International students on campus

International Student and Scholar Center

We strive to be your home away from home so that you can thrive at Seattle University! Here, you can talk to us about visas and logistics, campus resources, and life in the United States.

International Student Center: Bringing the World to Our Campus

Welcome to Seattle University! As an international student, you are vital to our thriving university community and our commitment to empowering leaders for a just and humane world. We're here to support your academic journey every step of the way. Our work is two-fold: acting as your liaison to the federal government to support your student visa status and fostering cultural connections throughout campus.

Given our size we have the luxury to work one-on-one with students. We prioritize your needs, taking the time to listen, to understand your culture and to celebrate your successes. Together, we promote global citizenship, fostering our campus’ vibrant cultural mix today and developing global leaders of tomorrow.

New Students

Congratulations on joining the international student community of  more than 1,000 students from approximately 80 countries around the world!

Our Services

  • Maintain F-1 or J-1 visa status
  • Assist with reinstatement applications
  • Advise on change of status to F-1
  • Provide letters to obtain social security number, driver’s license, etc.
  • Assist with off campus work authorizations (CPT and OPT)
  • Host workshops for employment information, federal regulations, etc.
  • Access to federal and state regulatory forms
  • Host events and programs throughout the year
  • Connect students with university and community partners
  • Host students from Fukuoka, Japan each year

Support for off-campus work authorization for F-1 Student Visa holders

students hanging outside the library
Click to play the video

Welcome New Students

Thank you for traveling the world to become a Seattle University student. We are so happy to be part of your academic journey. Our team is here to help support you with all of your required student status legal requirements as well as welcoming you to your new campus. Learn about the steps you need to follow to transition into Seattle University.

International Student Center group photo, 2017

Maintaining Student Status

As an international student, it is your responsibility to understand and comply with the terms of your visa during your stay in the United States. If you comply with all of the F-1 visa regulations, you will be considered "in status" and will be eligible for all F-1 benefits. We are here to help guide you through any question you may have.

Students at International Dinner 2024

Student Resources

We are here to help you navigate life, not just on campus, but in the United States. Our resource page will help you with important basics like obtaining a driver’s license and social security number, housing, healthcare, taxes and more.

International Student Center team photo, 2019

Our Diversity Statement

The International Student Center both celebrates and promotes a safe and healthy community life for people of all races, religions, national origins, socio-economic classes, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, physical and learning abilities, and ages by modeling behavior and articulating expectations that we live and work together in one community, bound together by our commitment to learning and our respect for one another.

Excellence and diversity at Seattle University are inextricably tied. We have a deep understanding of and commitment to the fact that to be an excellent division and an excellent university we must be diverse in all aspects of our work.

Festive headdress

It’s All About the FAQs

Welcome to Seattle University! We know that you have many questions as you navigate the process of becoming an international student. We are here to help guide you through every step — both with personal support and through our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section.

Explore our FAQs and feel free to reach out to us at ISC@seattleu.edu.

Volunteering with ISC

Are you interested in becoming involved in Seattle University’s international student community? There’s no better way to step into the ISC community then to volunteer with us.

On The Hunt For A New Job?

Are you looking for a job to help support your new life at Seattle University? Click here to review a list of options and find the best fit for you.

Forms Search

Looking for a specific form to help support your visa status, apply for a Social Security Number or other need? Please check out our Seattle University Redhawk Hub Intranet page.

Statistics

International

Seattle University teaches 870 international students from 70 countries

Top 5 Countries

India, Vietnam, China, Indonesia, and Taiwan

Top 5 Majors for Int'l Students

Finance, Management, Accounting, Business Analytics, and Computer Science

Academics

37.5% of international students are undergraduates, 59.7% are graduate students, and 2.8% are law students

Work Experience

There are 177 international students currently on OPT and 172 on CPT

Colleges

43% of international students are in the College of Science and Engineering, 40% are from the Albers School of Business, and 10% are in the College of Arts and Sciences

Top 10% School

SU is a top school for international students.—College Factual, 2021

Top 16% Of All Universities

Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education, 2022

Hear From Our Students

Jane Hsin Yu Yang

“You would think that the best part about International Dinner is the food…but I’ve realized it’s the time spent celebrating and learning about other cultures and connecting with other people with different life stories. It’s always a special and joy-filled experience. Don’t miss it!”

August 2023

Faculty and Staff

We offer our international students a deep expertise in legal processes required for student status.

  • Sandra Bui
    Sandra Bui

    Assistant Director, International Student Center, DSO

Contact

International Student Center

Open Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Live Chat on Website: Monday-Friday 1-3 p.m.