Employment Options and Limitations for F-1 International Students
October 7, 2024
As an F-1 student, working in the U.S. can help you gain experience, meet people, and earn extra money. However, you must follow specific rules to maintain your F-1 status. Here's a quick guide to your options: On-Campus Employment F-1 students can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school…
Reminders and Tips for Registering for Classes
September 23, 2024
As we kick off the quarter, it’s important to stay on top of class registration to ensure you're meeting visa requirements and academic goals. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the process smoothly! Full-Time Enrollment F-1 and J-1 students are required to enroll in full-time coursework each quarter: 12 credits for undergraduates…
We're Here to Help: How ISS Can Support You
September 16, 2024
Being an international student on an F or J visa comes with its own unique set of challenges, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. The International Student Services (ISS) team is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re new to campus or preparing to graduate this year, here’s a…
Changed Your Major? Read About Your Updated I-20
September 9, 2024
If you’ve changed your major effective Autumn 2024, here’s what you need to know about getting your updated I-20: What do I need to do to get an updated I-20? No worries—ISS will do all the work! You don't need to do a thing. We’ll automatically issue updated I-20s for any major changes. Remember, your…
Returning to Seattle? Read our To-do List
August 27, 2024
As you get ready to head back to Seattle, it’s important to make sure you’ve got everything in order for a smooth return. Here’s a quick checklist to help you out. 1. Double-Check Your Immigration Documents Visas: Make sure your visa is still valid for re-entry into the U.S. If it’s expired, you’ll need to…
Arriving in the U.S.: What to Expect
August 26, 2024
Landing in the U.S. as an international student is exciting, but maybe a bit nerve-wracking too. Whether you’re an F-1 student here for a degree or a J-1 student on an exchange, knowing what to expect can make the whole process a lot smoother. Here’s a quick guide to help you out. What Happens When…
Helpful Tips for New International Students
August 19, 2024
Starting your studies in the U.S. as an international student is super exciting, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. To help make your transition smoother, we’ve put together some essential steps and tips for you. Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee Before you head to the U.S., don’t forget to pay the I-901 SEVIS…
ISS Physical Office Closed August 19-30
August 13, 2024
The International Student Services (ISS) physical office will be closed from August 19th to 30th. During this time, our staff will continue to work remotely to support you. Why the Closure? This temporary closure will allow our staff to focus on preparing for the upcoming autumn quarter, ensuring that we’re ready to support you during…
18 International Huskies Competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics
August 7, 2024
The 2024 Olympics in Paris features 18 current and former international student Huskies who represent 11 different nations and are competing in events across Track and Field, Rowing, and Golf. Meet Our International Husky Olympians Here are the UW athletes representing their respective countries: Jacob Dawson, Great Britain (lower left end) Gold - Men's Rowing Photo…
MyISSS System to be offline July 27- 28
July 24, 2024
On July 27 - 28, the MyISSS platform used by F and J international students for immigration purposes will be offline while the software vendor, Terra Dotta, migrates the system to a new server. During this time, ISS staff, students, and campus partners will not be able to access the system including related forms and…
Meet Our Advisors - Chloe
June 3, 2024
How did you become interested in working with international students? When I moved to Seattle for undergrad, I knew I wanted to learn more about other cultures, and so I studied abroad in Granada, Spain. I earned my undergraduate degree in International Studies and Spanish, which then led me to work in the travel industry…
Campus Spotlight: Student Legal Services
May 20, 2024
Written by Ilham Mohamed of Student Legal Services Providing FREE to low-cost legal services to students since 1969. Student Legal Services is an on-campus law office that provides a safe and confidential space for all UW-Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma students who have legal questions or concerns. SLS offers free 40-minute consultations on a broad range…
May 28-30: No Advising. Plan Ahead!
