International Student Orientation
All international students will attend New Student Orientation, just like all new students at Evergreen. In addition to this, international students are required to join the pre-arrival virtual orientation and the post-arrival in-person International Student Orientation. Details about the orientations are sent to admitted students via email by the Office of International Programs & Services.
Pre-Arrival Checklist
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. Secure On-Campus Housing
Evergreen offers a variety of housing options located at the intersection between Evergreen's campus and the forest. All students must have their Evergreen login information and new email address, as well as completed vaccination requirement to apply for housing and reserve a room.
Step 3: Register for Courses
Students can search for courses through the Academic Catalog. All international students must be enrolled full-time, in at least 12-credits per quarter, except under special circumstances.
Important: To enroll in an online course, contact Rui Zhao at rui.zhao@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.
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.
Step 4: Request a 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 a card:
- Log in to My Evergreen
- Select "Profile" in the top right corner
- Select "Photo ID" on the right hand side
- 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.
Important Travel Tips
Remember to print, date, and sign your I-20 or DS-2019.
Important: Do not arrive more than 30 days before the program start date printed on your DS-2019 or I-20.
Airport Pick-up
As part of our institutional partnerships, Evergreen is committed to picking up new students from the Seattle-Tacoma airport on the pre-designated arrival day. F-1 students are informed and welcome to utilize this service at no additional charge.
Papers for U.S.A. Port of Entry
At the Port of Entry, the immigration officer will review your documents and ask you about your plans. It is important to 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.
Documents to Bring in Your Carry-On Luggage
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
Form I-515A
Please inform the Office of International Programs and Services as soon as possible if you are given a Form I-515A, “Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor".
Arrival On Campus
Settle Into Housing
Move in and meet classmates
Whether you're living on or off-campus, take the time to settle into your new space. Get to know your roommate and 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
Learn about campus and community at Evergreen
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.
Report to Office of International Programs & Services
List of documents to bring
Bring the following documents to the Office of International Programs & Services:
- Passport
- F-1 or J-1 student visa
- I-20 or DS-2019
- Outstanding vaccine documentation
Measles Immunity Requirements
Measles immunity documentation form
Measles Immunity Documentation Form (PDF, 50 KB)
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
Check your student email
The Office of International Programs & Services will help you verify that you have a 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 are unhappy with your coursework, please contact the Office of International Programs & Services as soon as possible so we can help find suitable alternatives.
Pay Tuition and Fees
Financial Services
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.
Ordering Official Transcripts
How to oder transcripts upon completion of your program
Upon completion of your time 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 and request they send your home institution the academic history report.