and you must keep a valid foreign address listed.

To access CAESAR to change or update your address: http://www.northwestern.edu/caesar/

HEALTH SERVICES & INSURANCE

All students at Northwestern must submit the Admission Health Record and proof of immunizations as required by the state of Illinois. NOTE: Penalties for not fulfilling health requirements include a hold on subsequent registration and a non-refundable $100 late fee.

All international students entering or continuing at Northwestern are required to hold valid health insurance. You may fulfill this requirement by enrolling in the insurance program available through the university or by enrolling in another program approved by the university.

Insurance plans in the United States for your dependents are limited and expensive. You are therefore advised, if at all possible, to seek appropriate coverage in your home country for your dependents before coming to the United States.

For more information: