Starting Your Program

Congratulations on your admission to Northern Illinois University! Our office is excited to help you join us on campus. 

Visa Process Overview

• 1

  Accepting Admission

  Once you have accepted your admission, admissions will ask that you submit a financial certification document. To bring your spouse and/or child(ren), you will need to make sure that admissions is aware prior to completing your financial certification.

• 2

  Creating of I-20 or DS-2019

  Once NIU has received your proof of financials, your new immigration document will be created and mailed to you. This form will be used to apply for the student visa stamp at the U.S. Consulate/Embassy abroad.

• 3

  Visa Interview

  Before going to the visa interview, you will need to pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee online. Once that fee has been paid, you can schedule your visa appointment.

  If you are Canadian, you do not have to apply for a visa. At the port of entry, you present your Canadian passport and I-20 or DS-2019 to request status to enter the U.S.

• 4

  Coming to the U.S.

  Once you have received your visa, you will be able to enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before the start of your program. The start date for your program is indicated on your I-20 or DS-2019.

  When you arrive, you must come to our office to report and complete our check-in procedures.

• 5

  Orientation

  Attend ISSS orientation, offered once a semester.