Getting Started Scholars

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 the U.S., proceed to the terminal area for arriving passengers to begin inspection. As you approach the inspection station, ensure that you have the documents listed in the section below. You will be asked to state the reason why you wish to enter […]

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 physical presence 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 […]

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 […]

An international scholar is an individual not enrolled in a formal degree program who holds a temporary nonimmigrant visa. A scholar engages in activities including teaching, research and/or training at a university, research institute or hospital. At WashU, international scholars may be faculty members, research associates, postdoctoral research fellows, visiting scholars or physicians. The Office […]

WashU is responsible for confirming that visitors and students possess the necessary level of English language proficiency to succeed in their respective course of study and/or program. WashU requirements apply to non-immigrants who seek to study, work, or engage in research in the U.S., which includes, but is not limited to, individuals holding F or […]

The E-3 visa category is for nationals of the Commonwealth of Australia coming to the U.S. to perform services in a specialty occupation. A specialty occupation is defined as an occupation which requires theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and attainment of a bachelor’s or higher degree for the specific […]