May 13, 2024
During the week of May 27th, the ISS team will attend the annual NAFSA professional conference. This conference ensures that our advisors stay updated on the most recent immigration regulations, policies, and issues. Our office will remain open during our regular hours of 1-4 PM. However while our team is away, there will not be…
5 Tips from a Career Coach: The International Student Job Search
April 19, 2024
Written by Erin Lee of the Career and Internship Center We know that many of you are busy applying for summer internships or making post-graduation plans. The Career and Internship Center is here to help you navigate the job-search process. We've written a few tips below to help students both early in their studies and…
Reminders about Work Authorization
April 8, 2024
Many of our F-1 international students are applying for summer internships and post-graduation jobs which we know is an exciting but stressful process. To work off campus, whether an internship during your studies or a job after graduation, you must apply for authorization. We've put together a few reminders about work authorization and your immigration…
Update Your ISHIP Coverage for Summer
April 3, 2024
As an F-1 or J-1 international student, you are required to have health insurance. Most students are automatically enrolled in the International Student Health Insurance Plan (ISHIP) which has 2 different rates: quarterly and annual. What is the difference between the quarterly and annual rates? The Quarterly coverage is applied every quarter once you register…
ISS Services Are Changing Spring 2024
March 20, 2024
Spring quarter means warm weather and cherry blossoms! For the ISS team, it is also the busiest time of the year. Many of our F and J international students are applying for summer or post-graduation work authorizations such as CPT and OPT. To better support you throughout this busy time, we are making a few…
Tips for Visiting ISS during the Spring
March 11, 2024
By Paulina, International Undergraduate Student Spring is right around the corner! As the busiest time at the ISS office approaches, here are some tips for visiting ISS during the spring. Tip #1: Visit us as early as possible. Immigration requests usually include new and confusing language making them challenging for students to navigate. Getting ahead…
Campus Spotlight: Career and Internship Center
March 7, 2024
The Career & Internship Center equips Huskies to integrate their holistic UW experience and create boundless futures. We envision a future where every Husky graduates with the skills, experience, professional connections, and academic knowledge to pursue careers that lead to personal fulfillment, financial wellness, positive contributions to workplaces and communities, and continued engagement with the UW…
Consul General of India in Seattle Visits the UW
February 27, 2024
In November 2023, the Consulate General of India in Seattle was established with Prakash Gupta serving as its first Consul General. According to his biography, Consul General Prakash Gupta is a career diplomat from the Indian Foreign Service. He has served in Beijing, Shanghai, and Jakarta as well as the Indian Mission to the United…
Meet Our Advisers - Jo Anne Marie
February 26, 2024
How did you become interested in working with international students? Well, I was born in the U.S., but my parents immigrated from the Philippines. My family has been navigating the immigration process since before I was born. I’ve seen and heard stories of the challenges they had to overcome. When I started working in higher…
Tips for Filing Taxes
February 15, 2024
F and J international students are required to file taxes with the U.S. government. This can be a complicated process. Luckily, international students, scholars, and alumni can use an online service, Glacier Tax Prep (GTP), to help! While ISS advisers and staff are not able to provide guidance on filing taxes, we do have a…
Expanded Services Beginning Winter 2024
January 28, 2024
Those of you who stopped by our drop-in advising sessions in autumn may know that we had three new advisors in training throughout the quarter (if you’re interested in learning more about our advisors, you can check out our blog archives!). We are happy to announce that all advisors are now fully trained and advising…
