INFORMATION FOR NEWLY ADMITTED STUDENTS

What You Need to Do Before Coming to the U.S.

Declaration and Certification of Finances (DCOF)
The DCOF form must be completed before an I-20 or DS-2019 can be issued to you from the OISS. After completing this form, return it to your admitting department with the other required documentation (such as proof of funding.)

SEVIS Fee
If you are entering the U.S. as an F-1 or J-1 student, or are changing your status within the U.S. to F-1 or J-1, then you are required to pay the SEVIS Fee. This payment cannot be made until you receive your I-20/DS-2019, and may be done online. Status specific instructions are available to assist you in making this required payment.

Please note - if you are a already in F-1 or J-1 in the U.S. and are transferring your status within SEVIS to Washington University in St. Louis, then this fee has already been paid, and does not need to be paid again.

Visa/Immigration Procedures
Once you receive your I-20 or DS-2019, find out about the student visa application process at Getting a Visa.

If you are inside the U.S., you must complete the necessary immigration procedures, which include a Change of Status or completing the Transfer Form. More information will be posted at a later date. Questions concerning these procedures should be directed to Kathy Steiner-Lang if you are an undergraduate student or Martha L. Turner if you are graduate student.

Health Information
Get information on the mandatory WU health insurance plan, submitting your health history information and vaccination requirements.

Arrival Dates
Students should plan to arrive before the start date on their I-20/DS-2019. Students who will be living off campus are advised to come at least two weeks earlier than the official reporting date to find housing. Do not plan to arrive in the U.S. more than 30 days before your start date due to immigration regulations.
If you will be an undergraduate student living on campus and taking part in Explore or Discover, please note Explore participants cannot arrive on campus before August 13th and Discover participants cannot arrive before August 20th.

Planning your Trip from the St. Louis Airport
This provides a summary of transportation options from the airport and will also provide a handy Quick Reference Guide for Newly Arriving Students. We strongly recommend you print this sheet, as it provides valuable information, including campus addresses/locations, that will make your trip to Washington University smoother.

Requesting an Airport Pick-Up
The airport pick-up form will be available this summer for new Fall 2012 students.

Hotels Near Washington University
For students who expect to stay temporarily at a hotel, the OISS has assembled this list of hotels which are near the campus and offer special student rates.

Transfer of Funds and Budgeting
Information on financial preparations for your stay in the U.S.

Payroll Requirements for Recipients of Wash U Funds (Step 1)
A recipient of Wash U funds refers to anyone who is receiving funds of any kind from Washington University, including, but not limited to, fellowships, assistantships, and stipends.

If you are receiving funds from WU, you will need to complete the foreign national payroll process, which should be initiated via e-mail after you receive your I-20 or DS-2019. We recommend that you complete your data entry portion of the process before your arrival in the U.S., in order to ensure your payroll processing is quick and smooth. Details on the entire process can be found in Student Payroll Processes.