Written by Dan Zhu of UW CIRCLE We want to alert you to a recurring credit card scam targeting tuition payments. Scammers approach students offering to handle tuition payments with promises of waived transaction fees, better exchange rates, or rebates. They request the student’s UW NetID and password to access the tuition account and make credit card payments in installments. The student is then asked to repay the scammer via checks, cash, or fund transfers. Often, it takes several days…
Author: Justin Mellish
Is This Allowed? Employment Gray Areas as an F-1 Student
ISS advisors receive questions every quarter about employment for which there are no straight answers. Immigration regulations can be vague, and it is up to ISS to help students better understand the risks of choices they make. We are here to debunk some of the myths surrounding common work topics that come up in advising, and make sure you have the best information! Common Gray Areas in Employment Volunteer Work versus Unpaid Work True volunteer work does not require work…
2026 Tax Season: What to Expect
The 2026 tax season is here! Filing taxes in the United States can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re filing for the first time as an international student. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process, understand key dates, and access helpful resources. Who Needs to File Taxes? As an international student on an F-1 or J-1 visa, you are required to file certain tax forms even if you didn’t earn any income during the year. International Student Services provides…
Scam Alert: Alien Registration Number
International Student Services has become aware of a recent phone scam targeting international students about their “alien registration number.” In a recent incident, a student received a call from someone claiming to be with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The caller stated that the student was required to report their Alien Registration Number to USCIS, warned that failure to do so would be a federal crime, and claimed there was an active arrest warrant for the student. The caller…
USCIS Update: Photo and Biometrics Requirements
On December 12, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a photo and biometrics update outlining new requirements for how photographs may be submitted and reused for immigration benefit applications. USCIS no longer accepts self-submitted photographs and now limits when applicants can reuse previously taken photos. USCIS now accepts only photographs taken at an Application Support Center (ASC) during a Biometrics Services Appointment (BSA), or by other USCIS-authorized entities. This guidance is effective immediately and applies to all benefit…
Campus Spotlight: UW Study Away Program on Lopez Island
Author: Lesley Steinman Reconnecting Food Roots (RFR) is a unique and place-based UW Study Away program on Lopez Island, located in the Pacific Northwest U.S. The island is the unceded territory of Straits Salish people and has historically served as a breadbasket for the surrounding islands. RFR uses systems thinking to explore the interconnections of food, human and ecological health through the themes of Land, Sea, and Air. We are recruiting our Summer 2026 cohort and this program may be…
USCIS Increases Premium Processing Fees
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced an increase to USCIS premium processing fees, including fees that affect F-1 and J-1 students and their dependents. These changes reflect inflation from June 2023 through June 2025 and are authorized under the USCIS Stabilization Act, which allows fee adjustments every two years. When the New Fees Apply The updated fees take effect on March 1, 2026. Any premium processing request postmarked on or after March 1, 2026 must include the new…
ISS Services for Winter 2026
Winter quarter 2026 is underway, and we wanted to make sure you know how International Student Services can help you with immigration related matters. Whether you have questions about immigration requirements, employment benefits, or general status concerns, multiple support options are available. Following is an overview of ISS services and how to connect with our team this quarter. Office Hours The ISS staff work Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. At certain times, our office doors are closed…
Presidential Proclamation: Expanding U.S. Entry Restrictions
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…
Update on USCIS Review of Certain Benefit Applications
On January 1, 2026, USCIS issued updated guidance stating that some immigration benefit applications are paused for individuals of certain nationalities, including F- and J students, based on country of birth, nationality, and travel documents. On December 2, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a new policy memorandum (PDF) directing additional review of certain immigration benefit applications. USCIS has directed officers to hold some pending immigration benefit applications, possibly including OPT, STEM OPT, and change of status. This…