Travel and Immigration

Northwestern is a global institution that welcomes students, scholars and staff from all over the world. Our international students and scholars bring with them perspectives and experiences that are critical to our shared academic success. We cannot do our best work without attracting the best minds from around the world and offering opportunities for our community members to explore the globe.

The University continues to monitor evolving federal activities and potential policy actions related to immigration and international travel.

Federal Action

Executive Order: Transparency Regarding Foreign Influence in American Universities
Executive Order: Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats
Executive Order: Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship
Executive Order: America First Policy Directive to the Secretary of State
Executive Order: Protecting the American People Against Invasion

Resources and Guidance

Units

Northwestern has three units that primarily deal with travel and immigration issues:

Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS)

intoff@northwestern.edu

(847) 491-5613

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services provides immigration advising to help students, faculty, staff, postdocs and scholars understand immigration policies that impact them. OISS regularly updates its resources to ensure community members understand their U.S.-based rights regardless of immigration status.

Office of Global Safety and Security (OGSS)

globalsafety@northwestern.edu

(847) 467-6400

The Office of Global Safety and Security supports the health, safety and security of students, faculty and staff who travel abroad for University purposes. Faculty and staff have comprehensive international health insurance for University-related travel through GeoBlue for Employees. Faculty accompanying students abroad must consult the checklist for group travel for additional requirements.

Export Controls and International Compliance

exportcontrols@northwestern.edu

(515) 240-1821

The Export Controls and International Compliance (ECIC) team helps faculty, staff and students navigate export control and other international compliance regulations (i.e., foreign interference and malign foreign talent programs and ensuring we do not export controlled items to restricted or barred parties or determining if we need an export control license). The ECIC is also Northwestern’s Research Security Office.

Travel

It is important to be aware of potential updates regarding federal travel guidance or restrictions. Only you can decide if traveling is the best decision for you.

For those with Northwestern-affiliated immigration status, see OISS guidance on appropriate documentation related to travel.

Faculty and staff traveling on University business are strongly encouraged to book their travel through one of Northwestern’s contracted travel agencies to ensure the University has a record of your travel.
- The U.S. Department of State maintains a list of travel advisories. Some locations considered high-risk by Northwestern’s non-medical evacuation provider require additional action.
- Review countries that may hold special status (e.g., OFAC Sanctioned, Military End User). Contact the ECIC team for a review before your international travel if you are traveling to an OFAC or MEU country or shipping or hand-carrying controlled items — commodities, software or technology — to any country (e.g., biological materials, space-related technology, critical or emerging technology or unpublished technical data).
Check the Export Controls and International Compliance webpage on Federal Regulations to determine if you are traveling to an OFAC sanctioned country or military end-use countries (MEU). Review this travel guidance.
- If traveling to an OFAC sanctioned country, register online.
  - Taking a clean/loaner laptop is required for OFAC countries and highly recommended for MEU countries. Feinberg personnel can submit a request to FSM Loaner Laptop Request and the rest of the campus community can request a loaner laptop from NUIT. Individual schools may require or encourage a clean/loaner laptops for all international travel regardless of country. Learn more and see IT travel tips.
- Email the ECIC team for an export control and research security review if you are traveling to a military end use country including but not limited to China.
OGSS also provides general information and emergency notifications related to international travel.

If you are stopped/detained by immigration/customs upon your return to the U.S.
- Legal questions should be directed to an immigration attorney.
- For the purposes of notifying the appropriate University officials, if possible, contact Northwestern Police at (847) 491-3456.

If You Are Approached by a Federal Officer

If you or someone you know are approached by a federal officer on or off campus, remain calm and do not interfere. Call Northwestern Police at (847) 491-3456. You also may wish to share this number with an emergency contact. Describe the situation to the dispatcher, who will notify the appropriate University officials.

The University is limited in its ability to provide references to legal counsel to address individual, personal concerns. Members of the community with concerns are encouraged to reach out to an immigration attorney.