Have a quick question for OISS?

Connect with an OISS Advisor via Zoom on Wednesday afternoons for Web-in Wednesdays. See the Web-in Wednesday section of the website for full details and a link to join.

Please Note: Web-in Wednesdays will be cancelled on September 13th as all advisors will be assisting new students during orientation.

Learn about OPT

The next online Optional Practical Training (OPT) workshop will be held Wed., August 23rd from 12:00 - 1:30 PM.  OPT eligibility requirements, application timelines and application requirements will be covered in detail. All F-1 international students interested in applying for OPT are encouraged to attend.

Join via Zoom at 12:00 PM (CT) on Aug. 23rd

Looking for a job on campus?

OISS and Human Resources have teamed up to create a New Employee Checklist for Foreign Nationals that will help F-1 & J-1 students newly employed by Northwestern University in completing the necessary steps with OISS, Human Resources and Payroll.

Here are a few sites to check out if you are searching for a job on campus:

• Residential Services Student Employment Opportunities
• Norris University Open Positions
• Library Student Jobs

Beware of Immigration and Housing Scams

As fall quarter is upon us, it's essential to be aware of potential scams that might target international students like you. In particular, immigration scams and housing scams are among the most common fraudulent schemes. Here's what you need to know:

 Immigration Scams

What Happens: Scammers may call you, pretending to be from immigration authorities such as USCIS or ICE. They may claim there's a problem with your immigration status or visa and demand immediate payment, often through unconventional means like gift cards or wire transfers.

How to Spot the Scam:

• Real immigration officials will never demand immediate payment over the phone or request payment through gift cards or wire services.
• Caller ID can be spoofed, so don't rely solely on the number displayed.

What to Do:

• Hang up and don't provide any personal information or payment.
• Report the call to OISS and the NU Police.
• Learn more about reporting immigration scams from USCIS.

Housing Scams

What Happens: Scammers may advertise a rental property that doesn’t exist or that has already been filled, then attempt to collect payment up front, leaving the renter in the lurch. Scammers may create fake websites to make these offers seem legitimate or post a fake listing using a legitimate platform such as Craigslist or Facebook.

How to Spot the Scam:

• Be wary if the "landlord" is unwilling to meet in person or insists on payment without a proper lease or viewing of the property.
• Watch for rental prices that are too good to be true or requests for payment via unconventional means.

What to Do:

• Always view the property in person or have a trusted friend do so.
• Verify the landlord's identity. Stay away from doing any rental transactions over the phone, by email, or on the internet, as you need to meet in-person with the owner or the owner's real estate agent.

Protecting Yourself

Knowledge is your best defense against scams. If something doesn't feel right or seems too good to be true, trust your instincts, and seek advice from university officials or other trusted sources.

Remember, scammers prey on fear and urgency. Always take the time to verify information and consult with knowledgeable resources. The OISS team is here to support you, so don't hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns or questions.

Questions about taxes?

The Foreign National Tax Team from Northwestern's Human Resources Office can help! A representative from the Foreign National Tax Team will host walk-in office hours at the OISS at 630 Dartmouth Place from 12:00 - 3:00 PM on the following dates in August & September (all Wednesdays):

• August 16, 23 & 30
• September 6, 13, 20 & 27

Have you recently moved?

Currently enrolled F-1 and J-1 students are required to update their U.S. address in CAESAR within 10 days of moving. Follow these step-by-step instructions. Please check your address in CAESAR to ensure it is accurate or enter your new address.

CAESAR syncs with the OISS Portal, and your updated address will be reflected in your student profile in the OISS Portal within 24 hours of you making the change in CAESAR. It is not possible to make address edits directly in the OISS Portal.

OISS will be closed on Monday, September 4th

Labor Day, a federal and university holiday, will be observed on Monday, September 4th. The OISS along with all other administrative and academic offices will be CLOSED in observance of the holiday.

The Labor Day holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America's strength, prosperity, and well-being. Labor Day often is viewed as the unofficial end to summer in the U.S.