Visa & Immigration Basics

Staying Informed: Immigration Updates & Guidance The Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) mission is to empower WashU’s international community with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate U.S. immigration compliance—guiding with care, compassion, and respect. We monitor the evolving landscape of immigration policies and ensure the university community is informed about changes that […]

When you enter the United States in nonimmigrant status, you do so for a specific purpose, such as study, work, or travel. You may enter the U.S. with one purpose and later wish to change your purpose. When this happens, you may need to obtain a new visa status. Different visa categories allow different activities.   […]

Find additional updates on visa applications and travel guidance on our Traveling webpage. Citizens of the countries listed above – we strongly advise that you avoid traveling abroad at this time. Based on this presidential proclamation, if you leave the United States, there is a strong likelihood that you will not be allowed to return […]

“Transfer out” refers to the process of an F-1 or J-1 student transferring their SEVIS record from one institution to another one. In this case, you will retain the same SEVIS ID number. Your SEVIS Record is your Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record that tracks important information. This record includes personal details, […]

Transferring your F-1 or J-1 immigration status to WashU from another school in the U.S. is a multi-step process. Carefully review the information below and follow the steps to transfer your SEVIS Record. Newly admitted WashU students in active F-1 or J-1 immigration status who are sponsored by another U.S. institution may transfer their SEVIS […]

Your SEVIS ID is unique to you. The United States government uses it to track and manage your immigration record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) throughout your stay in the U.S. It begins with the letter “N” followed by a series of numbers (e.g., N0012345678). Find your SEVIS ID number in […]

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 […]

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.