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Office of International Student and Scholar Services

Advising and supporting Northwestern’s international students, faculty, staff and scholars

By the Numbers

International students make up 25% of Northwestern's student body and enrich the academic experience of all students. Each year, Northwestern also hosts hundreds of international scholars, who contribute to more than 20 disciplines.

4913
International Students
142
Countries Represented
1609
International Scholars

Getting Started

Learn about visa options and the application process.

Student Employment

OISS helps students apply for off-campus work authorization (permission) during their academic programs (CPT) and after completing their degrees (OPT).

Learn more about eligibility, application procedures and processing times for:

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Living in the US

Find guidance and resources as you adjust to life at Northwestern and the United States.

How can we help?

Advisors are available via email, virtual advisement and scheduled appointments

News & Events

Events

Apr
25
2025

Web-In Quick Question Advising for International Students

11:00 AM
Join OISS advisors on Zoom on Tuesdays from 12pm-3pm and Fridays from 11 am-1pm to ask an international student advisor ...
Apr
29
2025

Web-In Quick Question Advising for International Students

12:00 PM
Join OISS advisors on Zoom on Tuesdays from 12pm-3pm and Fridays from 11 am-1pm to ask an international student advisor ...
Apr
30
2025

Chai and Chat - Hot Chai, Connection, and Conversation

2:00 PM International Student and Scholar Services, 630 Dartmouth Place
Celebrate Spring with OISS! Join us for a cozy afternoon of hot chai, connection, and conversation as we welcome the se...

News & Announcements

Welcoming Sara Thurston, PhD, as the New Director of the Office of International Student and Scholar Services

August 8, 2024

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Sara Thurston, PhD, as the new Director of the Office of International Student and Scholar Services. She brings more than 25 years of experience supporting international students and scholars to our community. Learn more about Sarah's impressive background and experience here.

USCIS announces fee increase to certain immigration benefit requests to go into effect April 1, 2024

February 21, 2024

USCIS has announced that certain fees, including the I-765 application fee for Employment Authorization and I-539 application fee to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant status, will increase on April 1, 2024. Learn more and see the new fee schedule from USCIS.