International Students and Scholars

In March, all U.S. Consulates suspended routine visa services until further notice. Since then, consulates have been resuming routine visa services on a rolling basis based on local conditions. This means that some international students will still be able to apply for and receive a visa stamp while others will not. You can still apply for your immigration documents from OISS (I-20 or DS 2019) so that you will be ready to submit an application as soon as the consulates reopen for visa services. Please be in touch with the U.S. Consulate where you will make your visa application for additional information and updates on visa services resuming.   (Updated 7/27/20)

All new students or students who requested an Extension, Change of Level, Curricular Practical Training, Reduced Course Load, or a travel signature can: 

1. request a shipment through eShipGlobal, 
2. wait to pick up the I-20/DS-2019 form when Northwestern’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS) reopens, or 
3. request that their OISS advisor email an electronic version of the form (for I-20 only). 

Please note that only F-1 I-20s can be sent via email at this time. Recent guidance temporarily allows OISS to email you a hand-signed and scanned or electronically signed copy of your I-20 form.  J-1 DS 2019s are not able to be emailed at this time. 

OISS still recommends that you submit your I-20 with Optional Practical Training (OPT) recommendation with an original handwritten signature for any OPT application. (Updated 7/27/20) 

We understand this situation is very stressful and are advising all Northwestern students currently abroad to reassess their travel plans as conditions and restrictions continue to change, taking this set of considerations from Northwestern's Office of Global Safety and Security into account. We also encourage you to reach out directly to your advisor in Northwestern's Office of International Student and Scholar Services to discuss your individual situation. We are committed to working with you to determine the best course of action for your unique situation. (Updated 5/29/20)

See the Health Concerns and Student Housing sections for information about health coverage for COVID-19 and accessing physical and mental health services. (Updated 5/4/20)

When you return to the United States—if it follows a five month absence or longer—U.S. Customs and Border Protection may question why you were out of the U.S. for so long. Northwestern's Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS) is aware of this possibility and will reach out to students with additional information and guidance on any steps they may need to take. In the interim, your SEVIS record will remain active even if you are not in the U.S. and are conducting your coursework remotely as long as you remain enrolled in a full course load of classes.   (Updated 7/27/20)

You are encouraged to submit any bias or hate-related incidents that you observe through the University’s Hate and Bias Report Form. (Added 4/20/20)

Please contact the Office of Equity for assistance. (Added 4/20/20)