Congratulations on your admission to WashU! We are thrilled to welcome you to our community with international student orientation. As you prepare for your journey, the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) designed a crucial, two-part process to ensure a smooth, informed and compliant arrival.
Step 1: Complete required online F-1/J-1 student orientation course
Mandatory – Pre-Arrival
Upon acceptance to WashU and receipt of your immigration document (I-20 or DS-2019), all international students should complete the Required Online F-1/J-1 Immigration course. This comprehensive, self-paced course provides the foundational knowledge necessary to understand your F-1 or J-1 immigration status, how to apply for your student visa, and other essential information to help you prepare for travel to WashU.
- Why it’s essential: This course reviews critical U.S. immigration regulations and prepares you for a successful entry into the U.S.
- Action item: Successfully complete this course prior to your arrival at WashU. The course “Certificate of Completion” is required to complete your Immigration Check-in upon arrival.
Step 2:
Attend in-person OISS orientation
Mandatory – Upon arrival to WashU
(at scheduled time)
After arrival on the WashU campus, you will attend our in-person OISS Orientation designed for your arrival. Separate OISS orientation sessions are offered for undergraduate and graduate international students.
- Meet your OISS adviser: This required in-person session is your first opportunity to meet your OISS adviser and the OISS team, who will be your partners throughout your academic career.
- Review essential immigration regulations: We will conduct an essential, in-depth review of immigration regulations, enrollment requirements, work authorization benefits and more.
Completing both of the steps above ensures you start your academic journey at WashU with full confidence and in compliance!
Semester specific OISS international orientation information:
Please contact your academic department for information on academic department specific orientations.
Summer 2026
| Program | OISS Orientation Date & Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| McKelvey Joint IIT Bombay Masters Program | May 15th, Time TBD | To be determined |
| McKelvey Sever Summer Connect | June 30, 1:00 – 2:30 PM | Lopata 511 |
| Sam Fox Architecture Discover & Portfolio Plus | July 13, 2:00 – 3:00 PM | Weil Hall, 120 |
| DBBS and MSTP Summer Orientation | July 14, 3:30 – 4:30 PM | Medical Campus, Becker 405 |
Fall 2026
Undergraduate students
August 13, 2026: Housing move-in date for 1st year international students
- Airport shuttles to campus will be available on Aug 13th.
August 14 – 15, 2026: First-Year International Student Orientation
OISS Immigration Orientation:
- August 15
- 2:00 – 3:30 PM
- Location TBD
Transfer students & Exchange students
August 18, 2026: Move-in date for transfer and exchange students
- Airport shuttles to campus will be available on Aug 18th.
More Info:
Welcome events and information for Transfer & Exchange Students.
OISS Immigration Orientation:
- August 19
- 3:15 – 4:45 PM
- Location TBD
Graduate
Students
Danforth Campus Fall Graduate Student Immigration Orientation & Mixer:
- August 16, 2026
- Time & location TBD
Medical School Fall Graduate Student Immigration Orientation & Mixer:
- August 28, 2026
- Time & location TBD
Learn More
| OISS webinars for newly admitted students | |
| After arrival to WashU | |
| Transportation on and around campus | |
| Health care & insurance |
