Exchange Student Newsletter: Exchange Student Guidebook, Visa & Immigration Requirements

Welcome!

Hello students!

Welcome back to the second newsletter for fall 2023 exchange students at Washington University in St. Louis.

If you have any questions, please reach out to either your academic division exchange adviser, OISS, or Student Transitions & Family Programs.

More information is available in the Fall 2023 Exchange Student Guidebook.

We are excited to welcome you to campus soon!

-Student Transitions & Family Programs

Exchange Student Guidebook

View the Fall 2023 Exchange Student Guidebook to learn more about important information related to WashU and your arrival on campus.

Visa and Immigration Documents

We encourage you to begin researching the process to apply for your visa as soon as possible. Below is a brief overview of the process and documents you will need to travel to the U.S:

As an exchange student at WashU, you will need to apply for a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa at the nearest U.S. consulate in your home country. It is your responsibility to gather information about the process for seeking a student visa in your home country.

To apply for your J-1 entry visa, you will need a DS-2019:

OISS will prepare this document and send it to your home school’s exchange program.
Typically, this takes 4-6 weeks after you are notified of your acceptance.
You will also need to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee before your visa interview.

Links for Visa and Immigration Questions

WashU Office for International Students and Scholars Information on WashU policies and requirements.
U.S. Department of State Information regarding visa categories, application process, and timelines.
U.S. Embassy Links to all U.S. consulates with specific information based on country.

Vaccination Requirements

You are required to complete several online forms and submit a medical/health history including proof of immunizations.

Additionally, all students are required to complete a TB risk screening; those who are identified through this screening as having spent significant time in a country with endemic tuberculosis will be required to complete a TB test.

We encourage you to learn more about immunization requirements.

Move-In Day & Bear Beginnings

We're excited to welcome you to campus in August! Move-In Day will be on Wednesday, August 23.

Bear Beginnings: Transfer & Exchange Fall Welcome will take place Wednesday, August 23 through Saturday, August 26.

Please complete the Transfer & Exchange Welcome Registration and Arrival form by Saturday, July 1.

Enrollment Deposit

All undergraduate students are required to pay a non-refundable enrollment deposit upon admission to Washington University. The enrollment deposit for exchange students is $500.

This enrollment deposit covers costs for Fall/Winter Welcome, the new student orientation program, additional orientation experiences for international students, and programming offered for exchange students throughout the semester such as local excursions and holiday celebrations. You will see this charge on your July bill.

Important Dates

Fall 2023 Dates

Fall 2023 Exchange Student Arrival: August 23

Bear Beginnings: Transfer & Exchange Fall Welcome: August 23-26

First Day of Class: August 28

Labor Day (no classes): September 4

Fall Break (no classes): October 7-10

Thanksgiving Break (no classes): November 22-26

Last Day of Classes: December 8

Reading Week and Exams: December 11-20

Quick Links

Student Transitions & Family Programs

McKelvey School of Engineering

Exchange Student Guidebook