International families
Behind each of the more than 7,400 international students at the University of Washington is a network of family and supporters who helped make their academic journey possible. Welcome. We’re glad you’re here.
Sign up for Parent Insider
Get oriented
Helping your student navigate college life so far from home can be an added challenge. The UW has dedicated staff to help international students and families with everything from visa and immigration logistics to academic advising and English language practice.
A good place to start: the UW Parent & Family Guide, available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean. Seattle is a world-class city connected to the global economy. We’re here to help your student feel at home in their new city and take advantage of opportunities both on and off campus.
Campus contacts
The offices that handle most of what international families need.
International Student Services
Visa and immigration support, employment authorization, tax workshops, advising.
ISS
CIRCLE
Center for International Relations & Cultural Leadership Exchange. Community, coaching, podcast.
CIRCLE
Student Fiscal Services
Tuition, NSEOF, payment plans, tax forms, billing access.
SFS
Housing & Food Services
Residence halls, dining plans, student housing options on and off campus.
HFS
At your service
From visa guidance to tax workshops, International Student Services (ISS) staff are dedicated to helping your family with the logistics of the international student experience. Find information about immigration policies, student employment, expenses, and more. ISS staff are available for one-on-one consultations through in-person and virtual advising.
Visit ISS
UW’s portal to the world
Meet one-on-one with a success coach. Make new friends. Build leadership skills. The Center for International Relations & Cultural Leadership Exchange (CIRCLE) helps international students find their campus community and connect to UW resources. CIRCLE also produces a podcast called In the Loop, a great way to learn more about the UW international student experience.
Learn more about CIRCLE
Common international family questions
Questions specific to international families. For broader topics, visit our Common Questions page.
How do we help our student pay for tuition and fees?
Tuition and fees can be paid through your student’s MyUW account. International payment options like
Flywire are also available, with the ability to pay in your home currency. The Enrollment Confirmation Deposit ($400) for new students must go through Flywire. Visit
Student Fiscal Services for current payment methods and deadlines.
Is my student allowed to work or find a paid internship?
Students on an F-1 or J-1 visa may be employed on campus for fewer than 20 hours per week. Off-campus employment is only allowed with prior authorization from either ISS or Immigration.
Visit ISS to learn more about employment eligibility for both visa types.
How does my student maintain full-time enrollment?
Undergraduate students on F-1 visas are generally required to enroll in 12 credits each quarter. For graduate students, the requirement is 10 credits per quarter. Read about
enrollment requirements at ISS.
How does my student get a Social Security Number?
U.S. Social Security numbers are issued to international students who have been offered on-campus employment or are authorized for off-campus employment. A Social Security number will not be issued for non-work purposes. For more information, visit
International Student Services.
How can my student apply for a Washington State ID or driver’s license?
A driver’s license provides permission to drive in Washington and serves as official identification. The state ID card does not authorize driving but serves as official identification, useful for banking, domestic travel, and proving age. The ISS team has put together a guide on the
campus resources page to help your student through the application process.
I’m planning to visit the U.S. and need a tourist visa. How does my student write an invitation letter?
How do we access health insurance?
All matriculated international students in F-1 or J-1 status are required to purchase the
UW International Student Health Insurance Plan (ISHIP). Review the details of the plan carefully, including the effective dates of coverage. We advise purchasing this insurance for the entire year so your student is covered whether or not they’re enrolled each quarter.
What can my student expect in the classroom?
Classes at the UW vary across disciplines and may be significantly different from what your student has experienced in their home country.
CIRCLE offers one-on-one success coaching to help international students transition effectively to UW academics.
What other resources are available beyond ISS?
CIRCLE helps international students find their campus community, develop leadership skills, and connect to UW resources.
Unite UW brings together international and domestic students through cross-cultural friendships and programming.
UW Undergraduate Advising supports academic planning across all student backgrounds.
What should my student know about safety?
The UW has several programs to keep students safe, including the
Campus Community Safety office, the 24/7
SafeCampus hotline (206-685-7233), and the campus alert system. In an emergency, call 911 and tell the dispatcher your student is at the UW.
What are the top destinations to check out off campus?
Seattle, the largest city in the Pacific Northwest, offers a unique mix of city and outdoor living. From cultural destinations like the Seattle Art Museum to scenic outdoor spots like Mount Rainier National Park, there is no shortage of places to explore. Many of the city’s top destinations are
on or near the UW campus. Learn more at
Visit Seattle. Interested in outdoor recreation?
UWild offers guided trips into Washington’s wilderness.
Stay connected
The Parent Insider newsletter publishes seasonal essentials, deadlines, and resources to share with your Husky. Available regardless of where you live. Questions? uwparent@uw.edu.
Sign up for Parent Insider