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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.