Meet Our Advisers - Sophia
January 24, 2024
How did you become interested in working with international students? I have engaged and been around different cultures and learned multiple languages throughout a good chunk of my life. I have studied in Germany and I have traveled and find each culture and language unique and fascinating (I am a linguistics nerd). After I received…
Campus Spotlight: CIRCLE and ISS
January 11, 2024
The UW is home to nearly 8,000 enrolled international students from all over the world with an almost-even split of undergraduate and graduate students. From pre-arrival through graduation and beyond, our international student population is supported by two offices on campus: the Center for International Relations & Cultural Leadership Exchange (CIRCLE) and International Student Services…
Campus Spotlight: Office of International Student Advocacy
December 29, 2023
The Office of International Student Advocacy (OISA) is the newest office established by the Associated Students of the University of Washington (ASUW) in 2021. The ASUW is the student government at the University of Washington. At ASUW, elected and hired employees represent student voices on campus, organize programming, and provide resources for students to make…
Jeff Shih Student Loan
December 12, 2023
UW international graduate and undergraduate students are eligible to apply for the Jeff Shih Student Loan. The loans are made possible through a generous gift from Jeff Shih, a Seattle and San Francisco businessman and are intended to help international students in financing their education and completing their degree objectives. Eligibility: Graduate students must be…
Watch Out for Scams
December 4, 2023
A growing number of international students have reported receiving scam phone calls or emails over the last several months. Scams can be difficult to identify, but you can certainly prepare yourself to avoid falling victim to one. What is a scam? A scam is a fraudulent attempt to get a person's personal information or money.…
Preparing for Travel this Winter Season
November 27, 2023
The holiday season has begun, and many of you have made plans to travel internationally over the next month or so. Here are some quick tips to ensure you have no problems returning to the U.S.. Tip 1: Check your I-20 When will your I-20 expire? If your I-20 is expiring at the end of…
Taking an Alternate Vacation Quarter
November 13, 2023
Most students take a vacation quarter during the summer. However, sometimes you may want to take a vacation quarter a different quarter to take a break from studies or go home and visit family. In this case, you will need to apply for an Alternate Vacation Quarter. What is a vacation quarter? Immigration regulations allow…
Making Academic Progress
November 7, 2023
F and J international students are expected to make academic progress during their studies, but what exactly does this mean? The UW issues I-20s and DS-2019s for the average time it takes students to complete your degree program. During this time, you should maintain full-time enrollment and work towards the completion of your program by…
All about Social Security Numbers
October 10, 2023
Written by Jennifer Oppliger A Social Security Number (SSN) is a number that identifies U.S. citizens and other selected residents. Noncitizens can generally only receive SSNs if they are employed in the U.S. An SSN is used to track your annual income. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is in charge of the SSN application process.…
Surviving and Thriving: Your First Year at UW – A Guide from a Seasoned Husky
September 26, 2023
Written by Jessica Jie Wang, UW Senior Welcome to the pack! How does it feel for the first week of school? Excited? Overwhelmed? I felt the same way in my first week/month at UW as there were so many things on the checklist to be done and so many “surprises” (good or bad) happening every day.…
Dos and Don’ts for Check-in
September 19, 2023
Immigration Check-in can be a confusing process. To help, we’ve written up a list of things to do and not do to have a successful Immigration Check-in process. Do! Read our Post-arrival Check-list for step-by-step instructions. Wait 3 days after you entered the U.S. to get your I-94. Check your UW email – we will…
Returning to Seattle soon? Make sure you're prepared.
