Getting Started Students

If you cannot arrive in the U.S. for the academic term start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019, you will need to defer your immigration document to a future academic term. Below are the steps to defer your immigration document with the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS).  Admission deferral There is a […]

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 […]

International students applying for F-1 immigration status must show evidence of funding for one year before WashU can issue an I-20. Students applying for J-1 immigration status must show evidence of funding for the entire academic program before WashU can issue a DS-2019.  Funding must cover all required tuition, fees, living expenses, and any applicable […]

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 […]

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 […]

MyOISS is a technology platform used by WashU’s Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) to assist and interact with F-1 and J-1 students throughout their time as a student at WashU and beyond. MyOISS is the primary tool you will use to request and access immigration documents and to maintain your immigration status while […]

At WashU, students can choose between two immigration statuses for study, the F-1 student status and visa and the J-1 exchange visitor student category and visa. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) governs F-1 immigration status and the U.S. Department of State (DOS) governs J-1 status. Both student statuses require full-time, on-campus study. Most […]