Author: Justin Mellish

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…

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 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…

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…

Navigating Immigration Changes: Rights and Resources for International Students at UW Written by Tanya Fekri, Director and Attorney of Student Legal Services Recent changes in immigration regulations under the new administration have left many international students at UW feeling uncertain about their visa status, work authorization, and travel plans. Student Legal Services (SLS) is here to help students understand their rights and connect them with essential resources to navigate these shifts. Know Your Rights as an International Student International students…

You may already know our newest International Student Advisor, Jennifer! Previously our dedicated Program Coordinator overseeing our front desk and team of student assistants, Jennifer has now joined our advising team. We couldn’t be more excited to introduce her in this new role! Are you from Seattle? If not, where are you from and how did you end up in Seattle? I was born in Seattle and moved around different cities in Washington growing up. When I was 15, I…

Written by Phil Quinn, Associate Professor of Accounting and Founder of UW VITA Most people rank filing tax returns just above getting dental surgery, but there is one heroic group, our very own Master of Science in Taxation students, who thrive on doing taxes, and they are offering their services for free on the UW campus. For nearly a decade, the United Way of King County has joined forces with MS Tax to create UW VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance),…

University of Washington (UW) Federal Tax Clinic comprises over 20 volunteer student attorneys, 15 volunteer attorneys, and three experienced directors and professors. The Clinic offers free representation of low-income Western Washington clients, including international students, at all levels of the IRS for ongoing tax disputes with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In 2023, the Clinic reduced tax liabilities, penalties, and interest by $4,159,508. As an international student, you must file a U.S. Tax Return if you have a taxable scholarship…