New International Student Orientation

The New International Student Orientation (NISO) is a series of pre-arrival modules and webinars (online), and post-arrival orientation/welcome events and workshops (in-person). All are designed to prepare new international students for life on NIU's campus and to orient them to the range of available student support resources.

Please review the information below, make note of the dates and required items, and continue to check back as the start of the fall semester approaches.

Before You Arrive

F-1 Pre-arrival Module (Required)

• What: A series of short videos to introduce the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office, provide you with vital information about maintaining immigration status in the U.S., and next steps.
• When: Before you arrive, no later than the first day of classes.
• How: Log into the ISSS System. Go to the Control Center. Click the F-1 Pre-arrival Module icon to watch the videos and submit your Confirmation of Completion.

RSVP

Keep us updated on the status of your US visa issuance, your planned US arrival date and RSVP for In-person International Student Orientation to be held on August 18 (see below). You will find the RSVP icon in your Control Center in the ISSS System, next to the F-1 Pre-arrival Module. You can resubmit the form anytime if you have changes to your plans.

Global Huskies Pre-Arrival Webinar

This webinar supplements the F-1 Pre-arrival Module and answers frequently asked questions from incoming students. It’s a great opportunity to meet ISSS staff, and to interact with future classmates. We will cover the I-20 process, visas, travel, what to expect in your first weeks on campus, and adapting to life in the U.S. Whether you are entering the U.S. for the first time or are transferring from another institution, we will make sure all your questions are answered.

The same webinar content will be delivered on multiple dates. Register by clicking on the date that works best for you. All webinars will begin at 9:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT).

• Wednesday, June 10
• Wednesday, June 24
• Wednesday, July 1
• Wednesday, July 15
• Wednesday, July 22
• Wednesday, August 5
• Wednesday, August 12

After You Arrive

Check-In (Required)

• What: Verify your arrival and submit copies of your immigration documents to the ISSS office.
• When: Must be completed by the end of the first week of classes.
• How: Use the Check-in Form icon in the ISSS System. It will be available starting July 18.

In-person International Student Orientation and Resource Fair

Please join us for a warm welcome to the US, to DeKalb, and to the NIU campus. Our goal is to make sure you have all the resources you need to get started in your first semester. The agenda will cover themes of academic success, wellness, daily life in the US, the immigration system and employment.

• Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
• Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Location: Carl Sandburg Auditorium, Holmes Student Center
• RSVP: Use the icon in the ISSS System, mentioned above
• Parking: If you plan to drive, please review the Parking Services website for information about visitor parking.