Getting Started Students

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Congratulations on your admission! We are excited that you are considering studying at WashU. As an international student, you will need an I-20 or DS-2019 to apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa for study at WashU. Below are the steps to apply for this document from the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS). […]

Learn how to apply for and obtain a visa overseas before your program and after your visa expires.