Welcome to Washington State University! All incoming students must complete a tutorial program and an immigration check-in.
During the required tutorial, you will have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the WSU campus, identify academic resources, and complete immigration requirements. To maintain your F-1/J-1 nonimmigrant status, you must complete our 2-part check-in process and attend the required International Student Tutorial.
The process
Attend the International Student Tutorial
Attend the International Student Tutorial and exchange student orientation to meet orientation and physical presence requirements. Failure to attend this session will keep you from being able to register for classes.
Complete your immigration check-in
Once you arrive on campus, make sure to attend the non-degree orientation held by our office. Our International Student and Scholar Services team will provide resources and instructions on how to upload your immigration documents to myPassport. You already received this information with your pre-arrival documents.
You should upload these documents to myPassport within 3 days of your orientation check-in.
- I-20/DS-2019
- Biographical passport page
- F-1/J-1 visa stamp or I-797 notice for change of status approved
- Port of entry stamp from most recent entry into the United States (if applicable)
- I-94 document
Arrival checklist
Complete the remaining items on your orientation checklist.
- Visit Cougar Health Services to provide your immunization record for a Measles Hold (if applicable)
- Meet with an International Student and Scholar Services peer mentor to plan your schedule (non-degree students only)
- Meet with Bilateral Exchange Coordinator in Bryan Hall 105 (bilateral exchange students only)
- Obtain a Cougar Card at the Compton Union Building (CUB)
- Provide emergency contact information
Prepare for your arrival
Q. Undergraduate students only: Do you want to get picked up from the Pullman, Washington, airport? We can’t wait to see you!
A. Be sure to let us know when to pick you up from the airport!
Q. Get ready to live where you study. Need help with housing?
A. We will inform you of the date and time student housing will open for move-in.
Q. Questions about vaccinations? We’ll take care of you!
A. You do not have to be vaccinated to come to WSU. See the link below to find the most current information about vaccination requirements, including for COVID.
Q: Ready to get involved and make friends who become family?
A: If you are an undergraduate student, consider joining the International Students’ Council. If you are a graduate student, consider joining the Graduate and Professional Student Association.
On-campus resources for new international students
International Programs – International Student and Scholar Services
Our department assists international students through knowledge and expertise in immigration advising and cross-cultural programming. We are located in Bryan Hall 206.
International Center
The International Center is your campus living room—a comfortable place where international students and friends gather to relax, socialize, and study.
Additional questions?
- Have questions about graduating, transferring, withdrawing, or maintaining your immigration status?
- Book an appointment with an International Advisor
- Email us