International Student Services

If you haven't applied and/or been admitted to Evergreen, head over to International Student Admissions first. 

Step 1: Connect with Evergreen Technology

Once you're admitted to Evergreen, you will receive an email from Information Technology with instructions on how to set up you new My Evergreen account. If you don't see it in your email inbox within a few days of admission, check your spam or junk folder. 

My Evergreen is the portal for students, staff and faculty to access Evergreen personal information and services. You will access email, our learning support system, Canvas, registration, and more! 

Step 2: Receive your I-20 or DS-2019

F-1 Students

I-20 documents are administered through Evergreen's Office of Admission. For Evergreen to administer an I-20, you must provide a valid passport ID page and proof of sufficient funding. 

Questions can be sent to Brenda Overbey at overbeyb@evergreen.edu. 

J-1 Students

DS-2019 documents are administered through the Office of International Programs & Services. Once you receive your letter of acceptance, your DS-2019 will be shipped in the mail to your home institution. It is against federal regulation to send a DS-2019 electronically. 

Questions can be sent to studyabroad@evergreen.edu. 

Step 3: Apply for Visa

If you are transferring from another US institution, you will not need to apply for another visa. You can skip to Step 4.

1. Make sure you have a valid passport from your home country
2. Pay your SEVIS Fee (if you are a transfer student with an active SEVIS record, you already paid this fee and you do not need to pay it again)
   • All F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors must pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee. This fee is separate from visa fees.
   • You will need information form your DS-2019 or I-20
3. Locate the U.S. embassy or consulate that is closest and most convenient for you
4. Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application: Form DS-160
   • You will upload your photo while completing the DS-160. Please review the photograph requirements 
     When you are all finished, print out the confirmation page to bring to your interview 
     You will be required to pay visa application fee (different from the I-901 SEVIS Fee)
5. Schedule a Visa Interview - check the wait times are your local embassy or consulate.
6. Gather required documentation for your interview
   • Your Passport - must be valid for at least six months beyond your program end date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019
     DS-160 confirmation page
     Application Fee payment receipt  
     Photo (same one your uploaded with your visa application) 
     I-20 or DS-2019
7. Gather recommended documentation for your interview
   • Evergreen admission or acceptance letter 
   • Most recent transcripts, degrees, diplomas, certificates
   • English proficiency test scores (if required by Evergreen) 
   • Current financial documentation, evidence that you have funds to support yourself. 
   • Proof of residence outside the USA
8. Attend your visa interview
   • Interviews are often very fast. Be concise and honest in your answers to the officer.  
   • You will need to prove three main things:
     • Your academic preparation
     • Your financial ability
     • Your intent to depart the US upon completion of your program of study
   • When your interview is over the officer will tell you whether your visa application has been accepted, denied, or undergoing administrative processing
     • Read more about Administrative Processing
     • If you are told that your visa is denied, ask the officer for a denial reason and a list of documents they would suggest you bring next time you apply. Try not to be discouraged, many people are able to get their visa after reapplying! Do not argue with the embassy/consular officer or it may affect future visa appointments. 
9. Inform the Office of International Programs & Services of the outcome!

Step 4: Plan Arrival

Do not arrive more than 30 days before the program start date printed on your DS-2019 or I-20.

Airport Pick-up

As a part of our institutional partnerships, Evergreen is committed to picking up new students from the SeaTac airport on the pre-designated arrival day. F-1 students are informed and welcome to utilize this service at no additional charge. 

International Student Orientation

Each quarter when there are new international students at Evergreen, the Office of International Programs and Services will host an international student orientation. This is required to attend. If you are unable to attend, inform Evergreen beforehand by emailing studyabroad@evergreen.edu. 

In the months before arrival, Evergreen will email you with dates and details about orientation. 

Secure Housing

On-campus
Evergreen offers 14 apartment-style buildings located at the intersection between Evergreen's campus and the forest. Learn more about Housing.

Reserve your Room - all students must have their Evergreen login information and new email address, as well as completed vaccination requirement to apply for housing.

Papers for U.S.A. Port of Entry

At the Port of Entry, the immigration officer will ask to see your passport, visa, and I-20 or DS-2019. The officer will review your documents and ask you about your plans. It is important that you tell the officer that you will be a student (F visas) or an exchange visitor (J visas).

After your inspection is completed, the officer will stamp your SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019 for Duration of Status (D/S) and return the form to you. 

Required

• Valid passport
• Your student visa (pasted into your passport)
• Your I-20 or DS-2019

Recommended

• Proof of finances, such as a bank statement
• The paper receipt for the SEVIS I-901 fee
• Your letter of acceptance from Evergreen
• Contact information for Evergreen's Office of International Programs & Services

Step 5: Register for Coursework

Students can search for courses through the Academic Catalog. All international students must be enrolled in at least 12 credits per quarter, except under special circumstances. 

J-1 Visa

Exchange students include their initial course/program preferences in their Evergreen application. The Office of International Programs and Services will work directly with the Registrar's Office to enroll you in coursework. Each following quarter, exchange students connect with the Office of International Programs and Services to enroll in coursework. If you have questions, please email studyabroad@evergreen.edu. 

F-1 Visa

The Office of International Programs and Services will help you locate an Academic and Career Advisor who is a good fit for your needs. They will assist international students as they locate and register for Evergreen coursework. Please email studyabroad@evergreen.edu with any initial questions and to be connected with an advisor. 

Step 6: Purchase Health Insurance

For the 2022-2023 academic year, from September 2022 through June 2023, all international students (J-1 and F-1 visas) at Evergreen must locate and cover their own health insurance.

