As you get ready to return to the UW for the 2026-2027 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)…
Author: Justin Mellish
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…
Update on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Policy
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) issued a Broadcast Message on August 24, 2026 that provided all Designated School Officials (DSOs) with guidance regarding Curricular Practical Training (CPT) policy and clarified their earlier CPT guidance issued on August 12. These messages communicate a narrower interpretation of when CPT may be considered an “integral part” of an established curriculum. Among other points, SEVP is indicating that CPT should only be authorized when the practical…
USCIS Announces New Editions of Forms I-539 and I-765
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will introduce revised editions of Form I-539 and Form I-765 on September 15, 2026. The new forms reflect changes under the federal rule replacing Duration of Status (D/S) with a fixed period of admission for F and J nonimmigrants. The revised forms are: Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status: Edition dated 09/15/26 Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization: Edition dated 09/15/26 F and J students and alumni use Form I-539 to extend or…
USCIS Revises Policy on RFEs and NOIDs
On August 5, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced updated policy guidance on evidence requirements, Requests for Evidence (RFEs), and Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs). The policy is effective immediately as of August 5, 2026 and applies to benefit requests pending or filed on or after that date. Under the updated guidance, USCIS officers have greater discretion to deny an immigration benefit request without first issuing an RFE or NOID if required initial evidence is missing or…
ISS Update on Changes to Duration of Status
On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published to the Federal Register the final rule that will eliminate Duration of Status (D/S) for F-1 and J-1 students and replace it with a fixed admit until date (AUD) upon admission to the U.S. The final rule does not take effect until September 15, 2026. We understand this change creates uncertainty and raises many questions about how this new rule will impact our F-1 and J-1 international student…
DHS Publishes Final Rule Replacing Duration of Status
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published the final rule that will replace “duration of status” (D/S) with fixed periods of admission for F and J nonimmigrants. The final rule does not take effect until September 15, 2026. Under the current duration of status framework, most F-1 and J-1 students may remain in the U.S. for the time needed to complete their academic program or authorized practical training, provided they continue to meet all immigration requirements. The final…
Understanding “Duration of Status”
The U.S. government has proposed changes that would eliminate the Duration of Status (D/S) rule for F and J students. Nothing has changed at this time and F-1 and J-1 students should continue following the current rules for maintaining status. What does “Duration of Status” mean? Duration of Status, often abbreviated as D/S, means that you are admitted to the U.S. for the duration of your authorized program and related activities as long as you maintain your F-1 or J-1…
Before You Ask AI: Guidance for F and J Students
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are becoming part of everyday life helping us to draft emails, brainstorming ideas, or looking up quick answers. At the University of Washington, new tools like Purple are making AI even more accessible to students. While these tools can be helpful, it’s important to understand their limits especially when it comes to immigration advice. AI Can Be Helpful But It Has Limits AI tools can be a great starting point for general questions. For example, they…
ISS Summer Hours and Services
No two summers look the same. Some students will be enrolled in classes, others will be participating in CPT or Academic Training, traveling home, or preparing to graduate. Whatever your plans, ISS remains available throughout the summer to support you and answer your questions. Connecting with ISS International Student Services is located in 459 Schmitz Hall and is operates Monday–Friday from 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Whether you have a quick question, need immigration advising, or want to learn more about ISS…