Northwestern University

Office of International Student and Scholar Services

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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, and other academic restrictions specifically for F-1 students. The rule is anticipated to take effect Sept. 15, 2026 and will affect members of the international community in different ways. As OISS gathers more information and communicates specific guidance to individuals and groups, we ask that members of the international community refer to the DHS Rule on Admission and Extension webpage as an up-to-date resource. Members of the Northwestern international community who have questions are encouraged to reach out directly to their assigned OISS advisor.

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Visa Options Guide

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