On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a final rule that establishes a fixed time period of admission and an extension of stay procedure that impact students and scholars on F-1 and J-1 visas. The rule is anticipated to take effect Sept. 15, 2026. While Northwestern analyzes this complex rule, we are working to update our website and communicate guidance as quickly as possible. Members of the Northwestern international community who have questions are encouraged to reach out directly to their assigned OISS advisor.
Clarification on January Return to Campus and In-Person Testing
Dear students,
We have received a number of questions about Northwestern’s expectations for in-person testing and returning to campus in January. We appreciate your desire to plan as far in advance as possible.
To reinforce the message we sent yesterday: All graduate and undergraduate students who are registered for in-person classes are required to take one in-person, on-campus COVID-19 test each week of Wildcat Wellness, which runs from Jan. 1 through 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 18. Students who live in the residence halls are welcome to move in as early as Jan. 1. All students taking in-person classes during Winter Quarter must arrive early enough to complete their first-week testing requirement—no later than Friday, Jan. 7. A second in-person, on-campus test is required during the second week of Wildcat Wellness. Students who do not complete these testing requirements will be referred to the Office of Community Standards for non-compliance.
Read the full December 21, 2021 announcement from Luke Figora, Vice President for Operations, Northwestern University.