September 11, 2023
International Student Services (ISS) is excited to welcome back more than 5,000 continuing international students to our Seattle campus. We hope that you had a wonderful summer break and are ready to begin another academic year at UW. Please remember that ISS is here to help you on all things related to your immigration status.…
Enrollment Requirements for Autumn 2023
August 27, 2023
International Student Services (ISS) staff are happy to welcome more than 8,000 new and returning international students to the Seattle campus. We know that the beginning of the academic year is an exciting but busy time for you. With that said, we wanted to take some time to help you understand your enrollment requirements for…
Meet Our Advisers - Max
August 11, 2023
ISS recently welcomed three new advisers to our team! To introduce them to you all, our blog will feature Adam, Brittany, and Max throughout the week. Max, ISS Adviser How did you become interested in working with international students? I became interested in working with international students while I was a TA here at UW. It…
Meet Our Advisers - Brittany
August 9, 2023
ISS recently welcomed three new advisers to our team! To introduce them to you all, our blog will feature Adam, Brittany, and Max throughout the week. Brittany, ISS Adviser How did you become interested in working with international students? I spent about 8 years travelling and working with students around the world, and through those experiences…
Meet Our Advisers - Adam
August 8, 2023
ISS recently welcomed three new advisers to our team! To introduce them to you all, our blog will feature Adam, Brittany, and Max throughout the week. Adam, ISS Adviser How did you become interested in working with international students? During my Undergraduate and Graduate studies at the university I attended, I worked for a First-Year experience…
Spring 2023 Graduates - Your Grace Period is Ending Soon
July 26, 2023
If you graduated in Spring 2023, remember that your 60-day grace period ends on August 08, 2023. During your grace period, you have a few options to consider: apply for OPT: Your OPT application must be received by USCIS by August 08. Remember: you can remain in the U.S. while your application is being processed…
I-765 Review Ending
June 12, 2023
Beginning June 12, 2023, ISS advisers will no longer review I-765 documents when processing OPT. Our advisers have discussed this change since 2022 and following spring 2023, we have ended our review process. What does this mean to you? If you've already submitted an OPT request to our advising team, they will not review the…
Summer Jobs for F-1 and J-1 Students
June 8, 2023
Summer is (almost) here and we know that many students are hoping to work on or off campus. Thus, we wanted to share some reminders about what you need to do to work! Know that the rules for F-1 and J-1 students will differ so make sure that you check on the appropriate rules for…
Processing, Expedites, and Patience
June 7, 2023
As we near the end of the quarter, ISS advisers are working diligently to meet with students, respond to emails, and process requests. Our director, assistant directors, and program assistants are also helping us process different kinds of requests to ensure we process things within a reasonable timeline. That said, we wanted to give some…
F-1 Transfers to Another School
May 8, 2023
On April 21, 2023, we held a group advising and information session about transferring your SEVIS record to another school. Along with sharing the recording with you, we wanted to give you a few pro tips to ensure you have a successful transfer. Pro-Tips for F-1 SEVIS Transfer Success Upload a copy of your admission…
Special Student Relief for Students from Hong Kong
May 5, 2023
The Department of Homeland Security announced that students from Hong Kong will be granted Special Student Relief if they are impacted by the crisis in Hong Kong. Here is a summary of what is listed in the Federal Registry Notice: Eligibility You must have been in F-1 nonimmigrant status as of January 26, 2023, to…
Special Student Relief for J-1 Students
April 24, 2023
The State Department posted a notice to the Federal Register on April 5, 2023, granting Special Student Relief to J-1 Exchange Students. They have stated that this action was effective on August 18, 2022, and will remain in effect until October 23, 2023. Details of Special Student Relief: Ukrainian students may pursue course work at…
J-1 Students and Work Opportunities
April 24, 2023
J-1 students are advised to revisit the rules of their J-1 visa. We have a few reminders here to help with some common questions. Online Courses J-1 students are not allowed to count any online classes towards full-time enrollment. While hybrid courses may be counted towards full-time enrollment, if J-1 students learn that their course…
Premium Processing for OPT and STEM OPT Applications to USCIS
April 24, 2023
On April 3, 2023, F-1 students were given the opportunity to submit their I-765s for OPT and STEM OPT to USCIS together with Form I-907. Information about the time it may take for approval is listed on USCIS's website. While many students ask us whether we think that students should file for premium processing, our…
SEVP's COVID-19 Flexibilities Upcoming Expiration Date
April 21, 2023
SEVP's COVID-19 guidance for F-1 students lasts for the full 2022-23 academic year. This past week, the ISS Leadership Team met to confirm that as UW considers summer 2023 to be part of the 2022-23 academic year, that summer 2023 allows for the continuation of the guidance issued by SEVP on April 18, 2022. Though…
J-1 Travel Signature Clinic is Thursday, April 27!
April 18, 2023
We've moved the J-1 Travel Signature Clinic next week to Thursday, April 27th from 10 AM to 12 PM in Schmitz 490. If you'd like to get your DS-2019 signed in person, please come between 10 AM and 12 PM. As a reminder, J-1 Virtual Advising begins this Thursday, April 20, and will continue weekly on…