International Students and Scholars

We know that many of you are concerned about how Northwestern’s move to remote learning may impact your immigration status. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program has issued new Federal guidance that allows schools to make exceptions to the in-person course requirements and full-time enrollment requirements for international students due to the COVID-19 situation. If you have a currently valid F-1 or J-1 SEVIS record, your immigration status will not be impacted by Northwestern’s decision to move to remote teaching and learning for the foreseeable future. This applies whether you remain within the U.S. or go overseas to conduct your remote coursework. (Updated 4/17/20)

The U.S. government has announced restrictions for foreign nationals returning from the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, other European countries, China and Brazil. 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)

Self-isolation is critical to preventing the spread of illness. Please refer to Northwestern's self-isolation policy and guidance on how to self-isolate here.

If you were not in a position to leave during the extended break or start of the spring quarter (April 4 through the first three weeks of remote coursework, April 26), services are available for you.  For additional information, please consult this set of Student Housing FAQs.

Consult Student Housing Information FAQs for detailed information on how to proceed, including specifics on international shipping availability. (Updated 4/20/20)

If you decide to withdraw from courses for the spring quarter, you will want to first consult with your academic advisor. Once you have made the final decision to withdraw, you will need to submit a Notice of Withdrawal or Leave of Absence Form to your OISS advisor. If you are not enrolled in classes for the spring, your SEVIS record will not be active and you should have departed the U.S. during spring break. When you are ready to return, please contact your academic advisor and OISS advisor for instructions on the return process.

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 classes. (Updated 4/20/20)

This is a rapidly changing issue, and it’s always wise to check with your airline in advance of and up to the moment you intend to fly, but there are also few organizations trying to track and publicize this information, such as the following:

• International Association of Travel Agents – COVID-19 Inbound Travel Restrictions
• International SOS – Travel Restrictions, Flight Operations and Screening
• World Aware - COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease) Risk Intelligence & Resource Center

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 an I-20 shipment through eShipGlobal,
2. wait to pick up the I-20 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.

OISS will also print your I-20 should it become necessary and still recommends that you submit your I-20 with Optional Practical Training (OPT) recommendation with an original handwritten signature for any OPT application. (Added 4/3/20)

All U.S. Consulates have suspended routine visa services until further notice. This means that you are not currently able to apply for a U.S. visa stamp. 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 4/20/20)

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)