On Sept. 14, 2026, a federal judge in Massachusetts issued a nationwide preliminary injunction indefinitely postponing the effective date of the new U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule intended to establish a fixed time period of admission and an extension of stay procedure that would impact students and scholars on F-1 and J-1 visas, and other academic restrictions specifically for F-1 students. Northwestern is monitoring this case and any further developments, and we will continue to provide updates as appropriate.
Visa Options Guide
Narrow Visa Options by Category
TN
Visa for Canadian and Mexican citizens to temporarily engaged in professional business activities.
Type: employee
Duration: Indefinite, with extensions in 3-year increments
O-1
O-1 status is suitable for individuals who have attained national or international acclaim for extraordinary achievements in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics.
Type: employee
Duration: Indefinite (after 3 initial years), with extensions in one-year increments
LPR
Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) permits foreign nationals and their dependents to permanently remain and be employed in the United States. Departments assume the role of a sponsor and all the responsibilities associated with the process.
Type: employee
Duration: Indefinite
J-1 Student Intern
J-1 visa to participate in a structured internship program (while pursuing a degree in home country)
Type: visitor
Duration: 1 day to 12 months
J-1 Short-Term
J-1 visa for short-term consultation, lecturing, training or demonstration, not including research.
Type: visitor
Duration: 1 day to 6 months
J-1 Research
J-1 visa for research (primary focus), observation, consultation or teaching.
Type: visitor
Duration: 3 weeks to 5 years
J-1 Professor
J-1 visa for teaching (primary focus), lecturing, observation, consultation or research.
Type: visitor
Duration: 3 weeks to 5 years
H-1B
H-1B status is suitable for most international researchers, faculty and staff whose position requires the minimum of a bachelor’s degree and who will perform work in a specialized skill area.
Type: employee
Duration: Up to 6 years
E-3
The E-3 specialty occupation visa category is for Australian nationals (AN).
Type: employee
Duration: Indefinite, with extensions in 2-year increments
B1/WB
B-1 or WB status is for temporary visits to the U.S. for consultation, observation, or to give a single lecture. It is not for ongoing lecturing or ongoing teaching, research or studying.
Type: visitor
Duration: 90 days or less