Q&A: How Washington University in St. Louis Supports International Students
Founded in 1853, Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is a CGS member and one of the leading research institutions in the world with a long history of pioneering achievements and a reputation for academic excellence that includes 26 Nobel Laureates.
WashU is home to over 8,000 graduate and professional students who represent a dynamic and diverse academic community spanning seven schools and over 50 doctoral and 80 master’s and professional programs where students conduct cutting-edge research alongside renowned faculty experts.
WashU cultivates intellectual and social networks across the university to help their graduate students thrive not only as scholars but as leaders, collaborators, and engaged citizens of both the WashU and global communities.
One such network and resource at WashU is the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS). GradEdge has invited Vijay K. Ramani, Senior Vice Provost for Graduate Education and International Affairs; Geet Vanaik, Executive Director of OISS; and Jessica Cissell, Assistant Provost for Graduate Education and International Community, to tell us about OISS and how they are supporting their international students during the many policy changes that have taken place this year. Below are GradEdge’s questions in bold followed by their responses, edited for clarity and length.
Please tell the CGS GradEdge readers about WashU’s Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) and how it serves the graduate education community— incoming and current graduate students and scholars?
The WashU’s Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) mission is to empower our international community with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate U.S. immigration compliance, while guiding them with care and compassion at every step. At WashU, OISS resides within the Office of the Provost, and reports up to the Senior Vice Provost for Graduate Education and International Affairs. OISS serves as a critical entity within the WashU Global construct (https://global.washu.edu/).
OISS partners closely with faculty and staff across departments to ensure a seamless experience for our international community. OISS staff are knowledgeable in the complexities of immigration compliance and serve as trusted advisors, guiding students and scholars in maintaining their status and navigating key transitions.
Advisers offer both in-person and virtual appointments each week to serve students, scholars, and departments. Additionally, OISS hosts more than 100 webinars and workshops annually.
OISS emphasizes responsiveness and timely communication, addressing most issues within 24 hours.
In your experience, what information and resources do you find to be most helpful and necessary for graduate students and their families?
OISS offers a robust library of online resources, designed to support international graduate students and their families at every stage of their journey—from admission to graduation. In our experience, the following resources are especially valuable and frequently referenced by both students and their families:
For Current International Students and Their Families:
Traveling: A comprehensive hub for the latest travel updates, requirements, and guidance for both students and scholars—essential before any trip abroad or return to the U.S.
Contacting OISS and When OISS is Closed: Clear instructions on how to connect with an OISS adviser during business hours or in the event of an after-hours emergency.
F-1 Student Status and J-1 Student Status: Detailed guidance on maintaining legal status, including academic and employment requirements.
Know Your Rights: Critical information about legal rights and responsibilities for international students and scholars in the U.S.
For Incoming Students and Their Families:
Getting Started: A go-to guide for new international students covering orientation, housing, healthcare, and travel to St. Louis.
Apply for Your I-20 or DS-2019: Step-by-step instructions on obtaining the necessary immigration documents to begin the WashU journey.
DS-160 Visa Application: Guidance on completing the online nonimmigrant visa application, a key part of the visa process.
Apply for a Visa Stamp: Instructions for securing a U.S. visa stamp after receiving the I-20 or DS-2019.
Traveling: Again, essential here, this page helps incoming students and scholars navigate the requirements and logistics of international travel.
Whether preparing to arrive at WashU or already immersed in campus life, these curated resources help ensure that international students, scholars, and their families have the support they need to thrive.
In the last seven months, there have been many changes to federal policies concerning visas, the Student Exchange Visitors Program (SEVP), travel bans, international exchange programs, etc. What actions are being undertaken by WashU OISS to provide the latest information to prospective and current international students and scholars about these changes to visas and other federal policies?
In a rapidly evolving immigration landscape, WashU is committed to keeping current and prospective international students and scholars informed, prepared, supported, and compliant. OISS actively engages with a wide network of immigration professionals, ensuring early awareness of policy shifts affecting visas, travel, and international exchange programs.
The OISS website (oiss.wustl.edu) serves as a central hub for real-time updates and is continuously refreshed to reflect the latest federal guidance. In particular, the Traveling page offers timely insights and actionable information related to current travel restrictions, entry requirements, and documentation tips.
Beyond website updates, OISS advisers closely monitor changes and reach out directly to students and scholars who may be individually impacted by any policy changes—offering tailored guidance and support to navigate complex situations with clarity to assure compliance.
At every step, OISS ensures the international community has access to accurate, up-to-date information and the expert support they need to make informed decisions and remain compliant.
Recently, the U.S. Department of State announced a process for “Expanding Screening and Vetting for Visa Applicants.” What information is WashU OISS providing to prospective students and how is the university communicating the latest information to prospective graduate students. What response, if any has there been to this latest social media vetting plan by current students and faculty?
In response to recent updates from the U.S. Department of State, WashU OISS equips students with the information and support they need to navigate and comply with these evolving policies.
