New Students
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.
- 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 short-term university programs approved by their home institutions (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.
Orientation Schedule
Orientation for the Spring 2025 Semester is on January 9, 2025 in the University Memorial Center. Attendance at our 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.
| Time (MST) | Session | Speaker | Location (UMC) |
| 9:30 - 10:30 AM | Check-in/Chip Photo Booth | NSFP/Chip | Outside of Glenn Miller Ballroom |
| 10:30 - 11:00 AM | ISSS Welcome and Review of Website and Services | ISSS | Glenn Miller Ballroom |
| 11:00 - 11:30 AM | Staying Safe in Boulder: CUPD | CUPD | Glenn Miller Ballroom |
| 11:30 - 12:00 PM | U.S. Classroom/Culture Shock Student Panel | ISSS | Glenn Miller Ballroom |
| 12:00 - 12:30 PM | Lunch | Glenn Miller Ballroom | |
| 12:30 - 1:00 PM | Honor Code Panel | Office of Student Conduct/ISSS | Glenn Miller Ballroom |
| 1:00 - 1:30 PM | Health and Wellness Services | HWS | Glenn Miller Ballroom |
| 1:30 - 2:15 PM | OIEC: Understanding University Policy on Sexual Misconduct, Discrimination, and Harassment | OIEC | Glenn Miller Ballroom |
| 2:20 - 3:20 PM | Exchange Student Breakout Session | ISSS | UMC Aspen Rooms |
| 2:20 - 3:50 PM | Sponsored Student Breakout Session | ISSS | UMC 247 |
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 January 8, 2025 to attend the mandatory in-person International Student Orientation program on January 9, 2025.
New Student Resources
Immigration Check-In
- Needed for Immigration Check-In Form:
- Maintaining Status Overview
- Immigration Check-In E-Form Resources
Update University Information
Additional Orientations/ Activities