Getting Started Scholars

UPDATE: A federal judge has paused the decision to block the $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions while the administration seeks an emergency court stay. At this time, the fee still applies. A Presidential Proclamation, signed on September 19, 2025, imposes a new $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications submitted on or after September 21, 2025, […]

Register in advance for a webinar to assist you in the visa application process, initial and renewals.

When you apply for a nonimmigrant visa, you must complete and submit the DS-160 Form before your visa appointment.

Students and scholars must apply for and obtain a valid visa stamp (also simply referred to as a “visa”) before entering the U.S.

What to expect at a U.S. Port of Entry Upon arrival to a U.S. port of entry, proceed to the terminal area for arriving passengers to begin inspection. As you approach the inspection station, you should have the documents listed in the section below. A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will ask why you […]

On December 9, 2024, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) published a revised Exchange Visitor Skills List. The new list includes several large charges. The biggest change removes 34 countries, including Brazil, China and India, from being subject to the two-year home residence requirement. What is the Skills List? DOS created the Exchange Visitor Skills […]

The information below is intended for prospective J-1 Exchange Visitors (EVs) who wish to come to the U.S. and WashU as research scholars, professors, short-term scholars or student interns. This information is only applicable to prospective visitors who have already connected with a specific department at WashU. Prospective J-1 exchange visitors should follow the steps […]

J-1 Exchange Visitors (EVs) and their J-2 dependents, whether students or scholars, can be subject to a two-year home country residence requirement. This rule is located in section 212(e) in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), the law that covers topics related to immigration and citizenship. This is why you will hear this rule referred […]

The OISS team of advisers serves as your primary resource for immigration support. We are here to answer questions about your immigration status, federal immigration regulations, immigration documents, work authorization, changing status and more. Please note: Adviser appointments should NOT be scheduled to complete routine requests such as “check-in” or “travel signature” requests. Follow the […]

Scams are crimes in which someone tricks a victim into giving them money or property using deception or fraud. The following are types of scams that the WashU Police Department (WUPD) has seen that have targeted WashU students or scholars. If you believe you make have been the victim of a scam or an attempted […]