New International Students

Undergraduate students: intladm@u.washington.edu
Graduate students: gradvisa@u.washington.edu

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

Yes. In order to register for classes the following steps must be completed:

• All new international students must complete the New Student Online Check-in.
• Turn in your measles immunization form to Hall Health Center.
• Attend academic advising:
  • Freshman and transfer students: attend your Advising & Orientation (A & O) session. Contact First Year Programs for more details.
  • Graduate students: contact your department for advising.

The I-94 card is your Arrival/Departure Record. You will receive the card on the airplane prior to arrival in the U.S. Upon entering the U.S., immigration will stamp the card and retain the "arrival" half; you will retain the "departure" half. Keep the card stapled into your passport at all times.

The majority of F-1 and J-1 students must purchase UW insurance, although there are few exceptions. Please view the exceptions and learn more about the waiver process.

Yes. Our check-in sessions are held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. throughout the year. Bring your passport and I-94 card. Your international student adviser at your current school will need to transfer your SEVIS record to the UW. After your SEVIS record is released from your current school, UW undergraduate admissions will issue your new I-20. You will need to bring your UW I-20 to ISS when you receive it.

Yes. Please see the answer to the question above.

If you are currently studying in F-1 status at a school in the U.S., no matter what degree level, you need to have your SEVIS record "transferred" to the UW. This is because only one school at a time is allowed access to your SEVIS record. In order for the UW to issue your I-20, your current school must transfer your SEVIS record to the UW. Your current international student adviser must do this.

Advising & Orientation (A & O) is a mandatory program for all new freshman and undergraduate transfer students. It will introduce you to undergraduate degree requirements, academic advising, and the registration process. A & O sessions are coordinated by First Year Programs. We recommend you attend an ISS check-in session prior to your A & O session so that you will be able to register for classes at A & O.

International Student Orientation is designed for all new international students. Activities include a Welcome Reception, social events, and information sessions about housing, transportation, American culture, Seattle, UW, immigration, healthcare, and much more. Orientations are offered at the start of each new quarter. All new UW international students are charged a $65 fee to cover the costs of this orientation. The fee will be assessed regardless of whether or not you participate in the International Student Orientation.

For new Research (RAs) or Teaching Assistants (TAs), contact your department for RA/TA orientation details.

It is possible to be employed on campus for fewer than 20 hours per week. Review the F-1 employment options overview or J-1 employment options overview for more information about employment eligibility.

Social security numbers are issued to international students who have been offered on-campus employment or are authorized for off-campus employment. A Social Security number will not be issued for non-work purposes.

Yes. Undergraduate students are required to register for at least 12 credits each academic quarter and graduate students must register for at least 10 credits. An ESL class will count towards that minimum.

Contact the Residence Classification and ESL Advising office.

Immigration regulations prohibit students from entering the U.S. earlier than 30 days prior to the start date on the I-20. You should change your ticket to a later date.