Pre-arrival checklist
All Incoming Students
- Read the Frequently Asked Questions for incoming international students.
- Make certain your have a valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected stay (except for Canadian citizens.)
- Look over the website about housing in Spokane.
- Plan your itinerary to arrive in Spokane no later than the day before orientation begins.
- Organize finances for your study at WSU Spokane. Remember that tuition and fees are due the first day of class
Students coming from overseas
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee once you receive an I-20/DS-2019 and obtain a payment receipt. (Except for students who are eligible for SEVIS transfer).
- Apply for an F-1/J-1 visa if you do not have a valid visa. (Except for Canadian citizens.)
- Read information about traveling to the U.S.
- Make travel arrangements. Remember that F-1/J-1 students with initial attendance I-20/DS-2019 may only be admitted up to 30 days prior to the program start date specified on the document. Also allow enough time between flight connections.
- Check with your airlines for luggage regulations.
- Read about useful financial information maintained by U.S. Department of State.
- Read about the items prohibited and restricted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
F-1 Transfer Students
- Read about the SEVIS transfer eligiblity. If you are currently not in lawful status and are not eligible for SEVIS transfer, contact Liz West as soon as possible to discuss your options.
- Once you are admitted to WSU, have your current/previous international advisor release your SEVIS record to WSU Spokane.
- Complete the transfer-in form (PDF) with your current/previous international advisor and return it to WSU.
- If you are going to travel out of U.S. before arriving at WSU, request a transfer-in I-20 from Liz West.
- Arrange to have your official, final transcripts from current/previous school sent to WSU Spokane.
Change of Status
Quick links
Contact information
Liz West
Academic Center130
Telephone: 509.358.7534
E-mail: liz.west@wsu.edu