Contents:
- Online orientation check-in
- Not returning fall 2022?
- No longer have F-2/J-2 dependent(s)?
- Change of address
- Premium change in the WSU Health Insurance plan
- Reduced Course Load
1. Online orientation check-in
If you are a new student this fall term, in addition to completing the Canvas orientation, you are required to complete an online check-in on myPassport. Here is how to access the form:
- Log in to mypassport.wsu.edu with your WSU NetID and password.
- Click on “New Student Orientation.”
- Review all the forms and complete them.
Failure to complete the forms will make us unable to register your SEVIS record, which will put you out of status, so please complete them as soon as possible.
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2. Not returning fall 2022?
Please notify our office if you are transferring to another school, stopping your studies, or taking a break/leave of absence. We need to know so we can update your SEVIS record accordingly. You may submit your request through mypassport.wsu.edu, under F-1 Student Services>Transfer and Departure forms.
We understand that each student’s situation is unique, so if you have questions, we encourage you to contact us at ip.intlservices@wsu.edu or +1 509-335-4508.
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3. No longer have F-2/J-2 dependent(s)?
Please notify our office immediately if your F-2/J-2 dependent is no longer in that status. Reasons for a dependent not to have F-2/J-2 status vary and can be due to a change of status to F-1/J-1, divorce, or departure from the U.S., among others. Meet with an international student advisor or contact us at ip.intlservices@wsu.edu or +1 509-335-4508 if you have any questions about your dependent status.
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4. Change of address
Please notify International Student and Scholar Services immediately if you changed your home address over the summer. Federal regulations require you to notify our office within 10 days of any move in the U.S. Here is how to update your address:
- Log in to mypassport.wsu.edu with your WSU NetID and password.
- Click on “F-1 Student Services.”
- Complete the “F-1 Address update form.”
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5. Premium change in the WSU Health Insurance plan
Each spring, WSU renews its student health insurance plans that cover international students, graduate students with assistantships, and certain professional students. In mid-May, we learned of a necessary increase to the renewal premium for 2022-23.
Because this is an unexpected change, we wanted to provide you with as much advance notice as possible so you can plan accordingly for the increased expense if it applies to you.
The estimated annual premium increase needed for 2022-23 is $481. This increase is due to inflationary pressures on medical expenses, a decrease in the number of students enrolled in the plan, and an increase in the number of claims made over the last year. The increase is necessary for WSU to receive approval for the 2022-23 student health insurance plan from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC), which must approve insurance plans for the state of Washington.
After the plan is approved by the OIC later this summer, you will receive notification from the insurance company, United Healthcare, about this increase.
How does this apply to me?
- For graduate students whose premiums are paid as an included benefit with their assistantship, WSU will continue to pay the full premium amount. Your coverage will not be affected.
- Students who pay their own premiums, including international students, graduate students in health sciences, and any plan participants who elect dependent coverage, will need to pay the increased premium. The increased premium amount will not affect your coverage: If the student health insurance plan insures you or a dependent, you will continue to maintain all the same levels of coverage and benefits under the plan.
While WSU does not administer or profit from this plan, your Student Health Insurance Advisory Board, our insurance brokers, and university leadership will continue to work together to negotiate for the lowest possible premiums while maintaining the most coverage possible.
If you have questions about coverage or benefit details, you can contact Cougar Health Services at student.insurance@wsu.edu.
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6. Reduced Course Load
International students in F-1 and J-1 visas are required to maintain full-time enrollment to keep their immigration status. Dropping below a full course of study is a violation of your visa and can lead to termination of your SEVIS record.
There are few instances in which a student is authorized to drop below a full course of study, and students need formal approval from the ISSS office for a reduced course load (RCL). The deadline to request an RCL for the fall term is September 2, so please visit one of our advisors before this date to seek guidance on how to get an RCL approved and be enrolled less than full-time.
Full-time enrollment for undergraduate students is 12 credits, and for graduate students is 10 credits.
ISSS has open advising 1-3 p.m. Monday through Friday in person or over Zoom using this link.