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August 05, 2025
Dear reader,

International Student Services is so happy to welcome you to our campus soon. Until then, we know you are busy preparing for your travels to Seattle.

Watch the below video to...
  • learn about your immigration documents,
  • understand pre-arrival steps, and
  • know the post-arrival immigration requirements

Immigration Check-in and Pre-arrival Webinar

As you are beginning a new program at the UW, the government requires you to complete an Immigration Check-in with ISS. The process is simple and completed online through your MyISSS portal.

On August 16th, the Immigration Check-in request becomes available in MyISSS. You can read more about this process on the ISS website.

ISS will host two Immigration Check-in Webinars to demonstrate the check-in process. We encourage you to attend one so that you are prepared.
Remember: the deadline to submit your Immigration Check-in is September 24th.

Preparing for a Successful Entry

When you attempt to enter the U.S., you need to show the following documents:
  • passport
  • visa
  • Transfer Pending I-20 from UW
  • I-901 Fee receipt
  • Letter of admissions or class schedule (recommended)
If you're entering by land, ferry, or train you should apply for your I-94 a week prior to your anticipated entry date. Those entering the U.S. by plane do not need to apply for the I-94 beforehand and instead will be issued one at the point of entry.

Remember: International transfer students can enter anytime between programs with their Transfer Pending I-20 from UW.

Registering for Classes

To process your Immigration Check-in, you must be enrolled full-time. We recommend you enroll in classes as early as you can.

Note: beginning October 1st, you will need a code from a professor to add a class. This can be difficult! Please make sure you are enrolled full-time before then so that you don't have problems adding classes later.

When making changes to your class schedule, please be sure to add classes before dropping classes so that you do not fall below full-time.

If you are not enrolled full-time by October 7th, we will add a hold to your university account.

On-campus Work & Getting a Social Security Number


Many students work on campus in a variety of jobs. If you're hoping to work on campus, a great place to start looking for a job is UW Handshake.

Graduate students often work in academic positions such as Teaching or Research Assistants.

Transfer students can begin working on campus once they have been issued an I-20 from UW.

If you have a position for the Autumn quarter, you may need to apply for an SSN letter from ISS.

We cannot issue your Social Security Letter until you have completed the Immigration Check-in process.

IMPORTANT DATES & EVENTS

  • August 12, 2025 - F-1 Immigration Check-in Webinar (Register)
  • August 16, 2025 - Immigration Check-in Available in MyISSS
  • September 05, 2025 - F-1 Immigration Check-in Webinar (Register)
  • September 24, 2025 - First day of classes (Immigration Check-in Due)
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