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For newly admitted international students

Your UW pre-arrival checklist

Prepare your immigration documents, visa application, and travel to Seattle before you leave home—one step at a time.

Start with your admissions teamUndergraduate: Undergraduate Admissions · Graduate: Graduate Enrollment Management Services
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A clear path to arrivalFive steps before you travel

01 → 05

First, identify your path

Before you start

Students attending the UW Seattle campus for the first time are considered new students. Your admissions unit will help you begin the immigration document process.

Undergraduate students

Start with Undergraduate Admissions for enrollment and next steps toward your I-20 or DS-2019.

Graduate students

Start with Graduate Enrollment Management Services for enrollment and next steps toward your I-20 or DS-2019.

Not sure which admissions path applies to you? Start with your admissions unit. ISS can help with immigration questions before you travel.

Work through these in order

Your five pre-arrival steps

5 steps

01
As soon as you confirm enrollment

Request your I-20 or DS-2019

Within 3–5 days after confirming enrollment and paying the Enrollment Confirmation Deposit, watch for an invitation to the MyISSS portal.

  • Sign in with your UW NetID and password.
  • Complete the Create I-20/DS-2019 request.
  • Upload your passport biographical page and proof of funding.
Open MyISSS ↗Review estimated expenses ↗
02
After you receive your document

Check your immigration document

Review your name, program, dates, and SEVIS information on your I-20 or DS-2019. Sign where required and contact your admissions unit if something is incorrect.

New student information ↗
03
Before your visa interview

Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee

F-1 and J-1 students must pay the I-901 fee separately from the visa application fee. Save your receipt; you will need it before your interview and travel.

Pay the I-901 fee ↗
04
Apply as early as possible

Apply for your visa

Apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the United States. Complete the DS-160, pay the visa fee, and schedule an interview if required.

Timing to knowF-1 visas may be issued up to 365 days before your program start date. J-1 visas may be issued before your program begins.
Complete the DS-160 ↗Find your embassy or consulate ↗Visa guidance ↗
05
Before you book final travel

Prepare for your arrival

Make your travel plans after your visa is approved. New students with an initial I-20 or DS-2019 may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date.

Do not arrive too earlyEntering more than 30 days before your program start date is against U.S. immigration law.
Review ISS travel guidance ↗

Questions before you travel?

Need help?

Before you receive your document

Contact your admissions unit with questions about your admission, enrollment confirmation, or MyISSS invitation.

Questions about immigration documents

Contact International Student Services for guidance on your I-20, DS-2019, visa, or travel plans.

Information reviewed September 16, 2026. Requirements can change; check official sources before applying or traveling.