Incoming Exchange Students
Welcome to Kellogg
We look forward to welcoming you to campus and will do our best between now and then to ensure you are fully prepared for your exchange term.
Over the next few months, you will receive detailed information on visas, housing and course registration. We understand you are eager to plan your stay and are looking forward to welcoming you to campus. Please note, however, that onboarding takes a little time. Rest assured you will receive all necessary information with ample time to prepare. We appreciate your patience!
| Onboarding timeline | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Term Exchange: September–December | Winter Term Exchange: January–March | Spring Term Exchange: April–June | |
| Welcome email | Early-June | Early-September | Early-November |
| Visas | July | September | November |
| Housing | Mid-July | Mid-October | Mid-January |
| Course selection | Mid-July | Early November | Mid-February |
Orientation
All exchange students coming to Kellogg are required to attend a mandatory orientation session, which will take place before classes begin. It is highly recommended that you arrive a few days prior to the orientation session to get acclimated to Evanston and settled into your living arrangements before classes start.
Orientation dates for Academic Year 2025 - 2026
- Fall Term: Friday, September 12, 2025
- Winter Term: Friday, January 2, 2026
- Spring Term: Monday, March 30, 2026
Visa Procedures
Discover what you need to apply for your visa.
Kellogg Quarterly Exchange Immigration Document Request Process
1. Admission & NetID Activation
You will receive an email from Kellogg Admissions that includes the Incoming Exchange Student Registration Form.
You will receive an email containing your official Kellogg student credentials (NetID & email address) along with an activation code.
2. Admissions Letter
You will receive an admissions letter from Kellogg Global Experience. You will need to upload your admissions letter to your OISS Portal DS-2019 request.
3. Access to OISS Portal
Shortly after you have received your netID and Kellogg email address, you will be given access to the OISS Portal to move forward with your DS-2019 request.
4. Complete the DS-2019 Request
Shortly after you have received your netID and Kellogg email address, you will be given access to the OISS Portal to move forward with your DS-2019 request.
5. DS-2019 Issued
You will receive an email, at your Kellogg email address, alerting you when your DS-2019 has been processed and is available for download in the OISS Portal.
6. Pay SEVIS fee
Go to I-901 Fee website to pay your SEVIS fee.
7. Schedule and Attend Visa Appointment
Make sure you review the linked website and bring all printed documentation with you for your J-1 visa appointment. Be prepared to show documentation of strong ties to your home country as well (financial, family, investments, etc.). Canadian citizens do not need a J-1 visa; skip steps 7 and 8.
Housing resources
Incoming Exchange Students have a variety of housing options to choose from. Students can sublet an apartment from current students, live in on campus graduate housing, or opt in for a community homestay. Once you have been added to the Exchange Student Canvas page, you will have access to sublets, homestays, and on-campus housing timelines. Depending on the quarter, some housing options may be limited.
Classes and registration
As an incoming exchange student, you will select your courses during an exclusive pre-registration period.
Insurance
All incoming full-time international students will be enrolled in Northwestern University’s Aetna health insurance plan. Students are not allowed to waive the insurance requirement.
Campus life
Opportunities for involvement on campus range from social events to student conferences to sporting events.
JV and family resources
Partners at Kellogg are referred to as Joint Ventures (JV), and they are an important part of the Kellogg community. Please note, that exchange students who are planning on bringing partners or children on their exchange program cannot apply for J2 visas. Your JV and children will need their own visas.