Admitted International Graduate Students

Congratulations on your admission to the University of Washington! We hope you are excited to join our graduate student community. This page is maintained by Graduate Enrollment Management Services (GEMS) to assist you, our F-1 or J-1 international graduate students, as you prepare to begin your program and arrive on campus.

Prospective applicants are also welcome to review this information.

Contents: Next Steps

Accepting Your Offer of Admissions
Submit Final Degree Transcript
University of Washington Seattle Campus I-20 Request (F-1)
University of Washington Seattle Campus DS-2019 Request (J-1)
University of Washington I-20 Instructions
Planning your Entry Date into the United States (New F-1 & J-1 Students)
F-1 Students Transferring from Another U.S. School to the University of Washington
Current UW Students Starting a New Graduate Program – Change of Level Study
English Language Proficiency – AEP Requirement
Additional New Graduate Student Resources

Accepting Your Offer of Admissions

Accepting Your Offer of Admissions

  • UW graduate programs send offers of admission via email. If you have received an offer, we hope you will accept and join our Husky Community!
  • If you have not yet created your UW NetID, you will need to create it before you can accept the offer. In your graduate school application, you will have a PAC code, student ID number, and a link to Identity.UW. You will select “UW student” on the Identity.UW site.
  • After you have your UW NetID, to accept the offer and confirm enrollment (reserving your seat in the program), please return to your graduate school application and select the “Accept Offer” button.
  • For assistance with accepting the offer, please review Enrollment Confirmation System Help.
  • If you need additional information about the Enrollment Confirmation Deposit, please visit the UW Registrar’s Enrollment Confirmation System.
  • After you have accepted your offer, you will have access to your graduate application‘s Pre-Registration Page.

Submit Final Degree Transcript

Degree Verification: Submitting Your Final Degree Transcript

UW Seattle Campus I-20 Request (F-1)

University of Washington Seattle Campus I-20 Request

If you will be studying in F-1 student status during your graduate program, you must request and be issued a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”

  • After you have accepted your offer, you will have access to your graduate application‘s Pre-Registration Page. You will see an “I-20 or DS-2019 Request” section that explains: “You will receive an invitation to the UW’s MyISSS portal…. Follow the online instructions to complete the I-20 or DS-2019 request process.”
  • The MyISSS invitation will be sent from uwgrad@uw.edu to your UW e-mail address within three UW business days.
  • If you do not see the I-20 or DS-2019 Request section on your Pre-Registration page, please contact GEMS so your student record can be corrected to F-1 student.
  • Refer to the Financial Ability Requirement page for detailed financial instructions. We recommend you prepare your financial documents early, so you are able to request your I-20 as soon as possible.
  • Processing time: after you submit your completed I-20 request in MyISSS, expect 2-4 weeks processing time before the I-20 is issued to you.

UW Seattle Campus DS-2019 Request (J-1)

University of Washington Seattle Campus DS-2019 Request (J-1)

A small number of UW graduate students attend in J-1 exchange visitor status. If you have been invited by a program sponsor* to participate in an educational and cultural exchange as a UW graduate student, you are eligible to receive a Form DS-2019 “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status” to apply for your J-1 visa.

  • After you have accepted your offer, you will have access to your graduate application‘s Pre-Registration Page. You will see an “I-20 or DS-2019 Request” section that explains: “You will receive an invitation to the UW’s MyISSS portal…. Follow the online instructions to complete the I-20 or DS-2019 request process.”
  • The MyISSS invitation will be sent from uwgrad@uw.edu to your UW e-mail address within three UW business days.
  • If you do not see the I-20 or DS-2019 Request section on your Pre-Registration page, please contact GEMS so your student record can be corrected to J-1 student.
  • You will have additional funding requirements beyond the I-20 (F-1 visa) Financial Ability Requirement because you are required to receive the majority of your funding from your sponsor, rather than personal or family funding. You must also demonstrate funding for the entire duration of the program.
  • *”Program sponsor” does not typically include students who are sponsored by their admitting UW department as an Academic Student Employee (Research Assistant or Teaching Assistant). Academic Student employees attend the UW on F-1 student visas.
  • Processing time: after you submit your completed DS-2019 request in MyISSS, expect 2-4 weeks processing time before the DS-2019 is issued to you.

University of Washington I-20 Instructions

University of Washington I-20 Instructions

  • After GEMS has approved and issued your UW I-20, you will be notified to return to your MyISSS portal to receive the electronically signed I-20.
  • Electronic signature & delivery of I-20s is allowed by the US government and an original ink signature from the UW/GEMS is not required.
  • If you have not yet received your I-20, but would like to prepare for a visa interview and next steps in advance, you are welcome to preview the University of Washington I-20 Instructions.

Planning your Entry Date into the United States

Planning your Entry Date into the United States (New F-1 & J-1 Students)

Before making any travel arrangements such as purchasing plane tickets, plan your arrival date into the United States carefully. You will need to consider the following: the start of class for your entry quarter; arrival window per visa requirements; and mandatory orientations.

