On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a that establishes a fixed time period of admission and an extension of stay procedure that impact students and scholars on F-1 and J-1 visas, and other academic restrictions specifically for F-1 students. The rule is anticipated to take effect Sept. 15, 2026 and will affect members of the international community in different ways. As OISS gathers more information and communicates specific guidance to individuals and groups, we ask that members of the international community refer to the DHS Rule on Admission and Extension webpage as an up-to-date resource. Members of the Northwestern international community who have questions are encouraged to reach out directly to their assigned .
Apply for an Initial E3
The OISS only accepts E-3 requests from NU sponsoring departments, so any E-3 application should begin with the E-3 applicant speaking with his or her sponsoring department; once the department has confirmed its sponsorship, the Australian National (AN) can apply. See these host department steps.
Petitions can only be started 8 months prior to the employment start date. OISS processing times are subject to change based on processing volume.
Instructions for Incoming E-3 Beneficiaries
1. Submit required documentation to your host department.
Your host department must submit your forms and documents (listed below) along with its own documents as a complete package to the OISS.
- Copy of passport biographical page
- Current curriculum vitae (CV)
- Copy of diploma(s)
- Copy of transcript(s)
- Credential evaluation
Recommended evaluation companies include: ; ;
If you once held a J-1 visa and are subject to the 212(e) two-year residency requirement:
- Copy of waiver recommendation
- Copy of I-612
If you once held an E-3:
- Copies of all past E-3 approval notices
2. Complete the online questionnaire in Docketwise.
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS) will send you the necessary login information to Docketwise after your sponsoring department has submitted their request to the OISS.
3. Make a visa appointment at a U.S. Consulate/Embassy to obtain your E-3 visa.
After processing, you will be sent required documentation for visa appointment.
You can obtain E-3 visas for your dependents at this time.
4. Arrival and check-in.
You are required to check-in at the Office of International Student and Scholar Services prior to starting work.