Overview
If you change your immigration status—such as switching to H-1B or becoming a U.S. permanent resident—you must notify International Student Services (ISS). We will update or close your F-1 or J-1 SEVIS record accordingly. Generally, ISS recommends keeping your F or J status active until your new status is approved and in effect. However, sometimes students decide to close out their F or J record while their new status is pending. Always consult an immigration attorney when making immigration decisions.
Permanent Resident
Pending Status
If your application for Permanent Resident is pending, you may choose to close out your SEVIS record. Additionally, if you have been granted a Combo EAD/Advanced Parole Card and use it to travel, you must close out your immigration record. To close your SEVIS record with a pending application, ISS will accept any of the following documents:
- Form I-797 Notice of Receipt
- Employment Authorization Document
- I-94 showing Advanced Parole entry
In this scenario, you should consult an immigration attorney. ISS advisers are not immigration lawyers. We do not have the expertise to advise you about the possible consequences, if any, of the decision to abandon the F-1 status before your permanent resident status is approved.
Approved Status
If you become a U.S. permanent resident, ISS must terminate your electronic F-1 SEVIS record.
H-1B
Cap Gap Extension
The H-1B Cap Gap Extension allows certain students with pending or approved H-1B petitions to remain in the U.S. in F-1 status until the H-1B start date, even if F-1 status or OPT authorization would have otherwise expired. If possible, ISS recommends applying for STEM OPT even if granted a Cap Gap Extension. This ensures status in the rare event that your H-1B does not ultimately take effect. In this scenario, you should consult an immigration attorney.
Other Considerations
STEM OPT
If you change your status while on STEM OPT, you must provide your Final Evaluation (Page 5 of Form I-983).
UW Residency
ISS does not determine UW residency for tuition purposes. A change in immigration status may affect how the university categorizes your residency. For questions related to this, please reach out to the Residency unit at the Office of the University Registrar.