International Student Affairs
Immigration – Travel Documents
All international students (Canadian citizens see note below) must possess a valid passport and visa to request permission to enter the United States at the port of entry. To apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa, you must go to the U.S embassy or consulate in your country. You need to present Form I-20 for an F-1 visa or Form DS 2019 for a J-1 visa, and a statement of financial support for your studies. At the port of entry to the United States, Immigration Officials will inspect your passport, visa, and financial documentation. They will also issue Form I-94 card, which is usually stapled in your passport.
Note: Canadian citizens do not need a passport or visa, but must present the Form I-20 or Form DS 2019, financial documentation, and proof of Canadian citizenship at the U.S. port of entry.
Do not enter the United States on another school's I-20 or on a visitor/tourist (B-2) visa, unless it is designated "Prospective Student" by a consular officer. Also, if you enter the country without a visa under the visa waiver program, you will not be able to acquire F-l or J-2 status within the United States.
Required Medical Insurance
Due to the extremely high cost of health care in the United States, Washington State University requires that all students on nonimmigrant visas be covered by medical insurance that meets or exceeds the coverage provided by the WSU student medical insurance. International students are automatically billed each semester at the time of registration for the WSU student medical insurance.
Some students are exempt from the insurance requirements:
- Graduate students with half-time graduate assistantships (coverage provided by departments)
- Canadian citizens
- Some sponsored students identified by OISS
If international students can show proof of medical insurance that is equal to or better than that of the WSU insurance plan, they may request a waiver of the WSU insurance. However, students must present an alternate plan to the WSU Health and Wellness Services within five days of the beginning of each semester. All documentation must be in English.
J-1 Exchange Visitors
J-1 students and their dependents are required by law to be covered by medical insurance which meets the requirement of the Exchange Visitor Program. Visit the Washington State University (Pullman) J-1 Scholars page to learn about the J-1 exchange visitor program and the program requirements.
Student Health and Wellness
WSU Health and Wellness Services provides a variety of health care services for students attending the Pullman, WA campus. For local services, see health care services for WSU Vancouver students.
Transferring to WSU Vancouver from Another U.S. College or University
If you are transferring from another college in the United States and you have F-1 status, ask the international advisor at the previous college to certify the term of your last registration and verify full-time enrollment using the F-1 Undergraduate Transfer-in form (PDF). Send the form to the Student Affairs Office at the WSU Vancouver campus. Also upon arrival to the campus, you need to present WSU's I-20 to complete the transfer procedures and maintain your status with Immigration.
Paying Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees are due on the first day of classes each term. Beginning fall 2008, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express credit cards will be accepted for tuition, fees, and course-related expenses on your student account. These payments will be processed by Official Payments, a company specializing in credit card processing. There will be a 2.5% convenience fee applied. VISA has chosen not to participate, and will therefore no longer be accepted. To avoid extra fees, pay with a no cost e-check. Please visit www.wsu.edu/studacct and click on FAQ for more information. Tuition and fees can also be paid to the cashier located in the Student Services Center.
Immigration Check-in
The mandatory new student immigration check-in is scheduled prior to the beginning of fall and spring semesters. Consult your welcome letter from WSU Vancouver for the specific date, time and location or call 360-546-9779 for details. Bring your I-20, I-94 card, visa, and passport to check-in.
New students should also plan on attending the mandatory New Student Orientation (ROAR).