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…
Author: Justin Mellish
Alert! AR-11 Scam Targeting International Students
Beware of USCIS Phone Scams Targeting International Students If you’re an F or J international student, be cautious of phone scams where callers impersonate U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers. A recent scam has surfaced where students receive threatening calls regarding Form AR-11, claiming a complaint has been filed against them. Details of the Scam Students have reported receiving repeated calls from a person posing as a USCIS officer. The scammer may: Claim that you failed to file Form…
Update from the ISS Director: Federal Immigration Policy
We have recently heard from students that the last few weeks of uncertainty around immigration policy has been difficult. I want to assure you that I have been working closely with UW leadership, campus partners across all 3 UW campuses, and with our leading international organizations to monitor any changes to federal F-1 and J-1 regulations. There have been no changes to F or J immigration policies. If any federal policies are announced that directly impact F-1 or J-1 students,…
Alert! Scam Targets Chinese Students
A common scam targets Chinese international students at the University of Washington, pretending to be Chinese police or government officials. Their goal is to steal your money or personal information by using fear and confusion. Here’s how to stay safe: How the Scam Works Scammers often call students and claim to be Chinese police, immigration officers, or other government representatives. These scammers often speak Mandarin, use fake documents, and spoof official phone numbers to appear legitimate. They may use tricks…
Alert! New scam targets international students
We want to alert our international student community about a concerning new scam targeting students at the University of Washington. Scammers are sending fraudulent emails designed to intimidate students into responding with sensitive information. Here’s what you need to know: Details of the Scam Sender Name: The scam emails claim to be from Sarah Phillp, a person who is not affiliated with UW. Fake Department: The emails reference the UW Academic Integrity Department, which does not exist. False Allegations: The…
DHS Announces Special Student Relief for Students from Lebanon
Summary On October 17, 2024 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Special Student Relief (SSR) to F-1 students from Lebanon experiencing economic hardship due to the current crisis in the country. The designation suspends certain on-campus and off-campus regulations from July 26, 2024 and is set to expire on January 25, 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…
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….
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….
DHS Announces Special Student Relief for Students from the Palestinian Territories
Summary On April 12, 2024 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended Special Student Relief (SSR) to Palestinian F-1 students experiencing economic hardship due to the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian Territories. The designation suspends certain on-campus and off-campus regulations and is set to expire on June 13, 2025. 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….