The end of spring quarter is quickly approaching! We know many students are starting to make plans for the summer—whether that involves taking a break from school, working, traveling home, going somewhere new, or taking classes during summer quarter. Here are important updates and reminders to help you make informed decisions about your summer plans.
ISS Continues to Monitor F-1 & J-1 SEVIS Records
In early April, ISS began notifying a small number of students whose F-1 SEVIS records were terminated without any notification or warning by the U.S. government. Since April 10, no new SEVIS records have been terminated by the government. Additionally, all records previously terminated by the government were returned back to Active status in the SEVIS immigration system. ISS continues to monitor terminated records in SEVIS on a regular basis to identify any unexpected or new activity taken. We will always contact individual students if anything changes to their record. We understand these recent SEVIS terminations by the U.S. government have caused stress. ISS staff are diligently monitoring the situation and working with UW leadership and campus partners. ISS will post updates for all international students when there are any changes to F-1 and/or J-1 immigration policies. Stay informed by keeping monitoring our Government Updates page as well as the University’s Federal Policy Updates page.
Summer Travel Reminders
If you are considering international travel this summer, it is important to know there have been no policy changes to travel rules for F-1 and J-1 students. However, there is always risk with international travel. We recommend you assess your individual situation carefully before finalizing any travel plans. Review the ISS information about Travel Outside the U.S. to understand travel and document requirements, visa processing information, and the possible delays or challenges you could encounter upon re-entry to the U.S. We also encourage you to register your international travel with Global Affairs.
Important note: We’ve recently seen an increase in visa processing delays and denials. If your visa has expired and you plan to apply for a new one, please be aware that you may face longer processing times or risk visa denial, which could impact your return to the U.S. We also recommend you review the revised interview visa waiver policy which requires more students to appear for the in person interview even if you are renewing your F-1 or J-1 visa. If you have questions about applying for a new visa this summer, please contact the ISS for guidance.
Staying in the U.S. for Summer? Here Are Some Options to Consider
Many students stay in the U.S. for the summer. There are many different options to consider if you would like to consider this. Depending on your academic, financial, and immigration situation, here are some options to consider to stay active and engaged.
- Vacation Quarter – Most international students take a vacation quarter in the summer. If you plan to take a vacation quarter, you do not need to be enrolled in classes. However, you must plan to resume full-time study in Autumn 2025.
- Summer Enrollment – You can take classes at UW or another school if you’d like. This is a great option if you’re trying to make progress toward your degree or meet prerequisites. If you will consider summer as your vacation quarter, you are allowed to enroll in as few credits as you’d like and can take classes fully online.
- On-Campus Employment – F-1 and J-1 students may work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic year and more than 20 hours per week during official university breaks, like summer.
- Off-Campus Internship – Many students complete an internship during their summer break. If you plan to do this, make sure that you have the appropriate authorization through Curricular Practical Training (F-1 students) or Academic Training (J-1 students). Talk to your academic advisor and international student advisor before your intended start date.
If you’re unsure of your summer plans and need some guidance, ISS staff can help! Stop by to meet an advisor or send us an email, and our team will be happy to discuss your plans to determine what option might be best for your situation.