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New International Students

Welcome to Washington State University Spokane

We are so excited to have you on our campus and look forward to meeting you! We want to assist you in creating a second home on our campus and in the Spokane Community. 

Below, you will find some quick information regarding your new student status. For more detailed information, we have provided links to the central Washington State University campus located in Pullman, WA. 

For Admission Purposes, you are considered an International Student if you are not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.The information below pertains to students on the F-1 or J-1 visa.  

All incoming international students (first-year and transfers) must:

  • Attend the New International Student Tutorial (live, delivered on Zoom)  
  • Complete the Canvas Tutorial (self-paced, online) 
  • Complete the New Student Check-in Form on myPassport
  • Be fully enrolled (see below) in order to have the immigration status registered as ACTIVE.  

Communicate with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) regarding maintaining your status while you are in the United States.  The System DSO, Nitivia Jones, is your international student advisor. You can reach her by email (check your inbox!) or via open advising (M-F, 1-3pm) on Zoom.  

Please check your email for invitations to join the International Student Peer Mentor Program. After signing up, you will be assigned a mentor who can answer questions regarding traveling to the U.S. and arriving in Spokane. Peer mentors will support new students throughout their first semester at WSU. 

F-1 Students

If you are pursuing an undergraduate degree as a full-time student (12 or more credits per semester), you will most likely be issued an F-1 visa. 

An F-1 visa allows an international student to enter the United States to study in a language and/or academic program. If you are studying at WSU on an F-1 visa, you must comply with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requirements, as well as University requirements. 

J-1 Students

A J-1 student visa allows you to participate in study-based exchange programs in the United States. If you are studying in a language and/or academic program at WSU on a J-1 visa, you must comply with the regulations of the U.S. Department of State, as well as University requirements.