Travel Dates
(Updated 08/21/2023)
All F-1 and J-1 students are expected to arrive at Northeastern University by the program start date that is listed on their Form I-20/DS-2019 in order to appropriately abide by federal regulations. The program start dates on the Form I-20/DS-2019 are aligned with the Academic Calendar of the University. Plan on arriving by the first day of the program start date listed on your Form I-20/DS-2019.
Remember: Students can only enter the United States 30 days before the program start date listed on their Form I-20/DS-2019. Students who attempt to enter the U.S more than 30 days before their program start date may be found inadmissible by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Late Arrival
We recognize that some students may experience extenuating circumstances outside of their control, and that may delay their arrival by a few days. If you find out that you are unable to arrive for the first day of classes, you must notify your College contact. For your convenience, you may click here for a list of each College’s contacts.
*No late arrivals may be approved by your College beyond the University Add/Drop deadline.
Last Day of University Add/Drop – Fall 2023
Graduate Students (except CPS) | 09/19/2023 |
Graduate CPS Students | 10/01/2023 |
Undergraduate Students (except CPS) | 09/14/2023 |
Undergraduate CPS Students | 09/19/2023 |
*If your Form I-20/DS-2019 has not yet been issued by your program’s start date, you are not eligible for late arrival and you will be required to defer your program. Please find more information here.
If your College contact approves your late arrival request, you will receive a support letter in an email. A late arrival support letter does not guarantee entry to the U.S. as all students should be entering the U.S. by the program start date listed on their I-20/DS-2019.
Upon entry to the U.S., you must complete the Online Immigration Clearance check-in so OGS can activate your SEVIS record in a timely manner.
Students who may need to travel to the U.S. later than the Add/Drop deadline must work with their College to defer enrollment to the next academic term. Please find more information here.