You may recall our update last September regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s proposed changes to Duration of Status (D/S) and how the length of stay is managed for F and J students entering the U.S. While no final rule has been announced yet, we expect it to be published soon. At this stage, nothing has changed and current rules and guidance remain in effect. Once the final rule is published, the elimination of D/S could affect how long students…
Author: Justin Mellish
12 International Students Named to the Husky 100
Each spring, the University of Washington recognizes 100 exceptional students who are making the most of their time on campus through the Husky 100. Now in its second decade, this honor celebrates undergraduate, graduate, and professional students across all three UW campuses. The selected students not only excel academically, but also apply their learning in meaningful ways through research, leadership, service, and community engagement. This year’s cohort reflects the depth and diversity of the UW community. This includes a number…
How to Optimize Your Job or Internship Search
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 employers. Start by…
Scam Alert! AR-11 Scam
We’ve received a report of a sophisticated phone scam targeting international students with threats related to immigration status. These scams are designed to create panic and pressure you into sending money. What Happened A student received a phone call from someone claiming to be an immigration officer, accusing them of a violation of the AR-11 (change of address requirement). The caller asked highly detailed personal and financial questions, including: Family financial support and parents’ employment Rent amount and recent money…
Tips for Visiting ISS during the Spring
Spring Quarter is here, and the cherry blossoms are in bloom across campus! While this is a beautiful and exciting time of year at UW, it’s also the busiest time for the ISS office. Many students are applying for CPT or OPT, requesting travel signatures, extending their I-20 or DS-2019, or preparing for graduation. If you’re planning to visit the ISS office this quarter, a little preparation can go a long way. Here are a few tips to help make…
Campus Spotlight: The UW Food Pantry
Food insecurity is a real issue that affects students at the University of Washington. The UW Food Pantry is a campus resource that provides free food and groceries to students, staff, and faculty. What the UW Food Pantry Is The UW Food Pantry is a campus resource that provides shelf stable products, UW Farm organic produce, ready-to-eat items from campus dining locations, and hygiene products at no cost to members of the UW campus community. Its mission is to ensure…
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…
Alert! Tuition Payment Scam
Written by Dan Zhu of UW CIRCLE We want to alert you to a recurring credit card scam targeting tuition payments. Scammers approach students offering to handle tuition payments with promises of waived transaction fees, better exchange rates, or rebates. They request the student’s UW NetID and password to access the tuition account and make credit card payments in installments. The student is then asked to repay the scammer via checks, cash, or fund transfers. Often, it takes several days…
Is This Allowed? Employment Gray Areas as an F-1 Student
ISS advisors receive questions every quarter about employment for which there are no straight answers. Immigration regulations can be vague, and it is up to ISS to help students better understand the risks of choices they make. We are here to debunk some of the myths surrounding common work topics that come up in advising, and make sure you have the best information! Common Gray Areas in Employment Volunteer Work versus Unpaid Work True volunteer work does not require work…
2026 Tax Season: What to Expect
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…