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…
Author: Justin Mellish
Reminders and Tips for Registering for Classes
As we kick off the quarter, it’s important to stay on top of class registration to ensure you’re meeting visa requirements and academic goals. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the process smoothly! Full-Time Enrollment F-1 and J-1 students are required to enroll in full-time coursework each quarter: 12 credits for undergraduates 10 credits for graduate students Be sure you’re registered for the correct number of credits by September 23rd. Maintaining full-time status is critical for your…
Things To Know About ISHIP for Autumn 2025
Each Autumn quarter the ISHIP Office receives many questions about enrolling in ISHIP, getting your LifeWise insurance card, and questions about the coverage ISHIP provides. Here’s what you can expect from ISHIP as you start Autumn quarter. Important information for new students enrolled in ISHIP: ISHIP coverage begins on 9/1 BUT you must register for Autumn quarter classes to activate your ISHIP coverage. LifeWise will send you a Welcome Email the week after you register for Autumn quarter classes OR the week…
Adjudicating Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants in Their Country of Residence
On September 06, 2025 the Department of State announced updated guidance on the adjudication of nonimmigrant visas including F and J student categories. Applicants for these visas should now schedule and attend their visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence. Applicants of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at a designated embassy or consulate. While this guidance has been recently updated by the Department of…
DHS Proposes Changes to Duration of Status
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a proposed rule that would eliminate the current “duration of status” (D/S) policy for F and J international students, replacing it with a specific length of time and a fixed end date. Any updates or changes such as an extension, transfer, or change of academic program, would then require government approval. This is only a proposed rule at this stage and is not in effect. The federal government is currently accepting public comments…
USCIS Expands Discretionary Factors in Benefit Requests
On August 19, 2025 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released updated policy guidance that clarifies how officers evaluate discretionary factors when adjudicating certain immigration benefit requests. This includes applications for changes of status, reinstatement, and employment authorization. What are the key updates? Anti-Americanism as a Negative Factor: USCIS now explicitly considers whether an applicant has “endorsed, promoted, supported, or otherwise espoused the views of a terrorist organization or group, including those who support or promote anti-American ideologies… or antisemitic…
Preparing for your Return to the UW
As you get ready to return to the UW for the 2025-2026 academic year, here are a few important reminders to help you stay on track with your immigration and have another successful year. 1. Prepare Your Documents for Entry When you travel back to the U.S., make sure you carry (not pack in checked luggage) the documents you’ll need to show at the port of entry: A valid passport (valid for at least six months beyond your entry date)…
5 Things to Know as a New International Student
Starting your journey at the University of Washington as a new international student is exciting, but we know it can also feel overwhelming, especially if you’re moving to the U.S. for the first time. To help you prepare, here are five important things every new F or J international student should know as they begin their studies at the UW. 1. Prepare Your Documents for Entry When you travel to the U.S., make sure you carry (not pack in checked…
Maintaining Status while on OPT and STEM OPT
Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT extension are valuable opportunities for F-1 international students to gain work experience in the U.S. related to their major field of study. However, maintaining your F-1 status during this period requires ongoing attention to specific rules and reporting requirements. Failing to meet these obligations can result in a loss of status and may impact your future immigration benefits. Here’s what you need to know to stay in status while on OPT or STEM…
Upcoming Changes to Visa Interview Waiver Policy
Effective September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State will significantly reduce the scope of the visa interview waiver program that has been in place in an expanded form since the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, most nonimmigrant visa applicants, including those renewing F-1, F-2, J-1, and J-2 visas, will be required to attend in-person interviews at U.S. consulates and embassies abroad. This change marks the end of the broad flexibility previously available to many international students. Changes will likely…