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.
Change in Deptartment of State policy: Visa interviews required
On Sept. 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) changed their interview waiver policy for visa applicants. This change is effective Oct. 1, 2025. This new guidance replaces the previous guidance released on July 25, 2025.
We look forward to welcoming you to campus and supporting you throughout your program.
- Contact International Admissions with any questions you have regarding obtaining an initial I-20.
- Undergraduate students email intladm@colorado.edu
- Graduate students email intlgrad@colorado.edu
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.
First-year degree seeking students and students transferring from other institutions for a bachelors-level program.
Master's and doctoral students including students transferring from other institutions for a graduate-level program.
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).
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.
- 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 6, 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.
Spring 2026 International Student Orientation Schedule
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
International Student Orientation, University Memorial Center (UMC)
| Time (MST) | Session | Location (UMC) |
| 8:30-9:15 AM | Check-in/Photo Booth/ Breakfast Buffet (light fare)/ Coffee/Tea/Music/BINGO | UMC Hallway / Ballroom |
| 9:15-9:30 AM | Welcome - From leadership and ISSS | Glenn Miller Ballroom |
| 9:30-10:00 AM | U.S. Classroom/Culture Shock Student Panel | Glenn Miller Ballroom |
| 10:00-10:20 AM | Intro to ISSS services and website/portal | Glenn Miller Ballroom |
| 10:20-10:30 AM | 10-minute break | |
| 10:30-11 AM | Staying Safe in Boulder, CU Police Department | Glenn Miller Ballroom |
| 11-11:30 AM | Honor Code Panel | Glenn Miller Ballroom |
| Send off | Explain schedule for rest of day | |
11:30 AM-2 PM Required for some | Exchange Student Breakout Session (required, with lunch) Sponsored Student Breakout Session (required, with lunch) | UMC 235 Aspen Room, UMC |
| 11:30 AM-1 PM (optional) | Lunch meetups on the Hill! | |
1-2 PM (optional)
| Sound Bath - CALM Center
Designed to relax your body and mind with healing music. The sound vibrations will help guide your consciousness toward a calm and peaceful state of mind. | CU Art Museum |
| 2-3 PM (optional) | International Buff Campus Quest
Use your map and passport to explore important campus resources for international students. Visit each spot, collect a stamp, and return a completed passport to claim your prize! | Campus
|
Building a Community at CU Boulder
Explore resources, events, and programs to help you make friends, get involved, and create a rich college experience.
Late Arrival Policies
All new international students in F-1 or J-1 status are required to arrive to Boulder by Monday, January 5, 2026 to attend the mandatory in-person International Student Orientation program on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
New Student Resources
Immigration Check-In
- Needed for Immigration Check-In Form:
- Download Your I-94 Arrival Record
- Maintaining Status Overview
- Immigration Check-In E-Form Resources
Update University Information
Additional Orientations/ Activities