Who can study?
International Student Services oversees students on F-1 student visas at all aspects of study of NU and all other immigration categories for the CELE program. ISS does not oversee other visa categories with the exception of the CELE program. Therefore, permanent residents and other visas authorized to study should be treated as domestic students. ISS is happy to give advice on any visa or immigration category that enrollment counselors are not familiar with.
Where F-1 students can study
- F-1 student visa holders can only enroll in the main NU campus at Kirkland, WA. They cannot enroll in Northwest Partnership Programs (NPP) or Online programs unless it is their annual vacation semester.
- F-2 dependents can enroll part-time in an SEVP approved school (only the in-seat Traditional Undergraduate, Graduate, and CELE programs).
Common visas that cannot study at NU
- B-1, B-2 (tourist/temporary) visas unless it is a short-term program
- F-2 cannot study full-time
Other visas that can study at NU
Common questions for certain visas:
- H-1B – can study in any program as long as they are maintaining their work requirements
- H-4 – can study in any program but cannot work unless they have an EAD card
- J-1 – depends on their category; au pairs can study in any program assuming they are maintaining their J requirements.
- Asylees – can study in any program assuming their asylee application is pending
What type of documentation should I record for visa holders that are approved to study but aren’t F-1? It is good practice to record their immigration documentation (passport, visa approval, approved application), but it is not required.