New Students

Congratulations on your admission to the University of Washington. Please review the information on this page. We look forward to meeting you at the International Student Orientation. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions.

All new international students are required to check-in with the Office of International Students and Scholars (ISS) before registering for classes. ISS new student check-in times are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. throughout the year. You should arrive 10 to 15 minutes early as the check-in will begin promptly. We are located in 459 Schmitz Hall. Our regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 10am to 4pm.
Bring your I-20 or DS-2019, passport, and I-94 card.

If you have applied to the University of Washington and have a question about your new UW I-20, please contact the appropriate admissions office:
Undergraduate students: intladm@u.washington.edu
Graduate students: gradvisa@u.washington.edu

If you are living outside the U.S. you must obtain a passport from your government and then take the I-20 or DS-2019 and supporting documentation to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa. Apply for the visa as early as possible. Students applying for initial entry F-1 and F-2 visas may be issued the visas up to 120 days before the academic program start date as noted on the I-20. J-1 and J-2 Exchange Visitors may be issued visas at any time before the beginning of their programs. (Canadian citizens do not need a passport or visa, but simply present the I-20 or DS-2019 to the immigration officer at the U.S. port of entry.) You may enter the U.S. as early as 30 days before the start date noted in item 5 on the I-20 form or item 3 on the DS-2019 form. If you are transferring to the University of Washington from another school you must report to ISS in 459 Schmitz Hall as soon as you arrive on campus.

If you are changing schools within the U.S., you must carefully follow certain procedures in order to maintain lawful immigration status.

The Foundation for International Understanding Through Students (FIUTS) conducts an orientation for all new international students at the beginning of each quarter. Check the FIUTS website for orientation dates and schedules, as well as advice on housing, transportation to campus, host families, and much more. The orientation is designed to acquaint international students with the University, American customs and lifestyles, visa and immigration issues, the Seattle area, and other UW students. All F-1 and J-1 international students new to the University of Washington are charged a $65 nonrefundable orientation fee. Participation in the orientation program is strongly encouraged!

All international students must maintain adequate health insurance while attending the University of Washington and are required to purchase the UW Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan designed for UW students and their dependents.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions or contact ISS.