New Student Post-Arrival Checklist

Complete the Immigration Check-In Online

  • The U.S. government requires all F-1 and J-1 students to officially “check in” with your University when you begin a new program of study in the U.S.
  • No appointment or meeting is required —  check-in at the UW is 100% online.
  • Incomplete check-ins endanger your status with the U.S. government. ISS will put a hold on your university account if this process is not done correctly.
  • Please complete your online check-in as early as you can after you physically arrive in the U.S.  You must be inside the U.S. to check in.
Starting Quarter Online Check-In Opens Check-In Deadline
Winter 2021 December 21, 2020 January 4, 2021

Step 1: Prepare!

a) Enroll Full-Time for Classes at UW

b) Sign & Proofread Immigration Documents

Document Checklist – F-1 Students

Document Checklist – J-1 Students

c) Prepare Digital Files

F-1 Process Instructions (pdf)

              J-1 Process Instructions (pdf)

d) Double-check Your Contact Information

Warning! Your address must exactly match the U.S. Post Office’s database to successfully be checked in. Confirm your address in their database before entering any information.

MyUW Contact Information Update Guide (pdf)

Step 2: Complete the Immigration Check-In & Document Upload

IMMIGRATION CHECK IN

Step 3: Complete Required Embark Session

All new international students on F-1 or J-1 visas are required by the University to attend one Embark session.

FIUTS manages Embark in coordination with the International Student Services (ISS) and other UW departments.

At your Embark session you will:

    • Connect with other new and returning students
    • Prepare for your cultural transition to the UW and U.S.
    • Learn more about maintaining your legal status with the U.S. government while studying at UW.