Office for International Students and Scholars

WashU students receiving a stipend may be eligible to apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN). Join OISS on September 19 at 12PM for an in-person workshop as we review the eligibility and application process for an ITIN.

If you already have a social security number, you do not have to apply for an ITIN.

Visit our OISS Events Calendar at https://oiss.wustl.edu/events-calendar/ for more information or to register.

Were you unable to join the in-person OISS Immigration sessions during orientation week or just need a refresher? If yes, OISS invites you to our New Student Immigration webinar on Friday, September 13th at 12PM to review F-1 and J-1 regulations on enrollment, travel, and employment eligibility.

For more information, or to register, please visit the OISS Events Calendar at https://oiss.wustl.edu/events-calendar/.

📢 The OISS will be closed on Monday, September 2 for the Labor Day holiday and will reopen with regular business hours on Tuesday, September 3. If during this time you have an emergency please contact WashU Police Department at 314-935-5555.
Have a safe and restful holiday weekend!

🗺️ Planning a summer getaway? Don't forget to double-check your I-20 or DS-2019 for a valid travel signature!

Keep in mind, travel signatures permit multiple re-entries into the U.S within 12 months from the date issued for enrolled students and scholars, and 6 months for students on OPT. For more guidance, log in to your MyOISS and follow the instructions on the "Reprint I-20" request. Happy travels!

🎇 Happy Independence Day! 🎆 Just a friendly notice: Our office is closed today, July 4th, in celebration of this historic day. Have a wonderful time with family and friends, and stay safe!

"🎇 Attention all! 🎆 Just a friendly reminder that the OISS will be closed on July 4th to celebrate Independence Day. Wishing you all a fantastic Fourth of July filled with fireworks and fun! Have a blast, stay safe, and enjoy the festivities! "

A week left to submit your OPT recommendation request!! For information on how to apply for OPT, log in to your MyOISS and read the instructions found in the “OPT Recommendation” request.

If the recommendation is submitted after July 8th, the OISS cannot promise that the I-20 recommendation will be made in time for it to be submitted to USCIS, so get to it now!!

🗺️✈️ Attention Travelers! 🌟 Planning a summer getaway? Don't forget to double-check your I-20 or DS-2019 for a valid travel signature!

Remember, travel signatures can be used for multiple re-entries into the U.S within 12 months from the date issued for enrolled students and scholars, and 6 months for students on OPT. For more information, log in to your MyOISS and follow the instructions on the "Reprint I-20" request. Happy travels!

Attention Undergrads: Looking for one more class to take in Fall 2024?
Dialogue Across Difference (DxD) is an eight week, 1 credit, pass/no pass course for undergraduate students at Wash U. There are currently three sections of DxD: Race, Gender, Politics, and interfaith. All of them are inter-group dialogue based - not lecture courses. For questions, contact [email protected]

Thinking about applying for OPT? Request your OPT I-20 by July 8th, 2024!

For information on how to apply for OPT, log in to your MyOISS and read the instructions found in the “OPT Recommendation” request.

If the recommendation is submitted after July 8th, we cannot promise that the I-20 recommendation will be made in time for you to apply to USCIS, so get to it now!!

Are you thinking about traveling this summer? Do not forget to verify if you have a valid travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019!!

Travel signatures can be used for multiple re-entries into the U.S within 12 months from date issued for enrolled students and scholars, and 6 months for students on OPT. For more information, log in to your MyOISS and and follow the instructions on the "Reprint I-20 request"

The OISS summer hours will begin from June 3rd and end on August 9th, 2024.

Checkout this weekend’s upcoming Share Our Stuff Sales hosted by WashU Office of Sustainability! Shoppers can find furniture, bedding, clothes, shoes, household items, etc.! This is the perfect opportunity to do something positive for the environment while preparing to move into your new place or upgrade your dorm decor! https://sustainability.wustl.edu/calendar_event/share-our-stuff-summer-sale/

Join us at these events to have your pick of a wide variety of donated dorm/apartment essentials! Get excited to sort through this lightly-used assortment to find something perfect for you while supporting circular material reuse! Click our link.tree or check out the event page on our website for more info!

📢 OISS will be closed starting today at 3 pm. We will remain closed through Monday, May 27 in observance of Memorial Day. We will resume operations on Tuesday, May 28.

Have a safe and restful holiday weekend!

The WashU Spring Ensemble invites you to attend their WashU Spring Ensemble's Annual Concert this Sunday, April 28 at 7 pm in Holmes Lounge. Doors will open at 6:30 pm. Click here for more details: https://happenings.wustl.edu/event/washu-spring-ensemble-annual-concert

Planning to renew your U.S. visa soon? Join us tomorrow, Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 12 p.m. (CST) for a virtual workshop to learn about the requirements for international students to travel abroad and basic information to consider when renewing their visa. Register today: wustloiss.eventbrite.com. Registration closes at 10 am the day of the event.

This workshop will include a Q & A session at the end. The Zoom link will be provided in the email confirmation you will receive after registering for the event in Evenbrite and again the day of the event.

