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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Documentation Requirements

Documentation Requirements

Review the documentation required for each type of H-1B visa application.

Current (Pre-Application) Status

Outside of the U.S.

Application type: H-1B Overseas
Employment eligibility documentation required: UCSIS Approval Notice
Note: If the intended start date approaches and the Approval Notice has not been received from USCIS, the NU hiring department will suspend employment until it has been received.
Dependent documentation required: No additional paperwork required; dependents apply for H-4 visa using H-1B supporting documents.

Already in the U.S. in a different visa category

Application type: H-1B COS (Change of Status)
Employment eligibility documentation required: UCSIS Approval Notice
Note: If the intended start date approaches and the Approval Notice has not been received from USCIS, the NU hiring department will suspend employment until it has been received.
Dependent documentation required: Dependent will file form I-539 to change, transfer or extend status.
Note: For assistance completing this form, review our I-539 Guidelines page.

Transferring to Northwestern; holds an H-1B with another institution

Application type: H-1B COE (Change of Employer)
Employment eligibility documentation required: UCSIS Receipt Notice
Note: If the intended start date approaches and the Approval Notice has not been received from USCIS, portability provisions allow employment to begin/continue at NU based on the receipt of the Receipt Notice from USCIS.
Dependent documentation required: Dependent will file form I-539 to change, transfer or extend status.
Note: For assistance completing this form, review our I-539 Guidelines page.

Holds an H-1B with Northwestern and would like to extend end date

Application type: H-1B EOS (Extension of Status)
Employment eligibility documentation required: UCSIS Receipt Notice
Note: If the intended start date approaches and the Approval Notice has not been received from USCIS, portability provisions allow employment to begin/continue at NU based on the receipt of the Receipt Notice from USCIS.
Dependent documentation required: Dependent will file form I-539 to change, transfer or extend status.
Note: For assistance completing this form, review our I-539 Guidelines page.

Holds an H-1B with Northwestern and is being promoted, changing position, etc.

Application type: H-1B Amend
Employment eligibility documentation required: UCSIS Receipt Notice
Note: If the intended start date approaches and the Approval Notice has not been received from USCIS, portability provisions allow employment to begin/continue at NU based on the receipt of the Receipt Notice from USCIS.
Dependent documentation required: If the amendment includes an extension, the dependent will file form I-539.

Holds an H-1B with another institution but will collaborate with Northwestern for stipend/salary

Application type: H-1B Concurrent
Employment eligibility documentation required: UCSIS Receipt Notice
Note: If the intended start date approaches and the Approval Notice has not been received from USCIS, portability provisions allow employment to begin/continue at NU based on the receipt of the Receipt Notice from USCIS.
Dependent documentation required: Dependents should be maintained on the primary employer's H-1B.