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.
Health insurance
Regardless of your immigration status, you are eligible for postdoc health benefits. Plans include health, dental, and vision plans; prescription 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.