To that end, OISS hosts weekly live Q&A sessions, designed specifically to meet the needs of incoming students. These sessions provide proactive updates on issues such as the DS-160 form, visa interviews, and current travel restrictions. When student questions are limited, OISS tailors these sessions to spotlight the most pressing immigration topics and developments.
In addition, OISS maintains and regularly updates a number of key online resources, including:
DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Visa Interview Preparation Resources
2025 Travel Restrictions Guidance
When visiting the WashU OISS website, GradEdge noticed “Friday Q&A sessions” and “Travel Talk webinars,” can you tell the GradEdge readers a bit more about these regularly scheduled sessions and some of the topics graduate students are most interested in getting more information about and discussing with OISS staff?
WashU OISS is committed to meeting students where they are. Two key programs exemplify this commitment: the Friday Q&A Sessions for Newly Admitted Students and the ongoing Travel Talk Webinars.
The Friday Q&A Sessions are held weekly and designed specifically for incoming international students. Led by a team of OISS advisers, these sessions cover topics such as obtaining an I-20 or DS-2019, navigating the visa process, SEVIS transfers, international travel, arriving at WashU, and adjusting to life in St. Louis. Advisers are also available to answer questions from individuals.
The Travel Talk Webinar Series was launched in direct response to the evolving landscape of international travel and immigration policy. These sessions, also led by OISS advisers, cover everything from immigration status maintenance and visa renewals to port-of-entry requirements, recent travel updates, and common questions around reentry and documentation.
Together, these live events not only provide practical guidance but also foster connection for international graduate students and scholars navigating complex systems.
All these events can be found on the OISS website: https://oiss.washu.edu/events-calendar/.
What are three things CGS graduate education leaders and international affairs officers should be doing now to prepare for the 2025 Fall/Winter semesters to help international students make it through the newly established social media vetting process, visa application process, and the border and entry process into the United States?
First, it’s critical for graduate deans and international affairs officers to provide consistent communication between admitted international students, their academic departments, and their institution’s OISS. A key to success is having clear, concise and accurate resources available online for incoming students (and academic departments) to ensure compliance.
Second, incoming students should be encouraged to engage immediately upon accepting their offer, and to regularly check both the email they used during the application process and their new institution’s email account. Your institution can reduce confusion and avoid unnecessary delays by establishing clear and consistent communication channels with incoming students.
Finally, as students prepare for the visa and social media vetting process, your OISS should be in regular contact with incoming students and guide them to appropriate resources. Students must complete their DS-
160 visa application forms themselves and be fully aware of the details they submit. Accuracy and transparency are critical. Students should be encouraged to print and save the complete form before submission. Students should also review their online presence and properly disclose this in their visa application materials.
For example, simple guidance that can help facilitate a smooth entry process is to advise incoming students to travel with a well-organized folder containing all required documents, including their passport, visa stamp, I-20 or DS-2019, proof of funding, admission letter, and a printed copy of their DS-160 confirmation. For students traveling from or through countries with added restrictions, early coordination with your institution’s OISS can avoid unnecessary complications.
Dr. Ramani, your role is unique in that you serve as Senior Vice Provost for Graduate Education and International Affairs. For CGS graduate education leaders who may not serve in an administrative role for international affairs/students, what federal policy changes and/or general issues concerning international students should they be aware of at this time?
For graduate education leaders at other institutions—especially those not directly involved in international affairs— staying informed about evolving federal policies is critical to ensuring students receive accurate guidance and timely support. Maintaining a connection with your institution’s government relations office and with the Office of General Counsel can be extremely helpful.
Federal regulations surrounding international student mobility continue to shift. Recent changes have affected travel policies, social media vetting, visa application procedures, and processing timelines. Even graduate deans not in daily contact with these issues should be aware of how such changes can delay enrollment, affect research continuity, or impact a student’s ability to return from travel abroad.
Lastly, what would you say to those outside of the higher education community who may not know or fully appreciate the value and benefit international students bring to graduate programs and campus life at WashU?
WashU international students and scholars represent 123 countries, bringing with them hundreds of languages, rich cultural traditions, and diverse worldviews. The WashU Global website (https://global.washu.edu/) has additional details about this community and the University’s global engagement. Their presence on campus enhances every aspect of university life—from classrooms and research labs to student organizations and the broader St. Louis community. International students actively shape a more dynamic, globally informed academic and social environment.
In the classroom, international students contribute perspectives shaped by distinct cultural, political, and educational systems. Their insights deepen academic discussions and expand the lens through which domestic students examine both domestic and global challenges. This exchange helps break down language and cultural barriers, encourages the questioning of assumptions, and builds cross-cultural communication skills—competencies that are increasingly essential in today’s interconnected world.
For graduate students in particular, these global perspectives enrich research collaboration, offering alternative methodologies, lived experiences, and approaches to problem-solving that fuel innovation. Whether engaging in classroom discussion or working in interdisciplinary research teams, all students benefit from a broader intellectual toolkit when they learn alongside peers from across the globe.
