for students
- See Steps for Newly Admitted Students
- Read about the process to request a Form I-20 or DS-2019
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 by contributing to the cultural diversity of our campus. 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.
for faculty, staff & scholars
- Compare visas using the Visa Options Guide
- Explore Legal Permanent Residence
for host departments
- Read the General Hosting Guide
- Access Host Department Forms
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:
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
Dec
11
2024
Holiday Travel Signature Event
11:00 AM Mudd Hall ( formerly Seeley G. Mudd Library), 2233 Tech Drive
Join OISS advisors on Wednesday, December 11 from 11 AM to 1 PM for the Holiday Travel Signature event at NUL-2nd Floor ...
Dec
11
2024
Web-in Wednesdays for International Students
12:00 PM
Join OISS advisors on Zoom on Wednesdays from 12pm-3pm to ask an international student advisor quick questions. Please n...
Dec
11
2024
Winter Chai & Chat
2:00 PM International Student and Scholar Services, 630 Dartmouth Place
Kick off the winter holiday season with OISS and ATLAS scholars for an afternoon of hot chai, connection, and conversati...
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.