UW international graduate and undergraduate students are eligible to apply for the Jeff Shih Student Loan. The loans are made possible through a generous gift from Jeff Shih, a Seattle and San Francisco businessman and are intended to help international students in financing their education and completing their degree objectives. Eligibility: Graduate students must be enrolled for 5 credits or more during the quarter in which they receive the loan. Undergraduate students must be enrolled for 6 credits or more…
Author: Justin Mellish
Campus Spotlight: UW CIRCLE
The Center for International Relations & Cultural Leadership Exchange (CIRCLE) is here to help international students thrive at the University of Washington. Whether you are looking for 1:1 support, new friends, or opportunities to connect with campus life, CIRCLE offers programs and services designed with international students in mind. Personalized Support CIRCLE provides 1:1 coaching and case management to help you succeed at UW. From student success and wellbeing coaching to personalized support with challenges you may face, CIRCLE staff…
All about MyISSS
As an F or J international student, staying on top of your immigration requirements is an important part of your student experience. To help you manage this, the University uses MyISSS, your dedicated online immigration portal. What is MyISSS? MyISSS (pronounced “my I-triple-S“) is your resource for immigration-related request forms and information. This resource allows you to submit requests to the ISS office, view information related to your F or J immigration record, and receive communications from our office. What…
Autumn 2025: A Warm Welcome to the UW
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…
Reminders and Tips for Registering for Classes
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 for your…
Things To Know About ISHIP for Autumn 2025
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 quarter classes OR the week…
Adjudicating Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants in Their Country of Residence
On September 06, 2025 the Department of State announced updated guidance on the adjudication of nonimmigrant visas including F and J student categories. Applicants for these visas should now schedule and attend their visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence. Applicants of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at a designated embassy or consulate. While this guidance has been recently updated by the Department of…
DHS Proposes Changes to Duration of Status
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…
USCIS Expands Discretionary Factors in Benefit Requests
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 views of a terrorist organization or group, including those who support or promote anti-American ideologies… or antisemitic…
Preparing for your Return to the UW
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)…