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International Student Services

Winter Quarter Update from the ISS Director

Post categories: ISS Director Update ISS Newsletter
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This winter quarter update was sent to all active F-1 and J-1 international students on the Seattle campus.

As winter quarter is underway, I want to send a heartfelt welcome back and Happy New Year! I am so happy you are a part of the UW international student community and that you are here. I recognize some of you may be carrying the heavy weight of global crises and turmoil in your home countries right now. Some of you may also be anxious or concerned about recent immigration-related events in the U.S. I assure you that ISS is closely monitoring all federal immigration updates, policies, and events that could affect F-1 and J-1 students.

ISS staff are here to provide you with support. We are committed to providing accurate, timely updates to you and will notify international students who are specifically impacted by any changes. We also provide regular updates to all students through our bi-weekly newsletters, blog posts and ISS Government Updates page.

There are practical steps and resources to help you ensure immigration compliance. ISS staff are available to help you with immigration concerns, clarify policies, and answer questions. The advising team can help you navigate and understand F-1 and J-1 federal requirements to ensure compliance with regulations. We offer virtual and in person drop-in advising or you can email us with questions at any time.

Practical steps & resources to ensure immigration compliance:

  • Maintain your status. Make sure you enroll full-time every quarter to maintain your F-1 status or J-1 status.
  • Update your local address. Confirm in MyUW that your local address and contact information is up-to-date.
  • Obtain ISS authorization for F-1 or J-1 benefits. Request ISS approval for any benefits that require it before you engage in that benefit. For example, CPT, work authorization, reduced course load, etc.
  • Review your SEVIS Status and Program Dates in MyISSS. Login to MyISSS and confirm your current SEVIS Status and Program Dates, both listed at the top of your profile.
  • Carry copies of required F-1/J-1 documents with you at all times. Understand which documents you are required to carry with you while you are in the U.S. Verify your documents are the most recent/updated documents.
  • Know Your Rights. All students should review and understand Know Your Rights information. These rights apply to U.S. and non-U.S. citizens while you are studying in the U.S.
  • Plan ahead for international travel & re-entry to the U.S. Before departing the U.S., verify you have all required documents. Consider the timing of your travel, potential challenges or delays you may encounter, and be sure to allow enough time for the trip. If you need to apply for a visa before returning to the U.S., check visa appointment wait times at the local U.S. embassy or consulate.
  • Save ISS contact information. Save contact details for the ISS office in case you need assistance. If you have any issues at the Port of Entry, you can request the border official contact ISS directly.
  • Stay informed. Monitor your UW email for updates from ISS and stay informed through reliable sources, such as our ISS blog posts, bi-weekly newsletter, and the Government Updates page.
  • Take care of yourself. It is important to take care of your own personal and mental well-being. Consider using some of the UW well-being resources available to you, including the Counseling Center, CIRCLE, Student Legal Services, Recreation, and Safety.

Recent immigration updates:

  • Presidential Proclamation 10998 expanded the Restricting and Limiting Entry to the U.S. for citizens of specific countries. This was announced December 16 with the expanded list of countries going into effect January 1. The updated proclamation does not impact F-1 or J-1 students already in the U.S. with either a valid or expired visa. It also does not restrict travel and re-entry for citizens from one of these countries who also have a valid F or J visa issued before January 1. Students should consult an ISS advisor before traveling outside the U.S. or before graduation to consider your options and understand any risks.
  • USCIS issued updated guidance on January 1 that some immigration benefit applications for citizens from countries included in the expanded Presidential Proclamation 10998 will be put on hold pending a comprehensive review. This could impact students from those countries submitting a USCIS application for OPT, AT, OPT STEM Extension, or the application to Extend or Change Nonimmigrant Status.

ISS received a few questions asking whether F-1 and J-1 students will be affected by the U.S. State Department’s January 14 announcement to pause the issuance of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries. This policy applies to immigrant visas only and should not affect F-1, J-1, or any other nonimmigrant visa category. 

We wish you a successful academic quarter and I hope you will utilize ISS advising services if you need additional support, have questions, or want to discuss your specific immigration situation. We are here to support you in any way we can and will also help connect you to other UW support services as needed.