On October 24, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued policy guidance related to the 2-year Foreign Residence requirement for certain J exchanger visitors. The guidance clarifies 1) how USCIS determines whether the requirement has been met and 2) the evidence a benefit requestor may submit to show compliance with the requirement among other issues. What is the 2-year Foreign Residence Requirement? Some J-1 Exchange Visitors are subject to a 2-year foreign residence requirement. This is sometimes referred to…
Author: mellishj
DHS Updates Tip Sheet to Help Avoid Form I-765 delays
The Department of Homeland Security’s CIS Ombudsman unit recently released an update to their tip sheet to help F-1 students avoid Form I-765 delays. This tip sheet provides guidance for F-1 students applying for OPT work authorization. What are the key points in the tip sheet? Check USCIS’ website for updates before you submit your Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Make sure Form I-20, Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, is signed, dated, and endorsed for the correct…
DHS Extends Special Student Relief for Students from Cameroon
Summary On October 06, 2023 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended Special Student Relief (SSR) to F-1 students from Cameroon, effective from December 08, 2023 through June 07, 2025. The original SSR notice was set to expire on December 07, 2023. 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. SSR typically provides eligible students flexibilities related to…
All about Social Security Numbers
Written by Jennifer Oppliger A Social Security Number (SSN) is a number that identifies U.S. citizens and other selected residents. Noncitizens can generally only receive SSNs if they are employed in the U.S. An SSN is used to track your annual income. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is in charge of the SSN application process. How do I apply for an SSN if I am working on-campus? Receive an on-campus employment letter. Submit an “SSN/ITIN Support Letter” request in MyISSS….
Surviving and Thriving: Your First Year at UW – A Guide from a Seasoned Husky
Written by Jessica Jie Wang, UW Senior Welcome to the pack! How does it feel for the first week of school? Excited? Overwhelmed? I felt the same way in my first week/month at UW as there were so many things on the checklist to be done and so many “surprises” (good or bad) happening every day. As I reflect on my experience, I’d like to share some personal insights and tips to help you make the most of your first year…
DHS Extends Special Student Relief for Students from Afghanistan
Summary On September 21, 2023 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended Special Student Relief (SSR) to F-1 students from Afghanistan, effective from September 25, 2023 through May 20, 2025. The original SSR notice was set to expire on November 20, 2023. 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. This particular notice suspends applicable on-campus and off-campus…
SEVP Allows for Electronic Signatures and Transmission of the Form I-983
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) recently updated Form I-983 instructions to remove language requiring wet signatures. The Form I-983 is a training plan developed between the F-1 student and their STEM employer. It is submitted to ISS in the process of applying for the STEM OPT Extension I-20. What kind of signatures are now accepted? SEVP provided guidance that the following types of signatures are accepted: Electronic signatures using software programs or applications. Students and employers may sign…
Dos and Don’ts for Check-in
Immigration Check-in can be a confusing process. To help, we’ve written up a list of things to do and not do to have a successful Immigration Check-in process. Do! Read our Post-arrival Check-list for step-by-step instructions. Wait 3 days after you entered the U.S. to get your I-94. Check your UW email – we will contact you if there are problems with your check-in. Don’t! Don’t forget to enroll full-time. We cannot register your immigration record if you are not…
Returning to Seattle soon? Make sure you’re prepared.
International Student Services (ISS) is excited to welcome back more than 5,000 continuing international students to our Seattle campus. We hope that you had a wonderful summer break and are ready to begin another academic year at UW. Please remember that ISS is here to help you on all things related to your immigration status. What do I need to re-enter the U.S.? To re-enter the U.S., we recommend you bring the following documents: Passport Visa I-20 with valid travel…
DHS Extends Special Student Relief for Students from South Sudan
Summary On September 5, 2023 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended Special Student Relief (SSR) to F-1 students from South Sudan, effective from November 04, 2023 through May 03, 2025. The original SSR notice was set to expire on November 3, 2023. 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. This particular notice suspends applicable on-campus and…