New Graduate Students

Congratulations on your acceptance to Washington State University! We welcome you to the WSU family and look forward to assisting you. All incoming international graduate students must complete the International Graduate Student Tutorial and immigration check-in process.

During the required WSU orientation and the International Graduate Student 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 two-part check-in process.

Start here

As a new international graduate student, you must:

1. Step one: Complete the online International Tutorial before arrival
   • Complete the self-paced Canvas course
   • Watch the required videos and complete quizzes
   • Learn about immigration regulations, academic integrity, cultural adjustment, and preparing for WSU
2. Step two: Attend the in-person International Graduate Student Tutorial after arrival
   • Participate in the required in-person/live tutorial session (see schedule for details)
   • Meet other students, learn about campus resources, complete immigration requirements, and prepare for academic success at WSU
3. Step three: Complete your immigration check-in
   • Upload your immigration documents through myPassport within three days of orientation

About the International Graduate Student Tutorial

You will automatically be enrolled in the International Student Tutorial. No registration required.

Part one: Online international tutorial (pre-arrival)

Complete the Canvas course before arriving at WSU

• Self-paced
• Required videos
• Required quizzes
• Access through WSU Canvas

Part two: In-person International Graduate Student Tutorial

Plan your travel and arrival dates so you can attend the required in-person tutorial before classes begin. Attend the live session after arriving at WSU. The live session is designed specifically for international graduate students and covers:

Students NOT attending Pullman campus

If you will be located at a WSU research or extension center, watch for an email with information about the required virtual immigration presentation and check-in process.

International student tutorial fee

All International graduate students are charged a nonrefundable $50 International Student Orientation fee after attending the live tutorial. The fee is billed to your WSU account.

Complete immigration check-in

During the tutorial, ISSS will provide instructions for completing your immigration check-in through myPassport. Upload the following documents within three days:

• Passport biographical page
• F-1/J-1 visa or approved change-of-status notice (I-797)
• Most recent entry stamp (if applicable)
• I-94 record

After the tutorial

Complete any remaining arrival tasks:

• Obtain your Cougar Card (if you have not already done so)
• Provide emergency contact information in myPassport and myWSU
• Complete required immunizations through Cougar Health Services
• Meet with your Graduate Coordinator

Graduate assistants

If you have a graduate assistantship, you must complete the immigration check-in process before obtaining documentation needed to apply for a Social Security Number. Additional documentation from your department and ISSS will be required.

If you need to complete immigration check-in before Graduate School Orientation, contact ISSS regarding early SEVIS activation. Completion of the International Graduate Student Tutorial is still required.

Campus resources

Additional questions?

• Have questions about graduating, transferring, withdrawing, or maintaining your immigration status?
  • Book an appointment with an International Advisor
  • Email us