Fees and Processing Time

International students are required to pay a SEVIS fee, and should be aware of processing times required by ISSI for help with documents and other services.

SEVIS fee

International students seeking an F-1 or J-1 visa to enter the U.S. are subject to a federally mandated SEVIS fee for the maintenance of their electronic record. The SEVIS fee cannot be processed at the U.S. consulate or ports of entry, and must be paid in advance of arrival in the United States. Students paying the fee by credit card will be able to print the receipt immediately. Students paying the fee by check or money order will receive a receipt in the mail.
Canadian citizens, although not required to procure a visa, are still required to pay a SEVIS fee before entering the U.S.

Document processing time
With more than 2500 international students and scholars at Northeastern, please anticipate the following processing times when requesting services and documents.

Please keep in mind that the following external factors could extend the processing times listed above:

• Withdrawal or Block by Student Central, University Health and Counseling Services, Dean’s Office, etc.

• Inability to sustain full-time enrollment

• Reissuance of an I-20/DS-2019 due to a significant change (major, funding, etc.)

If you have an emergency, the front desk staff member will refer you to the advisor on duty. Please be patient as we do our best to assist you.