Upon arrival to Evergreen (or prior), international students must show proof of insurance to the the Office of International Programs & Services that meet the requirements. Documentation must be in English.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact the Office of International Programs and Services at studyabroad@evergreen.edu. 

Step 7: Order Student ID Card

All new students can and should request their student ID card at least a week before arriving at Evergreen. 

How to request card

1. Login to your My Evergreen account
2. Click on the "Profile" link in the top right corner
3. Click on the "Photo ID" link on the right hand side
4. Complete the online form. You will need a good quality digital passport-style photo (face the camera with a white background) and a picture/scan of your valid passport ID page.

Settle into your Housing

Whether you're living on or off campus, take the time to settle into your new space! Get to know your roommate and/or neighbors. The Office of International Programs & Services will host a local shopping trip so that you can purchase items. Before buying something new, check with the Office of International Programs & Services to see if we have items left behind by previous international students. 

Attend International Student Orientation

All new international students and exchange visitors are required to attend international student orientation hosted by the Office of International Programs & Services. 

At orientation, new students will engage in an overview of relevant regulations, get to know other international students, explore the local culture, and learn about campus resources and academic expectations at Evergreen. 

Bring Documents

• Your passport (including your F-1 or J-1 student visa) 
• Your I-20 or DS-2019
• Measles supporting immunizations documents (if you have had the immunization). View this page for 4 ways you can complete the measles requirements.

Submit Outstanding Vaccine Documentation

Measles Immunity Requirement

Immunization Form

All students born after 1956 must submit documentation of immunity to Measles (Rubeola). If religious or medical reasons prevent you from vaccination, you may sign the waiver included on the back (page 2) of the Immunization form.

Students have until the end of week 7 of their first quarter of classes to submit the Immunization Form and supporting documentation. After week 7, a hold is placed on the student’s account, preventing registration for the next quarter.

Supporting documentation should be in English, either in its original form or translated.

Verify your Coursework & Attend Classes

The Office of International Programs & Services will help you verify that you have an correct coursework during orientation. However, students can also verify their schedule through their My Evergreen account. 

Unless otherwise approved, you must attend the first day of classes. Contact your instructor if you're unsure of the time and location. You are also expected to regularly check your Evergreen email. 

If you're unhappy with your coursework, please contact the Office of International Programs & Services as soon as possible so we can help find suitable alternatives. studyabroad@evergreen.edu 

Pay Tuition and Fees

You are expected to pay your tuition and fees on time as described by Evergreen Financial Services. 

For prepayment plans, connect with Evergreen Financial Services before the tuition deadline. 

J-1 Exchange Students

J-1 Exchange students receive a tuition waiver. However, fees are still charged to your student account and you are expected to pay them on time.

J-1 students must pay student services fees per quarter attended which cover Student Wellness Services, the Clean Energy Fee and CAB Renovation Fee. Other fees can be waived, but you must submit the waiver forms. Waiver forms are found on Financial Services. 

Upon completion of your program at Evergreen, you can request an official transcript be sent to your home institution. Evergreen transcripts are ordered from Registration and Records. 

Before ordering and paying for the transcript, ask your home institution if you can submit an unofficial academic history report (free of charge). If this is an option, email the Office of International Programs & Services (studyabroad@evergreen) and request they send your home institution the academic history report. 

FAQs

How should I address my professor? Many professors go by their first names with students. During the first class sessions, see how they introduce themselves. If you're unsure, just ask!

Should I speak in class? Yes! Evergreen encourages student dialogue. If this feels uncomfortable, you don't have to be the most talkative person in the room, simply push yourself a little bit each class to add your voice. 

How do I submit assignments? That depends on your class, but most assignments will be submitted online through Canvas. 

What if I need more time for an assignment? Begin working on assignments well in advance. If you need an extension, email your professor(s) directly or talk with them one-on-one. 

Classroom Tips

1. Arrive on time for class. Professors do not appreciate when a student is late and may factor this in to your final credit award. Communicate immediately with professors about any study problems or absences. 
2. Remember to go to class prepared: do your homework and reading. Read critically, mark your text, or prepare questions or comments in advance. 
3. Collaborating with classmates is good, but copying a classmate’s work or ideas is not.
4. Respect other people's opinions, and expect to be respected for yours. Don't be afraid to voice your opinion, even if they are different from those of your professor or classmates. 
5. Evaluations are made by professors throughout the quarter. Final evaluations are not simply determined by a score on a final exam –  you may not even have a final exam! 
6. STEP UP and STEP BACK.  Be brave and offer your opinions in Seminar class. Be courteous and create space for others to give their opinions too.  Some people talk easily and a lot; others think easily but don’t talk as much.  Everyone should help everyone else to have a fair chance to participate. 

F-1 Undergraduate International Students

Registration is the same as all current Evergreen undergraduate students. F-1 students will register based on their designated time slot. Registration time tickets can be found in My Evergreen.

Meet with the Assistant Director for International Programs & Services or an Academic or an Academic Advisor each quarter to discuss your upcoming academic plans and interests. Know what you want to register for before your registration time. 

Learn more about Registration 

J-1 Exchange Students Registration

Unlike other international and domestic students, exchange students register each quarter with assistance from International Programs and Services. A few weeks prior to general registration, we will contact you for registration. 

Make a plan for what courses you are interested in taking before meeting with your exchange advisor. 

F-1 Graduate International Students

Graduate students should connect directly with their program's Assistant Director for details on registration and scheduling. 

Graduate Studies