Important Updates

Beginning in Summer 2026, Northeastern’s summer calendar is changing from three separate terms (Summer 1, Summer 2, Full Summer) to one continuous Summer Semester (May-August).  Who Must Enroll in the Summer Semester?  You must enroll in the full Summer Semester if any of the following applies:  Summer is your first semester at Northeastern  Summer is your final/graduation semester at Northeastern  You have a new I-20 or… Read more »

January 30, 2026: USCIS’ New Photo Policy and Scheduling of Biometrics Appointments Effective December 12, 2025, USCIS issued a policy alert that changed how photos will be collected for USCIS-adjudicated work authorization documents, including Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Here’s what you need to know.  What Changed?  Government Photos Only: USCIS will now only use photos taken by USCIS during biometrics appointments. Self-submitted… Read more »

Updated Travel Ban Restricts Visa Issuance and Travel to the U.S. for Nationals of 19 Additional Countries December 17, 2025 The Trump administration released a new presidential proclamation that will further restrict travel into the United States and the issuance of U.S. immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. Beginning at 12:01 a.m. EST on January 1, 2026, the issuance of F and J visas will be suspended for nationals… Read more »

This guidance is for the Northeastern Community on U.S. Campuses.   Please always review OGS’ resources on Travel prior to making plans to travel inside or outside of the U.S. Please continue to review OGS’ Frequently Asked Questions on planning travel (requires NU credentials) December 17, 2025: Updated Travel Ban Restricts Visa Issuance and Travel… Read more »

On October 29, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued an interim final rule that ends the practice of automatically extending employment authorization documents (EADs) for certain categories of individuals who apply for renewal.  This change does not impact F-1 alumni applying for the STEM OPT extension.  F-1 alumni continue to qualify for an automatic 180-day extension of employment… Read more »

On September 6, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DoS) announced that effective immediately, applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas, including F-1, F-2, J-1, and J-2 visas, “should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence”. If you are from a country where the U.S. is… Read more »

On August 28, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a proposed rule that would eliminate “Duration of Status (D/S)” for individuals in F and J nonimmigrant status.     This is a proposed rule only and, at present, nothing has changed. More on this below.    What is Duration of Status (D/S)?   Most… Read more »

Dear Northeastern Students and Alumni, Beginning on December 7, 2023, OGS deactivated its general office email addresses and implement a newly designed inquiry form in our self-service portal.  Effective immediately, students are encouraged to contact OGS through one of the below methods for any inquiries or concerns: Submit a question online through our new inquiry… Read more »

June 20, 2025 – U.S. Department of State Resumes Scheduling F/J Visa Appointments! The U.S. Department of State has officially resumed scheduling visa interviews for F-1 and J-1 student visa applicants. This means that students and scholars can now book their visa appointment at a local U.S. embassy or consulate. This is great news for all incoming… Read more »

Effective September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State will require that all F-1 and J-1 students and scholars, including their F-2 or J-2 dependents, attend in-person interviews at U.S. Embassies or Consulates abroad when applying to renew their visas.   This change marks an end to broader flexibility for interview waivers that were provided… Read more »