International Student Services (ISS) has recently seen an increase in scams targeting F and J international students. These scams can be very convincing, and scammers often pretend to be government officials, immigration officers, or even University of Washington employees. They may claim that your visa will be canceled or that you’re in trouble with the law unless you pay immediately or share personal information. These messages can sound urgent and frightening, but it’s important to remember: Real government agencies and…
Author: Justin Mellish
Understanding the Social Security Number (SSN) Process
If you’re an F-1 or J-1 international student, you may need to apply for a Social Security number (SSN) while studying in the U.S. This number is used by the U.S. government to track your earnings over your lifetime. It is not a work permit, but rather a unique identifier that stays with you permanently once issued. SSN vs. ITIN If you work in the U.S., you must have proper work authorization and an SSN. However, if you don’t work…
DHS Proposes New OPT Fees
On October 8, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced a proposed rule, Optional Practical Training Fees, that would require a $70,000 fee for an F-1 student’s initial OPT period and $30,000 for subsequent OPT periods, including STEM OPT extensions. OPT provides eligible F-1 students with temporary employment authorization related to their field of study. This is a proposed rule, not a final rule, and these fees are not in effect. The proposed rule does not change existing OPT…
USCIS Issues Guidance on Public Charge Inadmissibility Determinations
USCIS issued updated guidance on how it will determine whether an applicant is likely to become a “public charge” meaning primarily dependent on government assistance. The guidance went into effect September 18, 2026. It applies to adjustment of status applications (Form I-485) submitted on or after that date. Is this relevant to F-1 and J-1 students? For students maintaining F-1 or J-1 status, this announcement does not create an immediate change. However, it may be relevant in the following situations:…
Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
With changes to Curricular Practical Training (CPT), we understand that many students are looking for alternative forms of authorization for off-campus training. As an alternative, we are seeing an increase in questions about Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). What is Pre-Completion OPT? Pre-Completion OPT is a form of optional practical training that can be utilized while you are still an active student. This type of work authorization requires USCIS approval. Once approved by USCIS, you receive an Employment Authorization Document…
Preparing for your Return to the UW
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)…
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…