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.
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services advises and assists Northwestern's international visitors and employees, including faculty members, staff, researchers, exchange visitors and short-term visitors. All university employee visas require input from the employee and his or her host department at Northwestern; we help with the process of acquiring and maintaining both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa statuses.
Compare the processing times and fees for these visas.
Visitors fall into a variety of nonimmigrant visa categories that vary according to reason for visit, home country, or length of visit.
Employees fall in a variety of nonimmigrant visa categories that vary according to their position at the university and their home country.
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. Extraordinary ability is defined as a high level of expertise and indicates that the person is one of a small percentage who has risen to the very top of his/her field.
Northwestern may sponsor international employees for Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) -- or "green card" -- immigrant status. New tenure-track faculty are eligible to apply for LPR status at the beginning of their hire; other employees are must wait a minimum of two years for Northwestern sponsorship.