New Students

 

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.

  • 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 short-term university programs approved by their home institutions (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.

Fall 2025 Orientation

The required international student orientation for the Fall 2025 semester will be on Sunday, August 17, 2025 in the University Memorial Center. 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.

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