This is a reminder for graduating international senior students to join International Advancement Programs (IAP) staff at OISE on April 17, anytime between 11 am and 2 pm to pick up a thank you prize for taking your Senior Survey!

The Senior Survey gives valuable feedback to help shape the future WashU student experience. YOUR Participation is critical to help shape the INTERNATIONAL STUDENT experience.

Join your IAP staff for prizes and to learn the many ways to stay globally connected to WashU after graduation!

Can’t make it on April 17? No worries! Prizes can be picked up from OISE any time after April 17 while supplies last. You can also reach out to Lara Jennings ([email protected]) with the International Advancement team any time to learn more about staying connected to WashU after graduation.

Attention ALL graduating INTERNATIONAL SENIORS, it is time to take your senior survey! The Senior Survey gives valuable feedback to help shape the future WashU student experience. YOUR Participation is critical to help shape the INTERNATIONAL STUDENT experience.

Take your Senior Survey at your convenience. As a token of thanks, the International Advancement Programs (IAP) staff will be handing out prizes from 11 am to 2 pm at OISE (located in the Women’s Building) on April 17. Come meet your IAP staff for prizes and to learn the many ways to stay globally connected to WashU after graduation!

Can’t make it on April 17? Don’t worry! Prizes can be picked up from OISE any time after April 17 while supplies last. You can also reach out to Lara Jennings ([email protected]) with the International Advancement team to learn more about staying connected to WashU after graduation.

The Teach English as a Second Language Club (TeachESL) invites all international students to join!
TeachESL is a student group at WashU that pairs undergraduate English speakers with students whose first language is not English. Together, you work one-on-one to strengthen your skills in English.
This is a wonderful opportunity to meet other students at WashU, feel more comfortable speaking English, and feel acquainted to American culture. Undergraduate and Graduate students welcome!
The tutors meet with tutees for 1-hour once a week, and the schedule is extremely flexible to fit into your free time. Tutoring can be in-person or in a virtual format.
Register here: https://ow.ly/7Fa850QXRUG
For additional questions, contact: [email protected] or [email protected]

Ramadan Mubarak to all who celebrate and observe this holy month. Check out the link below for more about Ramadan, courtesy of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: https://diversity.med.wustl.edu/happy-ramadan-2/

Join us this Thursday March 7 for a virtual overview of immigration documents, the implications of having expired documents, and the procedures to help you maintain your status. We will have a Q&A session at the end.
What: OISS Event: Understanding your Visa Status
When: Thursday, March 7, 2024, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (CST)
This is a virtual event via Zoom. Register today at wustloiss.eventbrite.com! The Zoom link will be automatically sent to you by Eventbrite after competing this registration form.

Are you on approved OPT or STEM OPT and will start working soon?

Join our virtual workshop thi Thursday, February 15 at 12 pm (CST) to learn the basics of OPT and STEM OPT Reporting!
Learn about validation reports, evaluations, timing, when to submit a new I-983, and get an overview of OISS’s OPT and STEM OPT reporting forms.

This workshop will include a Q & A session at the end. Register via Eventbrite: https://ow.ly/y7qO50QAHIa

DISCLAIMER: This workshop is NOT about the application process. This event is for students who have graduated and ALREADY on OPT/STEM OPT.

Happy Lunar New Year to everyone welcoming in the Year of the Wood Dragon!

May this year bring you and your loved ones good health, joy, and prosperity.

Join WashU International Advancement for their Global Pathways event connecting international alumni and students for a career networking event. This event will be hosted at the Brown School and feature International Alumni speakers from Sam Fox, Brown School, and the Law School. Come connect with both US Based and Non-US based International Alumni over a FREE lunch and start building your network!

This event is geared toward students who are interested in navigating work opportunities after graduation as an international student.

RSVP at: https://ow.ly/TQRf50QxZYf
Contact: [email protected]

Are you ready to apply for the CURRICULAR PRACTICAL TRAINING (CPT)? Join us Thursday, February 8 at 12 pm (CST) to learn more about the CPT application process, requirements and regulations!
This virtual workshop will include a Q & A session at the end.
Register at wustloiss.eventbrite.com to reserve your spot today!
After registering, the Zoom link will be included in the automatic Eventbrite confirmation email.
We hope to see you there!

FYI

**Updated as of 12:20 PM*

Due to inclement weather, some of our dining operations are closed or have delayed openings this morning, Monday, January 22nd.

View all updates here: https://diningservices.wustl.edu/weather-updates/

We will keep you updated with any additional changes to dining operations throughout the day.

Stay safe, WashU!

Attention Undergrads: Looking for one more class to take this term?
Dialogue Across Difference (DxD) is an eight week, 1 credit, pass/no pass course for undergraduate students at Wash U. There are currently four sections of DxD: race, gender, politics, and interfaith. All of them focus on a dialogue component. Classes run from the week of 1/29 and end the week of 3/29. Students may sign up until classes begin. https://linktr.ee/wustldxd

The OISS will be CLOSED on Monday, January 15, 2024 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Our office will reopen on Tuesday, January 16.
We encourage you to participate in the week of programming hosted by WashU and open to our campus and community! For more details visit: https://diversity.med.wustl.edu/events/mlk-week/