Faculty / Researcher ServicesResearch Appointments & Visa Information
The Customer Service Center is dedicated to providing focused expertise on Northwestern University’s appointment and visa process.
We collaborate with the International Office, Risk Management, Graduate Studies & Research and the Office for Research when processing your appointment and/or visa request. The information we request from you is required by these different offices for approval of the appointment and/or visa.
The McCormick Customer Service Center provides subject matter expertise on various visa processes, including:
- J-1
- H-1B
- B-1/WB
- TN
- A2
- CPT (concurrent F-1 work authorization)
- OPT (post F-1 work authorization)
We facilitate scholar appointments as well as research staff and faculty appointments. Please check this page for the latest news and visa timelines before inviting a researcher to come work or collaborate with you.
Visa Timelines
The following timelines reflect the earliest date work authorization can be issued. Please note this timeline does not include the time needed for a scholar to apply for a visa in their home country. Visa wait times vary depending on the country. Scholars from China and India can experience visa wait times of 6-8 weeks.
For the most up-to-date information on visa timelines and fees, please refer to the International Office's website. Note that the Customer Service Center requires 2 weeks to process any appointment request prior to it reaching the International Office.
J-1 Visa
New: 02/06/2025*
Extension: 01/23/2025
H-1B Visa
New: 08/26/2025*
Change of Status: 08/26/2025
Extension: 05/26/2025
Change of Employer:05/26/2025
Concurrent: 05/26/2025
OPT
STEM Extension: 04/25/2025
Please note the following:
* Due to processing delays at the Department of Labor (DOL) and United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS), H-1B visa processing can take 3-4 months longer than the timeline presented above.
* If out of country, the scholar must also get a visa from his or her local consulate. This will take an additional one week to three months depending on country of origin.