OISS's Summer Open Office Hours
Please note that we will be adjusting our office hours for the summer season, effective from June 10 to August 30, 2024. During this period, our office will be open Monday through Thursday, from 12:00–4:00 p.m. Should you require assistance regarding immigration matters and any other support services, our advisors are here to assist you. Schedule an appointment with your advisor >>
Web-in-Wednesdays continue through the summer months!
Check out "Web-in Wednesdays" for virtual advisement on Wednesday afternoons from 12:00–4:00 p.m. See the Web-in Wednesday webpage for more info and the link to join. Please note, students are helped individually in the order of joining the Zoom call. You will be placed in a waiting room until it is your turn.
Are you traveling abroad over the summer? Don't forget to check your I-20 or DS-2019 for a valid travel signature!
Check your Form I-20 or DS-2019 to ensure you have a valid travel endorsement (also referred to as a "travel signature") for re-entry to the United States.
A travel signature (endorsement) is relevant only to F-1 students or J-1 students and scholars (and their dependents) who are planning to travel abroad and return to the U.S. in F or J status. This includes alumni who remain in F or J status for post-graduation F-1 OPT or J-1 AT. You must have an unexpired travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 on the date you re-enter the U.S. See the OISS F-1/J-1 Travel webpage for more details.
Request a travel signature by submitting a request on the OISS Portal or drop by the OISS Office during open hours with your I-20 or DS-2019 in hand to request a travel signature.
Do I need to renew my visa?
This time of year we receive many inquiries from students asking if it is necessary to renew their student visa. It is important to recognize that a visa is only used for entry to the U.S. and the validity period of a visa does not determine how long an individual can stay in the U.S. An individual can stay in the U.S. past the expiration date of their visa as long as the immigration document (Form I-20 or DS-2019) has not expired and the electronic I-94 record reflects the proper status. Read more and learn about the visa renewal process.
Happy Graduation Class of 2024!!
Some quick reminders about OPT and AT for you:
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a 12-month work authorization available to F-1 international students who have been full-time students for at least one academic year and plan to seek employment in the United States in their fields of study.
Important Reminders:
- Please review the Optional Practical Training (OPT) website while preparing to apply for OPT.
- Remember to submit your OPT Recommendation request in the OISS Portal to receive your OPT Recommendation I-20. You can submit this request in the OISS Portal up to 100 days before the program end date on your I-20.
- You can apply for OPT up to 90 days before and up to 60 days after the program end date on your Form I-20.
For J-1 international students, please remember that you will need to plan to request and be authorized for Academic Training (AT) for any off-campus employment opportunities during and after your academic program. Please refer to the AT website to find additional information.
Summer CPT Reminders for Current Students
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work authorization for F-1 international students for off-campus employment opportunities during your academic program. Please refer to the attached PDF file to find a wealth of information and helpful resources.
Important Reminders:
- Please review the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Social Security Number websites while preparing to request work authorization during your academic program.
- Remember to submit your CPT request in the OISS Portal no later than two weeks before your start date.
- Do not begin working off-campus, in any position, until you have been approved for CPT, you have your updated CPT I-20, and your CPT start date has occurred (confirmed on page 2 of your I-20).
Updates from the Buffett Institute for Global Affairs
- Elliott Scholars Program - The Buffett Institute for Global Affairs’ new Elliott Scholars Program provides an opportunity for a cohort of undergraduate students, including international students, to engage deeply in a critical issue in global affairs. Elliott Scholars will take an interdisciplinary two-course sequence over Winter and Spring 2025, followed by participation in an international internship opportunity through the Global Engagement Studies Institute (GESI) in Summer 2025. The application to join the inaugural cohort will open in early Fall 2024. Please find more information here.
Career Tip from Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA)
NCA is open in the summer! Schedule a Zoom or in-person appointment via in Handshake.
The best way to prepare for an interview is to practice your responses aloud. NCA is available by appointment to conduct a mock interview and help you enhance your interview skills while gaining comfort and confidence. If you have concerns regarding your English verbal proficiency, here are some additional resources: Accent Modification and Professional Speaking, English Language Programs, and Toastmasters.
International Student Association (ISA) Alumni Database
As we approach the end of the academic year, please join us in making a positive impact on the Northwestern community. We invite all the international student seniors to take a few moments to fill out the International Student Association Alumni Database. By providing information and advice, you can assist the current international students in building their networks and gaining a better understanding of what it's like to work as an international professional.
Beware of the Scams
We have been receiving reports of scams that are targeting international students. Beware of scammers and keep your personal and financial information safe. Please read more about potential scammers via Study in the States.
OISS will be closed in observance of the Juneteenth holiday: June 19th
The OISS and all Northwestern academic and administrative offices will be closed on Monday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth. Read more about the Juneteenth holiday. | 
