Congratulations on your admission to WashU! We are thrilled to welcome you to our community with international student orientation. As you prepare for your journey, the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) designed a crucial, two-part process to ensure a smooth, informed and compliant arrival.
Step 1: Complete required online F-1/J-1 student orientation course
Mandatory – Pre-Arrival
Upon acceptance to WashU and receipt of your immigration document (I-20 or DS-2019), all international students should complete the Required Online F-1/J-1 Immigration course. This comprehensive, self-paced course provides the foundational knowledge necessary to understand your F-1 or J-1 immigration status, how to apply for your student visa, and other essential information to help you prepare for travel to WashU.
- Why it’s essential: This course reviews critical U.S. immigration regulations and prepares you for a successful entry into the U.S.
- Action item: Successfully complete this course prior to your arrival at WashU. The course “Certificate of Completion” is required to complete your Immigration Check-in upon arrival.
Step 2:
Attend in-person OISS orientation
Mandatory – Upon arrival to WashU
(at scheduled time)
After arrival on the WashU campus, you will attend our in-person OISS Orientation designed for your arrival. Separate OISS orientation sessions are offered for undergraduate and graduate international students.
- Meet your OISS adviser: This required in-person session is your first opportunity to meet your OISS adviser and the OISS team, who will be your partners throughout your academic career.
- Review essential immigration regulations: We will conduct an essential, in-depth review of immigration regulations, enrollment requirements, work authorization benefits and more.
Completing both of the steps above ensures you start your academic journey at WashU with full confidence and in compliance!
Semester specific OISS international orientation information:
Please contact your academic department for information on academic department specific orientations.
Spring 2027
Thursday, January 14
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Simon Hall, Simon 1
Throughout the orientation session, you will get to know other students and receive information regarding how to maintain legal status as a non-immigrant student. Hosted by the Office for International Students and Scholars.
Virtual Make-up Orientation
OISS will offer a virtual make-up orientation session for students who arrived late or missed the in-person orientation programs listed above.
September 4, 2026, 12:00 – 1:30 pm (CT)
Learn More
| OISS webinars for newly admitted students | |
| After arrival to WashU | |
| Transportation on and around campus | |
| Health care & insurance |
