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…
Author: Justin Mellish
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 is limiting when previously taken photos may be reused. 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…
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…