New Student Post-Arrival Checklist

Complete Online New Student Check-In

  • The U.S. government requires both F-1 and J-1 new students to officially “check in” after they have arrived in the U.S.
  • No appointment or meeting is required —  check-in 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 in the 30-day arrival window!
Starting Quarter Online Check-In Opens Check-In Deadline
Winter 2020 December 6, 2019 January 5, 2020
Spring 2020 March 3, 2020 March 29, 2020

 

Step 1: Prepare!

a) Enroll Full-Time for Classes at UW

b) Sign and 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 Contact Information

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

MyUW Contact Information Update Guide (pdf)

Step 2: Complete Online Check-In

Online Check In

Step 3: Attend Required Embark Session

All new international students on F-1 or J-1 visas at the University of Washington Seattle are required by the university to attend one Embark session, organized by FIUTS in collaboration with the UW International Student Services office and other campus offices.

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.