USCIS is currently testing an electronic form I-765 for students seeking optional practical training employment benefits. The form is too new for us to have seen many students apply electronically – therefore, we do not have steps or guidance prepared at this time. If you decide to file online, please know that we are unable to help you prepare your application spring quarter 2021. While we will issue you the required I-20 with OPT endorsement, we will not be able to…
Author: Sara Torres
Announcement: Extension of ISS Processing Time
Beginning Monday, March 29, 2021, the processing time for all requests submitted to the ISS office will be up to one month. We are adjusting our processing time to better align with the reality of our current workload. Additionally, we are working to balance changes in staffing by hiring and training additional ISS staff to support our work in serving UW international students. ISS Processing Time General Guidelines Processing requests submitted after March 29 may take up to one month….
Update for Transfer Pending/Change of Education Level Students Studying Outside the U.S.
We wanted to share an update with you regarding studying outside the U.S. with transfer pending and change of level I-20s in initial status. Your study outside the U.S. while your I-20 was still pending/in initial status may be counted towards CPT and OPT recommendation eligibility. In autumn quarter, our advice was based on our reading of the Frequently Asked Questions issued by SEVP on August 7, 2020. Based on the questions 15 and 16 that allowed for a delay in transfer eligibility without…
ISS statement against violence and hate targeting the Asian community
No words can express the anger, sadness, and fear I am feeling in light of the recent violence and hate crimes against Asians, Pacific Islanders, and Asian-Americans — particularly against Asian women — taking place in the U.S, most recently the attacks in Atlanta, GA. As President Cauce recently posted, we must not let racism and anti-Asian hate threaten our community. The ISS staff and I send our thoughts to those who have lost members of their community, have been…
Scam Targeting International Students
It has come to our attention that there is a new scam targeting international students. There have been TWO reports of UW students falling victim to this scam. We are sharing this information so that you can protect yourself. This is what we know: Students received a call from “U.S. Border & Customs” warning that they “found a package with drugs in it with your name on it.” The cell numbers linked to this call are “206-209-6215” and “206-209-8147” Soon after, the…
USCIS has extended flexibilities for OPT applications sent between Oct. 1, 2020 through May 1, 2021
Dear Students, We have exciting news! Today, we learned that USCIS will be flexible for OPT applications received on or after October 1, 2020 through May 1, 2021. The announcement from USCIS is available for your review. Sincerely, ISS
01/20/2021: Proclamation on Ending Discriminatory Bans on Entry to The United States
On January 20: The President of the United States signed a Proclamation revoking the previously signed Executive Order 13780 and Proclamations 9645, 9723 and 9983, collectively referred to as the travel ban. The revocation of these discriminatory bans will allow for the resumption of visa processing by embassies and consulates around the world which had previously been limited by the travel ban.
USCIS Update Regarding Applicants Filing Form I-765 for OPT
The following message was released by USCIS. USCIS continues to experience delays at certain lockboxes in issuing receipt notices for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, based on eligibility categories described in 8 C.F.R. 274a.12(c)(3), relating to optional practical training (OPT) for F-1 students. While we have made progress in addressing the delays, we would like to provide additional clarifications and reminders: These delays will not affect the received date. All submissions are date stamped upon arrival at the Lockbox,…
Deferring your I-20: Spring Quarter 2021 Process
We understand that many students are still making decisions about travel to the U.S. for in-person study. The ISS office must update your I-20 so that the program start date aligns with the quarter you plan to arrive. This process is known as a ‘deferral’. Please use our guide to determine the appropriate process based on your I-20 type and travel plans. If you want to defer from spring quarter to summer or autumn quarter, please submit your request through…
06/22/2020: Proclamation extending suspension of immigrants to the U.S.
On June 22, the President signed a Proclamation that extends the suspension of entry to the U.S. of immigrants abroad seeking U.S. permanent residency (adjustment of status) and individuals who present a risk to the U.S. labor market due to COVID-19. This proclamation does not apply to F or J academic visas who will enter the U.S. for the purpose of study. J-1 academic exchange categories, and J-1 professor, research scholar, short-term scholar, and college or university students are excluded…