As autumn quarter begins, I want to warmly welcome all of our international students to Seattle and the University of Washington! Autumn is one of the most beautiful times on campus with the changing leaves, crisp air, excitement and energy of a new academic year. This makes UW a truly special place to be. For those of you returning, I hope you had a restful summer break and you are re-energized to continue your studies. For those of you joining... The post Autumn 2025: A Warm Welcome to the ...| International Student Services
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 10 credits for graduate students Be sure you’re registered for the correct number of credits by September 23rd. Maintaining full-time status is critical...| International Student Services
Each Autumn quarter the ISHIP Office receives many questions about enrolling in ISHIP, getting your LifeWise insurance card, and questions about the coverage ISHIP provides. Here’s what you can expect from ISHIP as you start Autumn quarter. Important information for new students enrolled in ISHIP: ISHIP coverage begins on 9/1 BUT you must register for Autumn quarter classes to activate your ISHIP coverage. LifeWise will send you a Welcome Email the week after you register for Autumn quart...| International Student Services
As of September 6, 2025, nonimmigrant visa applicants must attend interviews only in their country of nationality or residence.| International Student Services
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a proposed rule that would eliminate the current “duration of status” (D/S) policy for F and J international students, replacing it with a specific length of time and a fixed end date. Any updates or changes such as an extension, transfer, or change of academic program, would then require government approval. This is only a proposed rule at this stage and is not in effect. The federal government is currently accepting public comments... ...| International Student Services
On August 19, 2025 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released updated policy guidance that clarifies how officers evaluate discretionary factors when adjudicating certain immigration benefit requests. This includes applications for changes of status, reinstatement, and employment authorization. What are the key updates? Anti-Americanism as a Negative Factor: USCIS now explicitly considers whether an applicant has “endorsed, promoted, supported, or otherwise espoused the vi...| International Student Services
As you get ready to return to the UW for the 2025-2026 academic year, here are a few important reminders to help you stay on track with your immigration and have another successful year. 1. Prepare Your Documents for Entry When you travel back to the U.S., make sure you carry (not pack in checked luggage) the documents you’ll need to show at the port of entry: A valid passport (valid for at least six months beyond your entry date)... The post Preparing for your Return to the UW appeared fir...| International Student Services
5 tips for new international students preparing to study at the University of Washington including immigration guidance and services.| International Student Services
On This Page:OverviewEligibilitySummer VacationHow to ApplyGraduate Students RemindersOther Considerations Overview F-1 and J-1 regulations permit one vacation quarter each year. This is an annual exception to the full-time enrollment requirement. During your annual vacation quarter, you can: Enroll part-time or not at all (graduate students: consult your graduate program coordinator about enrollment requirements if you have an RA or TA position) Work on campus more than 20 hours per week Sta...| International Student Services
Students can meet with ISS staff through virtual and in-person drop-in advising, specifically for F-1 and J-1 international students.| International Student Services
Upcoming Changes to Visa Interview Waiver Policy| International Student Services
On This Page:CPT Video SeriesWhat is CPT?CPT EligibilityApplying for CPTCPT Authorization DatesFrequently Asked Questions CPT Video Series What is CPT? Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an opportunity for students on F-1 visas to learn practical skills related to their majors while studying at the University of Washington. CPT serves as a work authorization as students engage in different types of activities related to their major. These are common forms of CPT: Employment directly conne...| International Student Services
On This Page:Looking to work off campus during your studies?What is academic training?When to Apply & Time LimitsEligibilityHow to Apply Looking to work off campus during your studies? J-1 students who want to work off campus during their studies must request authorization. The most common type of authorization is Pre-completion Academic Training. What is academic training? Academic Training is training related to your field of study; it requires authorization from ISS. Training could be in t...| International Student Services
On This Page:When to ApplyEligibilityHow to Apply for STEM OPTAfter Submitting Application to USCISAfter ApprovalChange in EmploymentGrace Period We encourage students to watch the STEM OPT Video Series about the STEM OPT Extension to learn more about the benefit of their F-1 visa. When to Apply You can request your STEM OPT Extension I-20 from ISS as early as 90 days before your current 12-month OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card expiration date. USCIS must receive your STEM OP...| International Student Services
This page provides detailed guidance for F-1 students applying for Post-Completion OPT, including eligibility, application, and timeline.| International Student Services
Quick links, news, updates, and statistics for F and J international students from International Student Services.| International Student Services
F-1 students on OPT must work in their field, report updates, and track unemployment days to maintain status while on opt.| International Student Services
Overview Effective September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State will significantly reduce the scope of the visa interview waiver program that has been in place in an expanded form since the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, most nonimmigrant visa applicants, including those renewing F-1, F-2, J-1, and J-2 visas, will be required to attend in-person interviews at U.S. consulates and embassies abroad. This change marks the end of the broad flexibility previously available to many international...| International Student Services
Changes to U.S. visa reciprocity may affect the validity period and number of entries permitted for certain F and J visa holders.| International Student Services
F-1 students should watch for online I-765 filing fee error but file before their OPT or STEM OPT deadlines.| International Student Services
Summer is a good time for renewing your visa. Plan ahead due to new social media screening rules and possible delays.| International Student Services
F-1 and J-1 visa applicants must disclose social media and undergo expanded screening and vetting as part of a stricter visa process.| International Student Services
Use this contact form to get your email to the International Student Services Office at the University of Washington Seattle.| International Student Services
Presidential proclamation imposes full or partial entry bans on nationals from 19 countries, restricting some F and J international students.| International Student Services
As spring quarter comes to an end, ISS shares key updates and reminders to help F-1 and J-1 students who are planning for summer.| International Student Services
