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Alert

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.

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Compare Visa Types, Fees and Processing Times

Use the table below to find processing times and fees for the various visitor and employee visa types. Please note the OISS processing times are the minimum; requests can be submitted up to 6 months in advance of the start date. 

Visa Type

OISS Processing Time

External Processing Time

OISS Fees

USCIS  Fees

Attorney Fees

J-1

10 business days

Varies based on consulate

$325

$200 rush fee; automatically applied if request is submitted within 10 business days of program start date

n/a

 n/a

New H-1B 

3 months in advance of start date

2 - 3 weeks with USCIS premium processing

 

Overseas requests will vary by Consulate

 

$1,400

$460 I-129 fee*

$500 fraud fee*

$2,965  premium processing fee*

If the H-1B petition receives request for evidence (RFE), then attorney fees can range $1,000 - 3,500 depending on complexity.

H-1B Change of Employer

3 months in advance of start date

2-3 weeks with USCIS for Receipt Notice

$1,400

$460 I-129 fee*

$500 fraud fee*

Optional:
 $2,965  premium processing fee*

 n/a

H-1B Amendment

3 months in advance of start date

2-3 weeks with USCIS for Receipt Notice

$1,400

$460 I-129 processing*

Optional: $2,965  premium processing fee*

 n/a

H-1B Extension

3 months in advance of start date

2-3 weeks with USCIS for Receipt Notice

$1,400

$460 I-129 processing*

Optional:  $2,965  premium processing fee*

 n/a

E-3 Overseas

3 months

Varies based on consulate

$1,400

n/a

 n/a

E-3 within the U.S.

3 months

Varies but usually 4-12 months with USCIS for Approval Notice

$1,400

$460 I-129 processing and $500 fraud fee*

 n/a

TN

2 months

Varies for Mexicans based on consulate; n/a for Canadians

n/a

n/a

 n/a

TN (if requesting a change of status or an extension from within the U.S.)

2 months

Varies but usually 4-12 months with USCIS for Approval Notice

n/a

$460 I-129 processing*

 n/a

B1

n/a

Varies based on consulate

n/a

n/a

 n/a

LPR

Varies

Varies

$2,500

 

 Varies

Payment Process for USCIS fees: 

*USCIS fees are paid via p-card using form G-1450. More information on the H-1B payment process can be found here.