On December 16, 2025, the White House announced an update to the Presidential Proclamation titled, “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States” which further expands the list of countries whose nationals will be restricted on entering the U.S. The travel restrictions should not affect students already in the U.S. or those students with a valid F-1 or J-1 visa prior to the effective date of the updated proclamation. The proclamation is…
Author: Justin Mellish
Update on USCIS Review of Certain Benefit Applications
On December 2, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a new policy memorandum directing additional review of certain immigration benefit applications. It is unclear whether this policy affects F-1 and J-1 students, but we are sharing the information so students are aware. USCIS has directed officers to hold some pending immigration benefit applications, possibly including OPT, STEM OPT, and change of status. This review applies to applicants whose country of birth or citizenship appears on a list in…
Winter Break Travel Tips
Winter break is quickly approaching meaning many F and J international students are preparing to travel outside the United States. Before you pack your bags, be sure to review what documents you’ll need to bring with you, understand what to expect when returning to the U.S., and know how to get immigration updates while you’re outside the country. Documents to Have with You To return for the start of the winter quarter on January 5th, make sure you have the…
Campus Spotlight: 911 and You
Author: Nicole Stankovic, UW Alum and UW School of Public Health Research Coordinator If you ever find yourself in a medical emergency in the United States, knowing how to call for help can save a life. But for many international students, the U.S. emergency system can feel unfamiliar or confusing. That is why 911 and You was created. What Is 911? In the United States, 911 is the phone number you call for help in any life-threatening emergency. The call…
Understanding the Social Security Number (SSN) Process
If you’re an F-1 or J-1 international student, you may need to apply for a Social Security number (SSN) while studying in the U.S. This number is used by the U.S. government to track your earnings over your lifetime. It is not a work permit, but rather a unique identifier that stays with you permanently once issued. SSN vs. ITIN If you work in the U.S., you must have proper work authorization and an SSN. However, if you don’t work…
Protect Yourself from Scams Targeting International Students
International Student Services (ISS) has recently seen an increase in scams targeting F and J international students. These scams can be very convincing, and scammers often pretend to be government officials, immigration officers, or even University of Washington employees. They may claim that your visa will be canceled or that you’re in trouble with the law unless you pay immediately or share personal information. These messages can sound urgent and frightening, but it’s important to remember: Real government agencies and…
Jeff Shih Student Loan Now Open for the 25-26 Academic Year
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…
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…