Students on F-1 Visas

Students seeking a student F-1 or J-1 visa will need to submit financial documentation to receive their immigration documents. Please ensure that you have confirmed your admission through the MyNIU student system before making your request. You do not need to pay the enrollment fee to request your immigration document.

You’ll need to provide a photocopy of your passport and a bank statement. If the bank statement isn’t in your name, you must provide a letter from the account owner indicating their willingness to support you.

The bank statement must:

• Be less than six months old at the time you request your immigration documents
• Be an official copy or photocopy signed and attested by a bank manager
• Show you have access to funds to cover tuition, fees and living expenses for one year

For fall 2025 to spring 2026, the estimated cost of tuition, fees and living expenses is:

• $40,082 for computer science majors
• $40,332 for engineering majors
• $39,122 for all other majors

Visit the Office of the Bursar for more information about undergraduate international student rates.

Requesting Your I-20 or DS-2019 (Visa-seeking Students Only)

International Student and Scholar Services supports you throughout your time at NIU and beyond. We will be your main point of contact for immigration questions and support. As an incoming international student, your next step is to request your I-20 or DS-2019 document, which will allow you to apply for an F-1 or J-1 student visa. To request your I-20 or DS-2019, please log in through the International Student System. You should have previously received an invitation to the system. If you have not received that invitation, please email the International Student and Scholar Services office at isss@niu.edu and we’ll check your access.