Almost 70% of our postdoctoral appointees are international.
If you are a new postdoctoral appointee at WashU, please also visit the Getting Started page.
Welcome to Washington University in St. Louis! As we recognize that relocating to a foreign country can be overwhelming, isolating, and confusing, the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs is committed to helping you meet these challenges and making the most of your time here.
Maintaining your immigration status
Whether you are on an F-1 OPT, J-1, H-1B, O-1, TN, or any other non-immigrant status, you need to learn what restrictions apply to you and comply with the immigration regulations. The Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS) provides a variety of resources for international scholars like yourself, including social, cultural, and academic support; information on governmental regulations (e.g., income taxes); and facilitates cross-cultural understanding within our university and the St. Louis area.
Our postdoctoral appointees’ immigration documents are first handled at the department level and then by OISS. If you need to apply for or renew a visa, please speak to your department administrator first. If you are planning to leave the country for a conference or for vacation, check with your department administrator and OISS to see what paperwork or requirements are necessary to ensure you can safely return to the U.S.
The dedicated OISS advisor for postdoctoral appointees is Julia Gigli.
Health insurance
Regardless of your immigration status, you are eligible for postdoc health benefits. Plans include includes health, dental and vision plans; life and AD&D insurance; long term disability; among others.
Attention J-1 Scholars!
If you are a postdoctoral appointee on a J-1 visa, you need to comply with the health insurance requirements mandated by the federal government:
- You can only select the EPO or the POS health plan for postdocs. Learn more about these plans here.
- You need to add supplemental coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation for you and each of your dependents on a J-2. Learn more about how to purchase this coverage here.
Finding a primary care physician
As a WashU postdoctoral appointee, you have access to WUCare. WUCare is WashU’s world-class primary care exclusive for WashU employees and their families.
For specialties and locations, explore WUSTL Physicians.
English language skills at WashU
Visit the English Language Programs (ELP) website to learn about the courses offered and how to choose an appropriate level for you. ELP courses are offered through University College and include writing, speaking, academic and professional skills, American culture, etc.
As a WashU postdoctoral appointee, you can use your Postdoc Tuition Assistance to take up to four undergraduate credits at University College per semester, including ELP courses. To see current listings, visit University College’s Registration page. If you have questions about when a course will be offered, please contact the ELP Program Manager, Katie Blackburn Brown.
If you are interested in enrolling in a course, follow the instructions on how postdoctoral appointees can register.
Your Immigration Education Starts Here!
As a postdoctoral appointee on a temporary (non-immigrant) visa, not only must you understand the restrictions of your immigration status, but also you must start planning early for your career after the postdoctoral stage. Since the career decisions you make must be coupled with your immigration potential, your immigration education must be integrated into your career exploration. This is essential in your decision-making process, whether you would like to seek permanent residence in the U.S., return to your country of origin, or continue your career on a third country.
If you are planning to pursue permanent residence in the U.S. taking the self-sponsored path (under the EB-1 or EB-2 category), you need to assemble an immigration portfolio. An immigration portfolio includes evidence of your credentials, work experience, international recognition, and the importance of your work. You can learn how to use your professional development activities to create an immigration portfolio by prioritizing activities that satisfy the immigration criteria for advanced-degree holders while increasing competitiveness for diverse careers.
The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs offers workshops and guidance on how to plan your career in the U.S. while being on a temporary visa.* Contact us or visit our events page regularly for the upcoming offerings.
* This is not legal advice nor does it intend to be a substitute for legal advice.
Free Immigration Consultations
The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs may offer you the opportunity to discuss your career options with an immigration attorney. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Immigrants in St. Louis
Even though the St. Louis area has a much lower percentage of immigrants compared with the national average (about 5.5% vs. 14.6%), it has been recognized as a city that stands out for their immigrant-welcoming initiatives. According to a 2022 report by the George W. Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative, out of America’s 100 largest metro areas, St. Louis is 6th in the rank of cities where immigrants are thriving best.
Thrive!
Find the resources and support you need.
- Learn about St. Louis through its people’s stories at STLMade and check the resources compiled for you in our Why St. Louis page.
- The St. Louis Public Library offers virtual, free English Conversation Practice sessions and information through the SLPL Citizenship Connection.
- The International Institute of St. Louis also offers English classes for adults and children.
- Consult the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) International Postdoc Resource Library.
Get involved!
As an foreign-born advanced-degree holder, you can support the international communities in St. Louis and in the U.S.
- Learn about the St. Louis Mosaic Project, which provides support services and connections for new international residents.
- Volunteer with the International Institute of St. Louis.
- Learn how to become a volunteer with the NPA International Taskforce* and connect with and advocate for international postdocs at the national level.
* Our WashU OPA Director, Dr. Paola Cepeda, is serving as the NPA International Officer and Chair of the NPA International Taskforce until September 2023!