International Student Orientation and SEVIS Registration

Students learn about their rights and responsibilities via the Canvas Pre + Post-Arrival Modules and in-person Immigration Session. F-1 or J-1 status is activated with these requirements. Transfers and students returning from leave complete this same initial SEVIS registration.

Fall 2026 Immigration Session

Mandatory for all F-1 and J-1 students beginning studies in the Summer/Fall 2026 semester.

• Graduate Students: Students only need to attend one session. The session you attend does not need to be at the Georgetown location where you take your classes.
  • Held Monday, August 17, 2:00-3:30pm on the Hilltop Campus in Gaston Hall (3rd fl. of Healy Hall)
  • Tuesday, August 25, 2:00-3:30pm on the Capitol Campus at 125 E St NW (LL Auditorium)
    • F-1 and J-1 students register here
• Undergraduate Students:
  • Friday, August 21, 2:00-3:00pm on the Hilltop Campus in the Healey Family Student Center (HFSC) Social Room
    • F-1 students register here
  • Tuesday, August 25, 2:00-3:30pm on the Capitol Campus at 125 E St NW (LL Auditorium)
    • J-1 exchange students register here

Undergraduate Family Session in McCarthy Hall, McShain Large Lounge on Friday, August 21 at 2:15-2:45pm. You can sign your family up for the session when you register for the immigration session.

University Welcome Events

• Undergraduate Students: Fall 2026 New Student Orientation (NSO) Schedule
• Graduate Students: 2026 Welcome Week Events

U.S. Address & Phone Number

Report phone number if living on campus (Office of Residential Living sends address to OGS).

Only the Local Off Campus address type syncs to F-1 & J-1 records. Log each update in GU Experience even for a temporary stay.

Immigration Document Review

Upload these items to the International Student Portal when you arrive on campus:

• Image of F-1 or J-1 visa photo page from passport (N/A for citizens of Canada/Bermuda)
• I-94 proof of status (downloaded after most recent U.S. admission; not I-94 travel history)
• Post-Arrival Quiz from Canvas (self-enroll in course here): View all course sections to unlock quiz

Full Time In Person Course Load

Register for minimum credits by add/drop deadline. Maximum one online course (max. 3 credits) may count toward full-time enrollment.

Travel Signature

After SEVIS registration, OGS emails an updated Form I-20 to each F-1 student during their first semester. This document is valid together with other U.S. reentry documentation for readmission to the United States within one calendar year. If the academic program and/or F-1 status ends earlier, so does the travel signature. F-1 students who travel internationally in the semester’s first two months must email OGS for early assistance. J-1 students must email OGS to request a travel endorsement on Form DS-2019.