Resources & Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
About passports and visas
About the I-20 and DS-2019
About OPT and Work
About Family
About passports and visas
I noticed that my passport has already expired. What should I do?
Contact your embassy or consulate for instructions on applying for passport renewal. Not all countries have a consular office in Boston. You may need to contact a consulate in New York or in other parts of the U.S., or an embassy in Washington D.C. The renewal procedure may take a few weeks or a few months, depending on the policies of your government. Also your consular office may require you to provide information such as proof of your enrollment at Northeastern (you may request a Certificate of Attendance at ISSI) or official transcript (you may request at the Registrar’s Office)
My passport was stolen! What should I do?
You should contact the local police and ask them to file a police report. If the passport was stolen on campus, be sure to contact Northeastern University Police Department (NUPD). This is important because some consular offices may require a copy of the police report when they issue a replacement passport.
I lost my passport and I-94 card. What should I do?
You should contact the embassy of your home country in Washington D.C to report the loss and request a new passport. To replace your I-94 card, you need to file Form I-102 and send it to USCIS with the appropriate fee.
How can I get a replacement for my I-20 or DS-2019 form?
You can request a replacement at ISSI, 405 Ell Hall. You will be asked to complete ISSI Form 122 (“SEVIS I-20/DS-2019 Request Form”). It takes up to 10 business days to process this.
What should I do if my visa stamp has already expired? Can I travel and re-enter as a tourist?
If you are currently staying in the U.S. on an F-1 student visa or J-1 exchange visitor visa to study full-time, DO NOT re-enter on the B-1/B-2 Visitor visa or Visa Waiver program. If you need to travel and your visa has already expired, refer to the section on applying for a visa.
My visa expired. Do I have to renew it?
You will need to renew it only if and when you travel outside the United States and intend to return to resume your program of study.
I have a valid visa in my old passport, but I have a new passport. Can I still use my visa?
Yes, you can use your valid visa in your old passport. When you travel, you must carry both your new passport, and the old one that has the valid visa stamp. If you are required to return your old passport when you get a new one, you will have to apply for a new visa before you return to the U.S. You should confirm your home country and U.S. requirements as they apply to your country of citizenship.
Can I renew my visa without leaving the United States?
No. Visas can only be obtained and renewed outside the U.S. Visas usually must be renewed in the student’s home country. Visa renewal applications filed in a “third country” (outside of your country of permanent residence) are not recommended.
Can my parents be included in my I-20 or DS-2019?
No. Only spouses and dependent children are eligible for F-2 of J-2 nonimmigrant visa status.
I'm a new student at Northeastern, when can I get my I-20 or IAP-66 form?
As a new student, you will receive your I-20 after the Department/ School approves your acceptance and your file is complete, including official GRE/GMAT/SAT/TOEFL (s applicable) scores and verification of sufficient financial resources.
What financial resources do I need to demonstrate in order to receive an I-20 or DS-2019 form?
You must demonstrate you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition, living and miscellaneous expenses for at least the first year of your studies. Each program within the University has different amounts for tuition and fees. Please contact the ISSI for details as they related to the U.S federal requirements and/or refer to the cost estimates referenced in the Declaration of Certification of Finances form (DCF).
If I decide to change my major, do I need a new I-20 or DS-2109?
Yes. Your documents should always reflect the program in which you are currently enrolled. Hence, you should obtain a new form from the ISSI every time you change majors or academic levels.
When can I apply for Optional Practical Training?
You may apply as early as 90 days before you complete your requirements. Your practical training must begin within 60 days after you complete your academic requirements.
How long does it take to process Optional Practical Training?
Usually it takes 5-8 weeks for USCIS to process applications for OPT that are recommended by the ISSI. However, in the peak periods in December and May it may take as long as 12 weeks to receive authorization from USCIS.
Can I work on campus?
Yes, you may, if you in valid J-1 or F-1 status and have the proper approval/authorization from the ISSI. On campus employment is incidental to your status, but you cannot work more than 20 hours during the academic year. You may work more than 20 hours during authorized vacation periods.
Where can I find a part-time job on campus?
Available part-time on-campus jobs are listed on your myNEU account in the “Self-Service” tab. Please note: International students are NOT permitted to work as “work-study” employees.
About Family
I want to bring my family members to stay with me in the U.S. What should I do?
Please contact the ISSI about the issuance of appropriate documents for your family once you show proof that you will be able to support them, as required by federal regulations.
I’m traveling home with my spouse and children. What type of documents do we need to carry?
Your dependents need to carry their SEVIS forms. If you are currently in the U.S. with your family members, be sure to apply for a SEVIS form for yourself as well as one for each of your dependents. If you would like to bring your family from your country as your F-2/J-2 dependents, you need to request SEVIS forms for their entries from the ISSI. You are required to complete ISSI Form 122 and submit it with proof of funding for both your own expenses and those of your dependents. The annual estimated cost for a dependent is $6,500 for a spouse and $3,500 for each child. It takes at least 5 business days to process the request. Please keep in mind that estimated costs for tuition and living expenses are expected to increase each year.
Can my wife/husband work when they are in US?
Spouses in F-2 status cannot work under any circumstances. Spouses in J-2 status may work with USCIS authorization. Instructions for the J-2 work authorization process are available at the ISSI.