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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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Additional Requirements for J-1 Student Interns

Funding

J-1 Exchange Visitors may receive a salary or stipend from various parties. They can present funding from Northwestern, the government, private organizations, or personal funds, but the funding must meet the current living expense requirements. 

  • This funding requirement is currently $2,470 per month (not including dependents).
  • J-1 student interns bringing dependents must show an additional $610 per month for each dependent (spouse or child) they will bring with them on a J-2 visa.
  • If NU will be paying the J-1 intern, the required amount per hour must meet or exceed $8.25/hour.

Internship Requirements

Length:

  • The internship must last for no more than 12 months and is full-time (at least 32 hours/week).

Duties and resources:

  • The internship duties must not duplicate the student intern's prior experience.
  • The internship must expose the student intern to American techniques, methodologies, and technology and expand upon his/her existing knowledge and skills.
  • The internship not displace full or part-time temporary or permanent American workers or serve to fill a labor need.
  • The internship exists solely to assist the student intern in achieving the objectives of the internship and does not involve more than 20% clerical work.
  • The internship provides sufficient resources, equipment and trained personnel available for the specified internship.

Intern Responsibilities

  • The intern must primarily be in the US to engage in the internship rather than employment or provide services to NU.
  • The intern must be in good academic standing and currently pursuing a degree outside the U.S.
  • The intern must maintain satisfactory advancement towards completion of his/her internship.
  • He or she will return to his/her home institution to complete the degree.
  • S/he cannot transfer to NU while pursuing the internship.

Supervisor Responsibilities

Intern placement/training:

  • The intern must be oriented with the department personnel, equipment, procedures, etc.
  • He or she must not be placed in an unskilled or casual labor position, in a position that requires or involves child care or elder care, a position in the field of aviation or in clinical positions or any other kind of work that involves patient care or contact, including therapy.

Evaluation:

  • NU student intern supervisor must complete a required evaluation of the intern's performance at the conclusion of the internship and for internships lasting longer than 6 months, a mid-point evaluation as well.
  • The Supervisor Evaluation must be submitted to the International Office.