Student Visas
International students at Northwestern use F-1 and J-1 visas. The type used will depend on the student's program type and funding.
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. The rule is anticipated to take effect Sept. 15, 2026. While Northwestern analyzes this complex rule, we are working to update our website and communicate guidance as quickly as possible. Members of the Northwestern international community who have questions are encouraged to reach out directly to their assigned OISS advisor.
About Student Visas
Types of Student Visas
Understanding Immigration Documents
Admitted international students will need to apply for either a Form I-20 or DS-2019 in order to apply for a U.S. F-1 or J-1 visa for study in the U.S.Maintaining F-1 or J-1 Status
Federal regulations require all international students to maintain their F-1 or J-1 status while residing in the U.S.
Learn about RegulationsWhat if my visa expires while I am in the United States?
A visa in your passport issued by a U.S. consulate does not determine how long you can remain in the United States; it is only an entry document. Therefore, you may stay in the U. S. beyond the expiration date of a visa as long as you are maintaining your F-1 or J-1 status and the immigration document (I-20 or DS-2019) remains valid.For international travel and re-entry to the U.S., the immigration document, passport and visa must be valid and unexpired. If the visa is expired it will be necessary to apply for a new visa, through the same process as your initial visa application, at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the U.S. For more information about international travel, visit the F-1 & J-1 Travel webpage.