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H-1B Employee Check-in

This webpage provides guidance on your transition to an H-1B visa holder at Northwestern University.

Check-in with OISS

For H-1B employees arriving from overseas

For overseas (consular) applicants, within 5 days of your H-1B start date as indicated on your I-797 Approval Notice, please complete required check-in with OISS by emailing the following to your assigned OISS Scholar Advisor:

Email subject: H-1B Scholar Check-in (Last name, First name)

  • JPEG of PDF of the visa page in your passport
  • Image of admission stamp in your passport (if given) 
  • Most recent I-94 Record

For H-1B employees already in the U.S.

For change of status, change of employer (transfer), and extension applicants, OISS will contact you when your I-797 Approval Notice is ready for pick up or shipping to your residential address. There are no additional steps to check in with our office.

* Note:  If you change status to H-1B while remaining in the U.S. or transfer your H-1B to Northwestern, your I-797 Approval Notice will contain a new I-94 record at the bottom. This I-94 record will replace your previous record and show your new nonimmigrant status (H-1B) and dates of valid status in the US. The eleven-digit I-94 number is the same number you were given when you last entered the U.S. The I-94 record on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection I-94 website will not update unless you depart from the US and physically re-enter in H-1B status. You should use the paper I-94 record showing your status as H-1B if you are asked to provide your I-94 record.

Update your address with USCIS

Update your local U.S. address with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. H-1B visa holders must notify USCIS directly of any change of home address by completing Form AR-11 within 10 days of moving.


Complete the New Employee Checklist for Foreign Nationals

The New Employee Checklist for Foreign Nationals will help you understand required steps with OISS, Human Resources, and Payroll.

Sign-up to receive the OISS Community Listserv

Stay connected and informed with the Office of International Student and Scholar Services through our OISS-Community Listserv for communications with the campus community. By subscribing, you'll receive OISS news and updates via email. For instruction on how to subscribe, go to OISS Community Listserv.

Obtain your Northwestern Wildcard (I.D. Card)

Submit your photo online and book an appointment to pick up your Wildcard at the Evanston or Chicago Wildcard Office. The Wildcard provides various privileges and access around campus including shuttle transportation, library access, building access, and more. 


Apply for an Illinois Driver's License and/or familiarize yourself with other transportation options:

See our Driving and Transportation webpage for detailed information and related resources.

Get to know the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS)

Take advantage of our advice and guidance. Scholar advisors are assigned based on the hosting department/school at Northwestern. See the OISS Our Staff webpage to determine your assigned Scholar Advisor.