April 8, 2021
UPDATED 5/5/2021: COVID vaccine and in-person requirements for Autumn 2021
Dear Students, We have been receiving many queries about autumn quarter 2021 in-person course and vaccine requirements. We hope the information below will help answer your questions based on what we know right now. UW President Cauce announced in January and again on April 1 that the University intends to return to largely in-person instruction…
April 6, 2021
USCIS Adds Form I-765 To Electronic Forms
USCIS is currently testing an electronic form I-765 for students seeking optional practical training employment benefits. The form is too new for us to have seen many students apply electronically – therefore, we do not have steps or guidance prepared at this time. If you decide to file online, please know that we are unable…
March 26, 2021
Announcement: Extension of ISS Processing Time
Beginning Monday, March 29, 2021, the processing time for all requests submitted to the ISS office will be up to one month. We are adjusting our processing time to better align with the reality of our current workload. Additionally, we are working to balance changes in staffing by hiring and training additional ISS staff to…
March 22, 2021
Update for Transfer Pending/Change of Education Level Students Studying Outside the U.S.
We wanted to share an update with you regarding studying outside the U.S. with transfer pending and change of level I-20s in initial status. Your study outside the U.S. while your I-20 was still pending/in initial status may be counted towards CPT and OPT recommendation eligibility. In autumn quarter, our advice was based on our reading of the Frequently…
March 2, 2021
Scam Targeting International Students
It has come to our attention that there is a new scam targeting international students. There have been TWO reports of UW students falling victim to this scam. We are sharing this information so that you can protect yourself. This is what we know: Students received a call from “U.S. Border & Customs” warning that they “found…
February 26, 2021
USCIS has extended flexibilities for OPT applications sent between Oct. 1, 2020 through May 1, 2021
Dear Students, We have exciting news! Today, we learned that USCIS will be flexible for OPT applications received on or after October 1, 2020 through May 1, 2021. The announcement from USCIS is available for your review. Sincerely, ISS
February 19, 2021
USCIS Update Regarding Applicants Filing Form I-765 for OPT
The following message was released by USCIS. USCIS continues to experience delays at certain lockboxes in issuing receipt notices for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, based on eligibility categories described in 8 C.F.R. 274a.12(c)(3), relating to optional practical training (OPT) for F-1 students. While we have made progress in addressing the delays, we would…
February 12, 2021
Deferring your I-20: Spring Quarter 2021 Process
We understand that many students are still making decisions about travel to the U.S. for in-person study. The ISS office must update your I-20 so that the program start date aligns with the quarter you plan to arrive. This process is known as a ‘deferral’. Please use our guide to determine the appropriate process based…
March 3, 2020
Tax Prep Resources
All students must file some kind of tax-related form if you studied in the U.S. in 2019, even if you did not work on campus. General Tax Information and FAQs Please review Tax Information and FAQs for basic information. Reminder: we in ISS are not qualified to answer individual tax questions. Taxes are complex and…
July 18, 2019
How to Drop a Class During Your Summer Vacation Quarter
Many students register part-time during their annual vacation quarter in summer. If you are eligible for your annual vacation quarter this summer To drop one class: Review the Office of the Registrar’s drop deadlines to determine if you are allowed to drop the course. If the drop deadlines allow you to drop, next please complete…
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