The Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) uses an online platform called MyOISS that stores records for all international students at WashU.
The information on this page is intended for WashU departments.
Instructions for students
Learn about how students use MyOISS.
MyOISS for new students
Before an international student can begin their studies at WashU, they must receive an immigration document and apply for a visa stamp at a U.S. consulate abroad. The most common immigration statuses for students are F-1 and J-1. OISS issues immigration documents for these two statuses. Before this happens, however, the student record must be created in the MyOISS platform.
Students are generally granted access to the MyOISS platform after they are matriculated in Workday. In MyOISS, students can apply for their initial immigration document, read information pertaining to their status, access their immigration documents, submit requests and review important notes and reminders.
OISS receives most student records in MyOISS after they are matriculated in Workday.
The student receives an email from oiss@wustl.edu with the subject beginning with “Welcome to MyOISS!” This email includes instructions for accessing MyOISS and requesting an immigration document.
The students enters data fields within their MyOISS record and uploads documentation in order to receive their immigration document. Required documentation includes their passport, WashU admission letter and financial proof. The student must then submit the request.
Students transferring from another SEVP-approved institution must indicate that they are a transfer student in the request.
The submitted request will automatically be assigned to an OISS staff member for processing. OISS will review all the data and the documents. If required information or documents are missing, OISS will send the request back to the student. If all required information and documents meet the eligibility criteria, OISS will process the request and issue Form I-20 (for F-1 students) or Form DS-2019 (for J-1 students).
As soon as the I-20 or the DS-2019 is ready and available, OISS staff will email the student. This email will include instructions to retrieve the immigration document and information regarding next steps.
MyOISS for continuing students
MyOISS tracks biographical information, addresses, program information, work authorizations and SEVIS transactions. Students will use MyOISS throughout their time at WashU and after, using it to apply for benefits such as reduced course loads, program extensions and work authorization.
If you are an academic adviser, faculty adviser or PI for international students, you may be asked to approve student requests within MyOISS. The following requests require adviser approval. We ask that you take your job as an approver seriously, as your approval or rejection of a request helps to inform our office if a student is eligible for an immigration benefit.
- Academic training work authorization
- CPT work authorization – An approver form (PDF) is required. The approver will not receive an email from MyOISS.
- OPT work authorization
- Program extension
- Reduced course loads
- Study or research abroad
As soon as a student lists you as an approver in their MyOISS request, you will receive an email with a link for you to view the request and “Approve” or “Reject” it. Your action to Approve or Reject the request helps inform our office if a student is eligible for an immigration benefit. It does not connect directly with the immigration system (SEVIS). You may also leave notes that the student and OISS staff can see. OISS gives final approval and authorization.
If you are not the adviser for a specific student, please include notes and “Reject” the request. If you have questions or are unsure how to access information you need, contact OISS.