New Students

Expanded Screening of Visa Applicants

Under new guidance, the Department of State will conduct expanded screening of all student and exchange visitor applicants, including reviewing online presence. Visa applicants will be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all their social media profiles to “public.”

  • All F, M, or J visa applicants (new or renewal/returning) who are “otherwise eligible,” will initially be refused a visa under INA section 221(g) and referred for further review.
    • This does not mean a visa application will necessarily be denied but it is likely that the processing time will be extended to accommodate the additional vetting.

Read More

Change in Deptartment of State policy: Visa interviews required

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced a change in the interview waiver policy for visa applicant effective September 2, 2025. The updated guidance ends waivers of the visa interviews for most visa applicants.

  • In-person interviews will be required for the majority of visa categories (including F-1, H-1B, J-1, and O-1).
  • Interviews will be required for both new applicants and those applying to renew their visas.
 

We look forward to welcoming you to campus and supporting you throughout your program.

Pre-Arrival Information for International Students

An international student is anyone in the U.S. on a non-immigrant temporary visa, such as F-1, J-1, H-4, E-2, TN, etc., taking coursework at CU Boulder. U.S. permanent residents, refugees, and asylees are not considered "international" for ISSS reporting purposes.

International students must arrive on-campus in time to attend the mandatory in-person orientation program.

  • NOTE: Check the ISSS Immigration Alerts & FAQs webpage for updates on federal actions that could affect your visa appointment, approval, and travel to the U.S.
  • International students who hold F-1 or J-1 visas may enter the U.S. as early as 30 days prior to the program start date indicated on their I-20 (students in F-1 status) or DS-2019 (students in J-1 status).

Click on your student group below to access additional arrival information.

Undergraduate Students 
First-year degree seeking students and students transferring from other institutions for a bachelors-level program.

Graduate Students 
Master's and doctoral students including students transferring from other institutions for a graduate-level program.

Exchange Students 
Non-degree seeking students on a short-term Education Abroad exchange program at CU Boulder approved by their home institution (typically on J-1 visas).

Sponsored Students 
Students sponsored by Aramco Services, KCO, Embassy of Oman, SABIC, SACM, SCO, or Fulbright.

New Student Arrival

Required Immigration Reporting: International students in F-1 or J-1 status should complete the Immigration Check-In form as soon as possible upon admission into the United States but no later than the start date of classes.

Students who are transferring their F-1 SEVIS record to CU Boulder from another U.S. academic institution must complete the check-in form within 15 days of their F-1 program start date as reflected on the Form I-20.

Register for Orientation (before August 17, 2025)

  • Day-of registration is available but may lead to long wait times during check-in.

Spring 2026 Orientation

The required international student orientation for the Spring 2026 semester will be on January 7, 2026. Attendance at the required International Student Orientation is essential, as it provides important information about CU Boulder and helpful tips to support your success throughout your academic journey. Detailed Schedule to come.

Building a Community at CU Boulder

Explore resources, events, and programs to help you make friends, get involved, and create a rich college experience.

International Student Peer Mentor Program 

Late Arrival Policies

All new international students in F-1 or J-1 status are required to arrive to Boulder by Saturday, August 16, 2025 to attend the mandatory in-person International Student Orientation program on Sunday, August 17, 2025.

Check Late Arrival Policies and Dates 

New Student Resources

Immigration Check-In

Update University Information

Additional Orientations/ Activities