How to Apply  

Step One: Get Nominated 

Before you can apply to be an exchange student at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), your home institution must first nominate you. NEIU accepts only exchange students who are nominated by our partner universities. We will not accept applications that are directly submitted by a student. So please begin by going to your home university's international office. 

Step Two: Receive application link 

After being nominated by your home institution, we will send you an email with a link to our application in the SLATE portal, along with instructions. 

Step Three: Complete Application  

Complete and submit the application to be admitted as an exchange student at NEIU.

Step Four: Get your DS-2019

After getting admitted to NEIU, we will send you an admission letter and a government form called a DS-2019. We will send you digital copies of them via email, as well as hardcopies of each via mail to your home universities. Please note: you will need this hard copy of your DS-2019 for your visa interview. A digital copy of it, or a home printout, will not be enough.

NEIU’s Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), Michael Nance, will issue your DS-2019. This form states your name, address, program of study, the financials you presented, and the duration of your stay. This form is the official document used by the U.S. Department of State that will permit you to get an interview with the U.S. embassy or consulate, to obtain a J-1 exchange student visa. 

Step five: Schedule your visa interview

The email in which you receive your DS-2019 will have instructions for schedule a visa interview at an American embassy or consulate. 

Step six: Have your visa interview

When you go to the embassy or consulate for your interview, bring your DS-2019, your admission letter, your financial documents, and any other relevant documentation for coming to NEIU. 

Deadline to Submit Application and Supporting Documents 

 NEIU operates using three semesters (i.e., fall, spring and summer). The deadlines by which to submit all of the above information are: 

  • April 15 for fall (begins mid-August and ends mid-December) 

  • October 15 for spring (begins mid-January and ends mid-May)