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.

Summer 2026

Students that begin prior to August 17 will check in with OGS to activate their immigration status at dedicated times. Details will be communicated in the weeks prior to arrival.

Full-time students beginning before the Fall semester must also attend the in-person Immigration Session in late August. Registration will open in July.

Fall 2026

Immigration Session

This session is 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.
  • Monday, August 17, 2:00-3:30pm on the Hilltop Campus in Gaston Hall (3rd fl. of Healy Hall)
    • F-1 students register here
  • 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.