Follow this post-arrival checklist for new students to make sure you complete all required steps related to your F-1 or J-1 status.
Submit Photocopies of Your Immigration Documents
F-1 and J-1 visa regulations require you to report to campus after you arrive in Seattle. To meet this requirement, follow the instructions below based on the quarter you will begin your program.
Summer Quarter New Students: Submit your photocopies to the ISS front desk by the end of the first week of your first quarter. You must make the photocopies in advance. FIUTS and ISS cannot make the photocopies of your documents. Copy machines are located in all campus library locations, and there are commercial copy centers near Schmitz Hall.
Autumn Quarter New Students: Submit photocopies of your immigration documents to the FIUTS Greeting Tables. This includes transfer students inside the U.S. If you arrive after the start of classes, submit your photocopies at the ISS front desk in Schmitz Hall 459 between 10am – 4pm, Monday – Friday. You must make the photocopies in advance. FIUTS and ISS cannot make the photocopies of your documents. Copy machines are located in all campus library locations, and there are commercial copy centers near Schmitz Hall.
Winter and Spring Quarter New Students: Submit your photocopies to the ISS front desk by the end of the first week of your first quarter. You must make the photocopies in advance. FIUTS and ISS cannot make the photocopies of your documents. Copy machines are located in all campus library locations, and there are commercial copy centers near Schmitz Hall.
Documents You Must Photocopy
F-1 Students
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I-20
- Sign your I-20 at the bottom of the front page (item #11) before you make the photocopy.
- If you are changing schools within the U.S. and transferring your SEVIS record to UW, you must wait until you receive your UW I-20 to submit your document photocopies.
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I-94 card or Admission Stamp
An I-94 card or an admission stamp is issued by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at U.S. ports of entry. CBP is currently changing to electronic arrival/departure records for air and sea ports of entry. You might receive either a paper I-94 card or an F-1 admission stamp in your passport (no card), depending on when you travel to the U.S. and where you arrive. If you receive a paper I-94 card, keep the card stapled into your passport at all times.
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F-1 Visa
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Passport biographical page
(This is the portion of your passport with your photo.) -
Passport expiration date page
(This is the portion of your passport with the expiration date if it is different than your biographical page.)
J-1 Students
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DS-2019
Sign your DS-2019 at the bottom of the front page before making the photocopy.
-
I-94 card or Admission Stamp
An I-94 card or an admission stamp is issued by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at U.S. ports of entry. CBP is currently changing to electronic arrival/departure records for air and sea ports of entry. You might receive either a paper I-94 card or a J-1 admission stamp in your passport (no card), depending on when you travel to the U.S. and where you arrive. If you receive a paper I-94 card, keep the card stapled into your passport at all times.
-
J-1 Visa
-
Passport biographical page
(This is the portion of your passport with your photo.) -
Passport expiration date page
(This is the portion of your passport with the expiration date if it is different than your biographical page.)
Update Your Local Address on Your MyUW
You are required to update your local address on MyUW within ten days of arriving in Seattle or changing addresses. If your initial address is temporary – hotel, homestay, etc. – input that address into MyUW, and update your address later after you move into longer-term housing. You can always update your local address, phone number, and alternate email address on your MyUW by yourself.
Note about the local address: Do not use the ISS mailing address for any personal correspondence or to open any accounts. We cannot store/process your personal mail in ISS.
Your permanent address listing in MyUW must remain a foreign, non-U.S. address. To update your permanent address information, email your new permanent address to uwiss@uw.edu and include your name and student ID number.
Attend International Student Orientation
The Foundation for International Understanding Through Students (FIUTS) conducts an orientation for all new international students at the beginning of each quarter. Check the FIUTS website for orientation dates and schedules, as well as advice on housing, transportation to campus, host families, and much more.
The orientation is designed to acquaint international exchange, graduate, and undergraduate students with the University, American customs and lifestyles, visa and immigration issues, the Seattle area, and other UW students. All F-1 and J-1 international students new to the University of Washington are charged a nonrefundable orientation fee regardless of attendance. Participation in the orientation program is strongly encouraged!
Sign Up for Health Insurance
All international students must maintain adequate health insurance while attending the University of Washington and are required to purchase the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) designed for UW students and their dependents. You must sign up for the Student Health Insurance Plan before you can register for classes.
Questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page or Resources page for more information.