Northeastern University sponsors foreign nationals from around the world as they come to our internationally acclaimed campus to teach and perform leading research projects. The staff of the ISSI works with the academic departments throughout the University to help our scholars gain a J-1 visa for entry to the United States. Once a scholar has arrived to campus, they can expect one-on-one expert help with our resident Visiting Scholar Specialist to complete financial documents to ensure that they have no issues receiving compensation for their work.
Visa Extension
If you are a J-1 scholar and want to extend your visa status to continue working at Northeastern University, you must apply for the extension before your current sponsorship expires. You can verify your visa expiration date by checking Section 3 of your DS-2019.
Please know that extensions are not always possible since your department must have funding to cover any extension and must also be willing to sponsor you. Please check with your sponsoring department; they will contact the ISSI about a potential extension.
Leaving the United States
J-1 scholars who have completed their work at Northeastern University are given a 30-day grace period before they are required to depart the United States.
Traveling Outside the United States
You must have a valid DS-2019 that has been signed in the Travel Validation section within one year of your return date of the United States. Should you need to travel and require a new signature, please bring your DS-2019 to the ISSI at least one week before your departure date to have it signed.
Have a question that is not included in this list? Don’t worry. The ISSI is ready and able to help. Call for an appointment to see a counselor (617-373-2310), or if it is urgent—stop by 405 Ell Hall.