New Students

Know Your Admissions Unit

Before You Start

Students attending the UW Seattle campus for the first time are considered new students. Your admissions unit will help you begin the immigration document process.

Undergraduate

Start with Undergraduate Admissions

Undergraduate Admissions will issue your I-20 or DS-2019. Start with their immigration information for new undergraduate students. If you have questions or concerns about your I-20 or DS-2019 prior to arrival, reach out to intladm@uw.edu.

Graduate

Start with GEMS

The Graduate Enrollment Management Services team will issue your I-20 or DS-2019. Read through their information for international applicants. If you have questions or concerns about your I-20 or DS-2019 prior to arrival, reach out to uwgrad@uw.edu.

Your Pre-arrival Steps

Prepare your immigration documents, visa application, and travel to Seattle before you leave home—one step at a time.

After confirming your enrollment

Within 3–5 days after confirming enrollment and paying the Enrollment Confirmation Deposit, watch for an invitation to the
MyISSS portal.

Sign in with your UW NetID and password.
Complete the Create I-20/DS-2019 request.
Upload your passport biographical page and proof of funding.

Review Estimated Expenses

Checking your document

Once your I-20 or DS-2019 has been issued, check to make sure the following information is correct:

Name
Date of birth
Degree level and major

If you see an error on your document, immediately reach out to your admissions unit.

Note: The major listed on your I-20 or DS-2019 follows standard naming conventions used by U.S. Federal Immigration and may be different from the UW major name.

Before your visa interview

The I-901 SEVIS fee supports the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, or SEVIS. F-1 students and most J-1 exchange visitors must pay the
fee separately from the visa application fee.

Pay the fee after receiving your I-20 or DS-2019, and save your receipt for your visa appointment.

Note: Students issued a Transfer Pending I-20 are not required to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee again.

Pay I-901 Fee

Apply as early as possible

After receiving your I-20 or DS-2019 and paying the I-901 SEVIS fee, complete the visa application process through the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will apply. The visa process can take anywhere from weeks to months to complete. Apply as early as possible.

Timing to know:

F-1 visas may be issued up to 365 days before your program start date.
J-1 visas may be issued before your program begins.

Review Visa Guidance

Before you book your travel

After your visa is approved, review the requirements for entering the United States and preparing for your arrival. You may arrive as early as 30 days prior to the Program Start Date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. When planning your travel, keep in mind events such as orientation and International Welcome Programs.

Note: Students issued Transfer Pending I-20s are allowed to stay in the U.S. with their transfer pending I-20.

Review Arrival Guidance