Do you need a Travel Signature?

Are you traveling internationally over the summer and will re-enter the U.S.? If yes, check your Form I-20 or DS-2019 to ensure you have a valid travel endorsement (also referred to as a "travel signature") for re-entry to the United States.

A travel signature (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 your I-20 or DS-2019 on the date you re-enter the U.S. See the OISS F-1/J-1 Travel webpage for more details.

Request a travel signature by submitting a request on the OISS Portal or drop by the OISS Office during open hours with your I-20 or DS-2019 in hand to request a travel signature.

J-1 Students: We can now electronically sign & transmit DS-2019s!

The Department of State (DOS) has announced a new rule that will permit the electronic transmission of the Form DS-2019 to J-1 exchange visitors beginning on April 27, 2023. J-1 exchange visitors who need an updated DS-2019 or a new travel signature will receive an electronic version of the DS-2019 via e-mail from OISS.

Calling all ambitious and caring graduate students!

Are you ready to make a lasting impact on new graduate students arriving to study at Northwestern in Fall term? Join OISS in shaping an unforgettable experience for new international graduate students at Northwestern University! As a Graduate Peer Advisor (GPA) for the Graduate International Student Orientation (G-ISO), you'll play a pivotal role in welcoming and guiding our incoming graduate students during their transition to campus and the United States. This is your chance to develop leadership skills, build a diverse network, and make a lasting impact on the incoming group of fall 2023 international graduate students.

Application deadline: May 30th at 11:59 PM

Read full details and apply on the 2023 GPA Application Form

OISS Student Newsletter Schedule

The OISS Newsletter will be published once per monthly (on or around the 15th of the month) in May, June, July and August. Be sure to like and follow OISS on Facebook and Instagram for the most up to date announcements, news and events.

OISS on Facebook

OISS on Instagram 

Join us for the remaining Coffee Talk sessions in Spring term!

• When: May 19th and June 2nd, 3:00 - 4:00 PM
• Where: In-person at OISS (630 Dartmouth Place) OR attend via Zoom. To receive the meeting link, please sign up with this form.

Coffee Talk is a welcoming space where attendees (international students and scholars) can: 

• Support each other in navigating cross-cultural adjustment to academics and living in the US,  homesickness, relationships, career, stress and anxiety, and other relevant topics.
• Grow self-confidence and cultivate a sense of belonging on campus. 
• Celebrate the pride and resilience of international students.
• And take a break from studies! 

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

Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Virtual Workshop

OISS offers online workshops for F-1 international students interested in pursuing work authorization in the U.S. through Optional Practical Training (OPT). The Zoom workshop will cover OPT eligibility requirements, application timelines and application requirements, and more. All F-1 international students interested in applying for OPT are encouraged to attend. Upcoming OPT Workshop dates:

• Thursday, May 25th - 1:30 PM - Join workshop via Zoom
• Monday, June 5th - 3:00 PM - Join workshop via Zoom

Around Town:
Downtown Evanston Farmer's Market

The Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market will be open every Saturday over the summer (now through Nov. 4th) from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at University Place and Oak Avenue, behind the Hilton Garden Inn.  This season, over 50 vendors will sell a wide variety of goods, including fruits, vegetables, meat, flowers, cheese, baked goods and more.  

 Mark your calendar!

• Every Wednesday, 12:00 - 4:00 PM - Virtual Advising with OISS Advisors
  See the Web-in-Wednesdays webpage for details and Zoom link
• May 19th @ 3:00 PM - Coffee Talk
  In-person at OISS (630 Dartmouth Place) OR attend via Zoom. 
  To receive the meeting link, please sign up with this form.
• May 25th @ 1:30 PM - OPT Workshop
• May 30th - Application deadline for 2023 Graduate Peer Advisors to assist with G-ISO
• June 2nd @ 3:00 PM - Coffee Talk
  In-person at OISS (630 Dartmouth Place) OR attend via Zoom. To receive the meeting link, please sign up with this form.
•  June 5th @ 3:00 PM - OPT Workshop