  • Confirm Academic Entry Quarter: The UW has four academic quarters in a calendar year. When you accepted your offer from your UW department, you agreed to begin studies in either Autumn, Winter, Spring, or Summer Quarter. You can also confirm your entry quarter by checking the “Enrollment Confirmation Received” email receipt sent by the University of Washington Office of the Registrar. If your entry quarter is incorrect, or if you need to request that your application’s entry quarter be moved into a different quarter, contact your graduate program immediately before taking any additional steps.
  • Confirm Academic Class Start Date: Once you have confirmed your academic entry quarter, you can then review the UW Registrar’s Academic Calendar for each quarter’s Dates of Instruction. For example, if your entry quarter is Autumn 2023, the first day of classes is September 27, 2023.
  • Arrival Window: Each Academic Quarter, new initial F-1 (I-20) or J-1 (DS-2019) students have a very specific window of time in which to enter the United States on their student visas.
    • Earliest arrival date: You may not enter the U.S. earlier than 30 days before the “Program Start Date” on your I-20 form (on the DS-2019 form, see the start date in #3). This will be the same date as the “Start of Classes” (the first day of classes for your quarter).
    • Latest arrival date: Plan to arrive in the US no later than the “Program Start Date” as listed on your I-20 form.
    • Mandatory ISS Check-in: The U.S. government requires both F-1 and J-1 new students to officially “check in” after they have arrived in the U.S.; you must complete the International Student Services’ online Post-Arrival check-in no later than the first day of your classes.
  • Remember to Plan Ahead! You are advised to have your F-1 or J-1 visa (“entry”) stamp in your passport before purchasing non-refundable plane tickets (US Embassies & Consulates visa processing times may be slow, especially during the busy summer months). Refer to International Student Services Visas for an overview of the visa interview process.
    • Pre-Arrival ISS Checklist: You are also encouraged to complete the ISS Online Information session as soon as you have confirmed your enrollment. You will learn valuable information related to your F-1 or J-1 visa. You are also required to complete this session before you can register for your classes.
  • Mandatory Orientations: You are required by the UW to attend a welcome program hosted by CIRCLE. Many graduate programs also have mandatory orientations. Please check with your program advisor to ask if you need to attend an orientation or other programming before the first day of classes.

F-1 Students Transferring from Another U.S. School to the University of Washington

F-1 Students Transferring to the University of Washington

This I-20 category is only for students already in the U.S. who will transfer their SEVIS immigration record to the UW Graduate School, Seattle Campus from UW Tacoma, UW Bothell, UW International & English Language Programs, or another U.S. school. There are benefits to a “SEVIS transfer,” so you are strongly encouraged to transfer if you are eligible.

  • Review UW Seattle Campus I-20 Request (F-1) section for instructions about the MyISSS portal.
  • Questions about transferring your SEVIS record? You may find these frequently asked questions useful.
  • Pre-Arrival ISS Checklist: You are also encouraged to complete the ISS Online Information session as soon as you have confirmed your enrollment. You will learn valuable information related to your F-1 or J-1 visa. You are also required to complete this session before you can register for your classes.
  • Mandatory ISS Check-in: The UW expects you to officially “check in” by completing the International Student Services’ online Post-Arrival check-in no later than the first day of your classes.

Current UW Students Starting a New Graduate Program

Current UW Students Starting a New Graduate Program – Change of Level Study

This I-20 category is only for students currently holding F-1 status at the University of Washington Seattle Campus (including those on OPT) who are admitted to a new graduate program at UW Seattle. If you are continuing your studies at UW, congratulations, and we are glad you are staying with us!

  • Confirm Eligibility: Review the International Student Services Office’s Change of Level Eligibility information carefully.
  • Prepare your new financial ability documents (personal or family bank statement, departmental offer letter, sponsor letter) per Financial Ability Requirement.
  • Current UW students should already have access to the MyISSS platform. Log in and go to your Requests & Documents section. Then select the Change of Level/Program icon to submit your Change of Level Request.
  • ISS and GEMS will review and process your request.

English Language Proficiency

English Language Proficiency  – AEP Requirement

If you selected “no” to the question Are you a native English speaker? in your graduate school application, you will be asked to demonstrate English language proficiency for graduate study at the University of Washington, per Policy 3.2 requirements.

If you have received a Teaching Assistant (TA) Offer, you have additional requirements per Policy 5.2. Please contact your graduate program with questions related to your appointment.

GEMS recommends you confirm that your UW student record has been updated correctly with your level of English proficiency before you register for your first quarter. Your confirmation will ensure that you are either marked “satisfied” for completing the English Language Proficiency requirement, or that you are placed into the correct Academic English Proficiency (AEP) class if your score is below the “recommended score.”

