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Changed Your Major? Read About Your Updated I-20

If you’ve changed your major effective Autumn 2024, here’s what you need to know about getting your updated I-20: What do I need to do to get an updated I-20? No worries—ISS will do all the work!   You don’t need to do a thing. We’ll automatically issue updated I-20s for any major changes. Remember, your updated I-20 will include a new travel signature valid for one year. How long will it take to receive my new I-20? Because of the…

Returning to Seattle? Read our To-do List

As you get ready to head back to Seattle, it’s important to make sure you’ve got everything in order for a smooth return. Here’s a quick checklist to help you out. 1. Double-Check Your Immigration Documents Visas: Make sure your visa is still valid for re-entry into the U.S. If it’s expired, you’ll need to renew it before you head back. I-20 or DS-2019: Take a look at your I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 students) and make…

Arriving in the U.S.: What to Expect

Landing in the U.S. as an international student is exciting, but maybe a bit nerve-wracking too. Whether you’re an F-1 student here for a degree or a J-1 student on an exchange, knowing what to expect can make the whole process a lot smoother. Here’s a quick guide to help you out. What Happens When You Land After you step off the plane, you’ll need to go through a few checks before heading to Seattle: 1. Immigration and Customs First…

Helpful Tips for New International Students

Starting your studies in the U.S. as an international student is super exciting, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. To help make your transition smoother, we’ve put together some essential steps and tips for you. Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee Before you head to the U.S., don’t forget to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee. It’s a required fee, and not paying it can create problems with your immigration status. You can pay it online at the FMJfee website…

ISS Physical Office Closed August 19-30

The International Student Services (ISS) physical office will be closed from August 19th to 30th. During this time, our staff will continue to work remotely to support you. Why the Closure? This temporary closure will allow our staff to focus on preparing for the upcoming autumn quarter, ensuring that we’re ready to support you during one of the busiest times of the academic year. We’re Still Here to Help – Virtually! While the office is closed, we’re still here to…

18 International Huskies Competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics

The 2024 Olympics in Paris features 18 current and former international student Huskies who represent 11 different nations and are competing in events across Track and Field, Rowing, and Golf. Meet Our International Husky Olympians Here are the UW athletes representing their respective countries: Izzi Batt-Doyle, Australia Women’s Track and Field Jacob Dawson, Great Britain Men’s Rowing Holly Dunford, Great Britain Women’s Rowing Brian Fay, Ireland Men’s Track and Field Kieran Lumb, Canada Men’s Track and Field Sophie O’Sullivan, Ireland Women’s…

DHS Extends Special Student Relief for Students from Somalia

Summary On July 19, 2024 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended Special Student Relief (SSR) to F-1 students from Somalia experiencing economic hardship due to the current crisis in the country. The designation suspends certain on-campus and off-campus regulations and is set to expire on March 17, 2026.  What is Special Student Relief? Special Student Relief (SSR) is the suspension of specific immigration regulations for F-1 students who face unexpected hardship due to a situation in their home country….

DHS Extends Special Student Relief for Students from Yemen

Summary On July 08, 2024 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended Special Student Relief (SSR) to F-1 students from Yemen experiencing economic hardship due to the current crisis in the country. The designation suspends certain on-campus and off-campus regulations and is set to expire on March 03, 2026.  What is Special Student Relief? Special Student Relief (SSR) is the suspension of specific immigration regulations for F-1 students who face unexpected hardship due to a situation in their home country….

MyISSS System to be offline July 27- 28

On July 27 – 28, the MyISSS platform used by F and J international students for immigration purposes will be offline while the software vendor, Terra Dotta, migrates the system to a new server. During this time, ISS staff, students, and campus partners will not be able to access the system including related forms and requests. The system should return to normal functionality on Monday, July 29th We encourage students and campus partners to plan ahead to avoid any inconveniences. …

DHS Extends Special Student Relief for Students from Haiti

Summary On June 28, 2024 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended Special Student Relief (SSR) to F-1 students from Haiti experiencing economic hardship due to the current crisis in the country. The designation suspends certain on-campus and off-campus regulations and is set to expire on February 03, 2026.  What is Special Student Relief? Special Student Relief (SSR) is the suspension of specific immigration regulations for F-1 students who face unexpected hardship due to a situation in their home country….