International Student Services
New Student Post-Arrival Checklist
Contents
Upload Scans/Photos of Your Immigration Documents
F-1 and J-1 visa regulations require you to report to campus after you arrive in Seattle. To meet this requirement, follow the instructions below.
Step 1: Proofread Immigration Documents and Prepare Digital Files
F-1 Student Preparing your Documents Instruction Video
Watch F video at http://www.screencast.com/t/dQhbqegI1
J-1 Student Preparing your Documents Instruction Video
Watch J video 1 at http://www.screencast.com/t/egoIS6xVyg
Step 2: Upload Digital Files Before Immigration Check-In
F-1 Student Upload Process Instruction Video
Watch F video at http://www.screencast.com/t/sd35aAs4
J-1 Student Upload Process Instruction Video
Watch J video 2 at http://www.screencast.com/t/BJY7PeqrJoph
Print Versions
If you prefer a print version rather than video, download PDF manuals.
Step 3: If you were unavoidably delayed and are arriving after orientation is finished, visit International Student Services (ISS) in Schmitz Hall, Room 459 and meet with a drop-in adviser. This in-person check-in is critical. Complete this step as soon as possible after your arrival so that your check-in can be confirmed with to the U.S. govenment before their quarterly report final deadline.
Documents You Must Upload
Submit Government-Required Contact Information
By law, all internationals on F-1 and J-1 visas must keep the following contact information on file with the government and report changes within 10 days.
1. U.S. address
You are required to update your local address on MyUW within ten days of arriving in Seattle or changing addresses. If your first address is temporary – hotel, homestay, etc. – input that address into MyUW, and update your address again after you move into longer-term housing. You can always update your local address, phone number, and alternate email address on your MyUW by yourself.
On-campus residents: If you live in a UW residence hall, follow the required format in MyUW.
Off-campus residents: If you live off campus, input your address in this format:
Street address (building or house number, followed by street name); Apartment/suite number (if applicable)
City, state, zip code
Example:
123 45th Street NE #1
Seattle, WA 98000
Immigration will automatically be notified.
Note about the local address: Do not use the ISS mailing address for any personal correspondence or to open any accounts. We cannot store/process your personal mail in ISS.
Your permanent address listing in MyUW must remain a foreign, non-U.S. address. To update your permanent address information, visit our permanent address change instructions.
2. U.S. Phone Number
F-1 students: If you have a U.S. phone number, update your MyUW account. If you do not have a U.S. phone number, leave the phone number field blank.
J-1 students: If you have a U.S. phone number, updated your MyUW account. If you do not plan to get a U.S. phone number, type in the Study Abroad office number: 206-221-4404
Do not leave the phone number field blank in MyUW! The U.S. government requires the phone number field to show a number.
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 visa status while a student at UW.
Embark sessions are offered as part of your international welcome programming in the quarter you are entering UW.
Sign Up for Health Insurance
All international students must maintain adequate health insurance while attending the University of Washington and are required to purchase the International Student Health Insurance Plan (ISHIP) designed for UW international students and their dependents. You must sign up for the International Student Health Insurance Plan before you can register for classes.
J-1 students
- Review the ISS health insurance information, including the specific J-1 health insurance requirements.
- Complete the J-1 Insurance Requirement Statement of Compliance form. Upload the form along with your other J-1 immigration documents.
- If you are eligible to waive the UW ISHIP coverage AND you have comparable insurance that meets the minimum requirements, submit your waiver request by the insurance waiver deadline (third Friday of the quarter).
Review Immigration Rules and Regulations
Questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page or Resources page for more information.
