For International Students
Welcome. 欢迎. Bienvenido. வரவேற்பு. Hoş geldin. 歡迎. Maligayang pagdating. أهلا بك. 환영합니다.
The resources below will help you prepare for life in Evanston.
Connect with Current Students
Want to learn more about life as an international student at Northwestern? The Global Wildcats are international student volunteers available to answer your questions. To connect with the Global Wildcats, please be on the lookout for our upcoming office hours via Zoom and for specific questions, please email globalwildcats@u.northwestern.edu .
There are many ways for you to get involved in the campus community. Explore Northwestern's student organizations to get a feel for what’s going on at Northwestern.
Student visa information
Northwestern University’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS) is the main source for immigration support and advising to international students.
Incoming students who do not hold U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or a visa status that allows full-time study will need to secure a student visa or transfer a current SEVIS record to study at Northwestern.
- Determine which visa is the right fit for you
- Transfer your current SEVIS record to Northwestern University
Before submitting your immigration document request , please ensure the following :
- You have confirmed your intent to enroll at Northwestern by paying the nonrefundable $400 tuition deposit (due May 1) or using an approved fee waiver.
- Your NetID is activated.
To allow ample time for visa processing, Northwestern recommends submitting your immigration document request as soon as possible after being invited to the OISS Portal.
Once you receive your immigration document, take the following steps:
- Schedule your visa appointment.
- Prepare for your arrival at Northwestern.
Arrive and get acquainted
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS) will provide shuttle transportation from Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) to the Evanston campus on Sunday, September 13, 2026. There will be shuttles throughout the day offered on a first-come, first- served basis for students traveling alone. Students traveling with families and friends could travel to Northwestern via various methods.
International undergraduate students move into their campus residence on September 13 and do not need to select a move-in appointment.
International Wildcat Welcome (IWW)
September 14–15: The International Wildcat Welcome in-person experience is required for incoming international students to participate. This is time for international students to connect with other peers, build community, and get familiarized with campus resources.
Wildcat Welcome
On September 15, international students will transition to their Wildcat Welcome experience once IWW concludes. Wildcat Welcome is Northwestern's mandatory orientation for all new students which lasts from September 15-22 . Wildcat Welcome discusses college transition issues, advising and course registration for your first quarter and provides an opportunity to meet your entire class. Wildcat Welcome will be held the week prior to the start of classes. Do not plan to make any other arrangements during that time period, as you'll be in programming most of the time.
Classes begin on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Students will register for classes during Wildcat Welcome.