  • Confirm your English Proficiency on your Pre-Registration Page: After you have accepted your offer, you will have access to your graduate application‘s Pre-Registration Page.
    • AEP Requirement Section: If you have not yet demonstrated English proficiency per Policy 3.2, you will see an AEP Requirement section on your Pre-Registration Page.
    • No AEP Requirement Section: If you have already demonstrated English proficiency, you will not see this AEP Requirement section! You do not need to take any further action as you have already sent your official “recommended score,” or provided your English-language instruction degree to GEMS, or you answered “Yes” to the Are you a native English speaker? question in your application.
  • Next Steps for Students With AEP Requirement: There are several reasons a new UW graduate student may have “AEP Requirement” on their student record. Please read the below to determine which actions you need to complete.
    • You incorrectly have an AEP requirement:
      1. TOEFL Score: Did you already send your official electronic TOEFL (or IELTS/Duolingo) scores via ETS to the University of Washington (#4854)? It may take up to two weeks from your ETS order for your scores to update into your student record. You will see the “AEP Requirement” section disappear when your scores have updated.
      2. Your Degree Taught in English: Policy 3.2 lists three ways to satisfy the AEP Requirement with an English-language instruction degree. Have you sent your official English transcripts to GEMS? When your degree is approved by GEMS, you will see “Verified” next to your degree in your application’s pre-registration page. GEMS will also update your English requirements to “satisfied” during the degree verification. You will see the “AEP Requirement” section disappear after GEMS has verified your degree.
      3. UW Intensive English Language Program: Did you complete the UW Intensive English Language Program’s University Track? This track is no longer offered, but you can request that the Intensive English program sends GEMS your official letter stating successful completion (you should inform the Intensive English program that you are applying to Graduate School). Upon receipt of the letter, GEMS will update your English requirements to satisfied and your AEP Requirement section will disappear.
    • You correctly have an AEP Requirement, but you plan to satisfy it before your classes: If your official scores are between the range of 80 (minimum required score) and below 92 (recommended score), you may decide to fulfill your English Language Proficiency Requirement before your academic classes start, especially if you are in an accelerated (one year) graduate program. Here are your options:
      1. Retake the TOEFL Test: You may retake the TOEFL (or Duolingo or IELTS) test as many times as necessary. Please be certain that your official score reports are sent to the University of Washington, #4854. Your AEP Requirement section in your graduate application‘s Pre-Registration Page will disappear after an official score of 92 or higher has updated into your graduate application. Deadline: If you are not planning to register for any Academic English classes, your student record will need to be updated with your recommended score before the start of your first academic quarter.
      2. UW Graduate Preparation Program: If you are required to take English 102 & 104, you may choose to fulfill this requirement before the start of your Autumn graduate studies by successfully completing the Graduate Preparation Program through the International & English Language Programs. Deadline: This summer program is open until spaces are filled. You will need to submit an application to the Graduate Preparation Program.
    • You have an AEP requirement, and you will take AEP classes: If you prefer to take Academic English classes during your graduate study, you only need to confirm your correct placement and then follow AEP registration instructions. You will begin taking AEP during your first quarter of study.
      1. Confirm AEP Placement: Average your test scores per instructions on the Academic English Course Placement page to confirm your requirements.
      2. Register for AEP Classes: Follow the registration instructions to add your AEP class to your schedule. Deadline: You will need to add this class before you can register for your graduate classes.
      3. Contact: If you need any assistance with your AEP classes, please contact the AEP office.

Additional New Graduate Student Resources

Additional New Graduate Student Resources

  • U501 Orientation: University 501 (U501) is a self-guided, online resource designed for graduate and professional students at all three campuses and is intended to help prepare you for your arrival to and start at the University of Washington. U501 is open to all incoming and current graduate students with a valid NetID and is divided into five (5) modules.
  • CORE Programs: Core Programs, the Office of Graduate Student Affairs in The Graduate School, utilizes a holistic approach to supporting graduate students through student-centered programming, timely resources, and intentional tri-campus partnerships.
  • CIRCLE:The Center for International Relations and Cultural Leadership Exchange (CIRCLE) adopts student-centered and strengths-based approaches to address the needs of international graduate (master’s and doctoral) students through resource sharing and tailored programming. Centering support, engagement, and advocacy – the three foundational pillars of CIRCLE, we lead programs in support of the holistic success of international graduate students, through communication, onboarding programs and continued support on professional development and community-building. For more information, check out more about CIRCLE, programming for new international graduate students, current international graduate students and CIRCLE calendar for upcoming events.
  • Graduate and Professional Student Senate: As an international student, you are welcome to take part in the Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS), the official student government representing the 15,000 graduate and professional students at the University of Washington. Many international students have served as officers and senators in the past. GPSS represents students to the University and the Legislature, funds graduate programming, and hosts regular social events.
    • Student RSOs: With over 800 clubs and organizations, the University of Washington offers numerous ways for students to get involved on campus. Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) play a significant role for students to develop interpersonal skills, enhance their learning environment, prepare to live in a diverse society, and contribute to a global community.

Last Updated: April 5, 2023