ISS continues to carefully monitor any changes to federal F-1 and J-1 regulations. Although there have been recent announcements in the media about student visas, there have been no official changes to F or J federal immigration policies. If there are any official changes to the federal regulations, ISS will post it to our Government Updates page. We will also notify any impacted students directly by email if there are any official changes. Below are a few updates regarding…
Author: Justin Mellish
Planning for Summer as an International Student
The end of spring quarter is quickly approaching! We know many students are starting to make plans for the summer—whether that involves taking a break from school, working, traveling home, going somewhere new, or taking classes during summer quarter. Here are important updates and reminders to help you make informed decisions about your summer plans. ISS Continues to Monitor F-1 & J-1 SEVIS Records In early April, ISS began notifying a small number of students whose F-1 SEVIS records were…
DHS to Screen Social Media Activity
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on April 9, 2025, that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) would begin considering social media activity of foreign nationals-including F and J visa holders—when evaluating immigration benefit applications. This could include applications for work authorization, change of status, or reinstatement. According to the DHS announcement, social media content that shows support for “antisemitic terrorism, violent antisemitic ideologies and antisemitic terrorist organizations” can be used as a negative factor in determining whether to approve…
Alert! Fake Embassy and Police Scam
A sophisticated phone scam involving individuals who falsely claim to represent the Chinese Embassy or police authorities continues to target international students. While this scam is not new, it continues to evolve and exploit fears about immigration, legal trouble, and international travel. Awareness is key to staying safe. What Happens: You get a call from someone claiming to be from the Chinese Embassy or police in China. They claim that you are under investigation for a crime. They pressure you…
What You Need to Know About REAL IDs
If you’re an F or J visa holder studying or working in the U.S., you may have heard about Real IDs. Starting May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to fly within the United States. Here’s what you need to know as an international student to be prepared. What is REAL ID? Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 to enhance security standards for…
Clarifying Immigration Registration Requirements
On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14159 which introduces changes to U.S. immigration enforcement policies. The executive order clarifies registration requirements and processes for non-immigrants including those under the F or J status. The changes in this Executive Order are scheduled to take effect on April 11, 2025. What does the executive order do? Executive Order 14159 clarifies that the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) requires that non-immigrants 14 years of age or older who were…
Tips for Applying for OPT
Happy Spring Quarter! As many of you prepare for your graduation, you may be considering applying for OPT. Applying for OPT can feel daunting and stressful, so here are some tips from ISS to help you prepare for your application. Apply early! Spring is the busiest season for USCIS. Applications can take several months to process, so if you are able to, we highly recommend that you apply early. Post-completion OPT does not require a job offer to apply, so…
How to Optimize Your Job or Internship Search
Author: Erin Lee, The UW Career & Internship Center Spring is in the air! That means longer days and blooming flowers but also rising stress levels for students on the job or internship hunt. The good news? Many students successfully secure positions during the spring quarter with the right approach. Here are some key tips to help you succeed: Know Your Work Authorization—ASAP! Understanding your work authorization (OPT, CPT) is crucial for an effective job search and clear communication with…
Spring Break Travel Tips
Spring break is just around the corner, and if you’re an international student in F-1 or J-1 status, it’s important to prepare properly before traveling. Whether you’re heading home, exploring a new U.S. city, or going abroad, here are some key reminders to ensure a stress-free trip and smooth return. International Travel Before you leave, make sure you have the following: A valid passport (at least six months beyond your intended return date) A valid F-1 or J-1 visa (if…
Meet Our Team: Amber
We are excited to welcome Amber as our new Reception Team Program Coordinator! Amber is no stranger to our office—she was a student assistant at International Student Services (ISS) while attending the University of Washington. After graduating, she joined our team to continue supporting international students in this role overseeing the reception team. The reception team is the first point of contact for students visiting ISS and includes Amber and a team of 6-8 student assistants. They help answer general…