Author: mellishj

A common scam targets Chinese international students at the University of Washington, pretending to be Chinese police or government officials. Their goal is to steal your money or personal information by using fear and confusion. Here’s how to stay safe: How the Scam Works Scammers often call students and claim to be Chinese police, immigration officers, or other government representatives. These scammers often speak Mandarin, use fake documents, and spoof official phone numbers to appear legitimate. They may use tricks…

Author: Sirinya Hirunviriya Landing an internship or job as an international student can feel like navigating uncharted territory. With unfamiliar systems, cultural differences, and the pressure to succeed, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Many of us come to the University of Washington (UW) with dreams of gaining professional experience and making the most of our study abroad journey. But juggling academics, applications, and adapting to a new environment can be challenging. The Career and Internship Center That’s where the Career…

We hope the Winter Quarter 2025 is off to a great start! International Student Services continues to be here to provide you immigration advising and support. Below is an overview of our winter 2025 services, hours, and availability. Office Hours and Contact Information The ISS physical is located at Schmitz Hall in Suite 459. The office will continue to be open during the following hours: Monday through Thursday: 1:00 AM – 4:00 PM Fridays: Office is closed. Staff are working…

We want to alert our international student community about a concerning new scam targeting students at the University of Washington. Scammers are sending fraudulent emails designed to intimidate students into responding with sensitive information. Here’s what you need to know: Details of the Scam Sender Name: The scam emails claim to be from Sarah Phillp, a person who is not affiliated with UW. Fake Department: The emails reference the UW Academic Integrity Department, which does not exist. False Allegations: The…

The winter season is a time filled with holidays, travel, and reconnecting. Whether you are traveling home or taking a break, careful planning is key to a smooth and stress-free journey. Below, we have highlighted important information to help with a smooth return to the United States if you are planning to travel in the next few months. Required Travel Documents Make sure to carry the following documents with you: Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months…

As winter break approaches, many of you may be preparing to travel home or explore new destinations. Whether you’re embarking on an adventure or heading back to spend time with family or friends, here are some key reminders and tips to ensure a smooth journey and a seamless return to the University of Washington. Prepare for Re-Entry to the U.S. To return for the start of the winter quarter on January 6, make sure you have the following items in…

As winter quarter 2025 approaches, it’s time to make sure you meet the enrollment requirements to maintain your F-1 or J-1 status. Follow these guidelines to ensure you remain in compliance with immigration regulations: Full-Time Enrollment Requirements F-1 and J-1 students must be enrolled full-time during the academic year. For most students, this means: Undergraduate students: A minimum of 12 credits. Graduate students: Typically a minimum of 10 credits (or fewer if you enrolled in thesis or dissertation coursework). Online…

As a J-1 student at the University of Washington, your well-being and success are our top priorities. While your time here may be exciting, unexpected challenges can sometimes arise. If they do, it’s important to let the International Student Services (ISS) team know so we can help. Reporting Incidents As part of our role as a J-1 program sponsor, UW is required to notify the U.S. Department of State about certain situations involving J-1 students. This includes things like: A…

The Shih loan is now open for the 2024-25 academic year.  Please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid if you are interested on being put on the wait list or have questions. 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…

If you’re an F-1 international student at the University of Washington, you typically take your annual vacation during the summer quarter. However, some students may qualify to take their vacation quarter during the winter instead. This is called an alternate vacation quarter. Here’s a guide to help you determine if an alternate vacation quarter is right for you and what steps to take. What Is an Alternate Vacation Quarter? An alternate vacation quarter allows eligible students to take a break…