Planning international travel over Spring Break? Check your I-20 or DS-2019 to verify you have a valid travel signature to re-enter the U.S.

A travel signature (travel endorsement) is relevant only to F-1 students or J-1 students and scholars (and their dependents) who are planning to travel abroad and return to the U.S. in F or J status. This includes alumni who remain in F or J status for post-graduation F-1 OPT or J-1 AT. You must have an unexpired travel signature on the date you re-enter the U.S. 

Learn more about travel signature validity on the OISS webpage F-1 & J-1 Travel

How do I get a travel signature on my I-20/ DS-2019?

• Submit request in OISS Portal - F-1 students submit an “I-20 Reprint Request” and J-1 students submit a "DS-2019 Reprint Request" at the OISS Portal.  Processing time is 5 business days, so please submit your request in a timely manner. You will receive an email notifying you when your updated I-20/DS-2019 with a travel signature has been processed and is ready for you to access via the OISS Portal.

OPT Q and A Session

Thursday, February 15th at 1:00 PM 

This question and answer session is for F-1 international students interested in pursuing work authorization in the U.S. through Optional Practical Training (OPT) and who have completed the online OPT tutorial in Homebase. An advisor will go over a few important topics in the Homebase course and then open it up for questions. See more details and zoom link to join.

Virtual Tax Workshop for International Students & Scholars

Friday, February 16th, 3:00 - 5:00 PM 

Was 2023 your first year in the United States? Have you been in the United States for more than 5 calendar years? Possess a J or F visa? Do you need help or have questions about income tax filings? Are you afraid or nervous about tackling the tax filing process on your own? Have you filed tax returns in previous years but were unsure if you filed correctly? Do you have family members who have accompanied you on your stay in the United States?

If you have answered “Yes” to any of these questions, you are invited to attend this tax workshop for international students and scholars.

See additional Tax Workshop dates

Lunar New Year Greetings from Northwestern President Michael Schill

Please watch this message from President Schill honoring Lunar New Year.

Be Aware of Scams

Each year, many individuals are taken advantage of by dishonest people who use both phone and internet means to scam them of their money. International students can be especially vulnerable to these attacks. We want you to be aware that the US government and its officials will NEVER ask you for any payments over the phone or via internet means such as gift cards or bank transfers.

This video is a very helpful resource to view and should help you to avoid problems. In addition, there is a great resource at Study in the States that can help keep both you and your bank account safe. And of course, if you have any questions or concerns, please take a moment to contact us at OISS.

Coffee Talk

EVANSTON CAMPUS & VIRTUAL COFFEE TALK

Coffee Talk will be held in hybrid format every other Friday afternoon of Winter term from 3:00- 4:00 PM. The next session will be held Friday, Feb 23rd.

Coffee Talk is a community support space tailored for international students, international scholars, those who have international experiences, and/or those who are interested in international students’ experiences to connect with each other, prioritize their well-being, explore different topics related to international student experiences, and cultivate a sense of belonging on-campus. 

CAPS and OISS will provide tea, coffee, and snacks for all in-person attendees.

In-Person Location: OISS at 630 Dartmouth Place, Evanston 

Online Via Zoom: Recurring link for Winter 2024 Coffee Talk Meetings - Connect at the scheduled time via Zoom

See full Coffee Talk schedule for Winter Term: Northwestern Events Calendar: CAPS Outreach and Support Spaces

Coffee Talk "FIKA TIME" - Chicago Campus

• Winter term meetings begin on February 2nd at Abbott Hall Room 332, TGS Conference Room, at the Chicago campus.
• Chicago Coffee Talk "Fika Time" meets the first Friday of every month from 3 - 4 PM. See full details about Chicago Coffee Talk Fika Time.
• The next Coffee Talk FIKA TIME will be held March 1st, 3 - 4 PM.

Buffett Institute Graduate Student Open House

Tuesday, February 20 from 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Harris Hall, Room 108
1881 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL
RSVP to reserve your spot

The Buffett Institute for Global Affairs is an intellectual community for graduate students who work on international and global topics. At these events, graduate students can meet colleagues with shared interests beyond their department and learn about cutting-edge scholarship across the disciplines. Through these programs, graduate students can receive funding for international research, conference travel and more. 

Light bites and refreshments will be served.

Calendar of Events

• OPT Q&A Session - Feb 15th, 1:00 PM
• Virtual Tax Workshop - Feb 16th, 3:00 - 5:00 PM  
• Buffett Institute Graduate Student Open House - Feb 20th, 5:00 - 6:30 PM
• Coffee Talk - Feb 23rd, 3:00 - 4:00 PM
• Sprintax Nonresident Tax Webinar - Feb 28th, 11:00 AM