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Common Issues with STEM OPT Requests in MyISSS

We’ve been seeing some errors in STEM OPT I-20 requests that are causing delays. e-Verify Number Issues Your I-765 requires you to include the e-Verify number for your employer. Our form in MyISSS request also requires it. We’re seeing students answer the question that they will upload a letter from their employer about their e-Verify employer and then not uploading the number. We’re also seeing students input the EIN number of their employer rather than the e-Verify number. If we…

Post COVID Guidance for STEM OPT

Our advising team recently discussed the upcoming end of the SEVP COVID Guidance which ends after this academic year (June 10, 2023). While remote work for STEM OPT Employers was allowed under COVID guidance, we are anticipating that the regulations will return to normal and require direct supervision/on-site work from your employer. If the COVID guidance expires, you will be required to have an in-person/on-site component to your employment. Your I-983 training plan will need to include a work site…

Spring 2023 Make-Up Orientation for F-1 Students

F-1 Immigration Orientation is required for all new students who receive I-20s from ISS at the University of Washington. New students who missed spring 2023’s orientation session on March 22 or 23 may make up their orientation requirement by watching a recording of our session from winter 2023 F-1 immigration session and completing the form to let us know they’ve watched the video. Students who do not complete this requirement may have a hold placed on their MyUW account. Thus,…

Remember to Report Your Employment While on OPT

On March 28, 2023, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program is scheduling an update to the SEVP Portal that will display the number of days you have been unemployed when you log into the portal. We wanted to remind you of your obligation to report your employment within 10 days of starting or ending a practical training opportunity. Students on STEM OPT are also required to upload copies of their completed I-983s when they start or end a training opportunity….

Non-Resident Tax Information Session Recording

On March 7, 2023, we had a Tax 101 Information Session for international students at UW! During the session, presenters shared about how the U.S. tax system operates and talked about some important information about filing non-resident and resident taxes. As a note, though presenters mentioned that you can consult with ISS about your taxes, we wanted to reiterate that ISS advisors are not tax consultants and will not be able to help you with your tax questions. While we…

Post-Completion OPT or STEM OPT?

We’ve been noticing that many students and campus staff are coming to our information sessions or sending emails about 3 years of OPT. We wanted to clarify the difference between post-completion OPT and the STEM 24-month extension of OPT. One of our advisors, Alisa Sweet, wrote out a message to help promote understanding. Some of you may know that F-1 students who are in a STEM field can be authorized for up to three years of OPT. But did you…

Tips for Filing the I-765

As we finish out winter quarter, ISS advisors are preparing for the heavy OPT season for spring quarter graduates. To help you prepare, our newest advisor in ISS, Sophia Schuessler, shared some tips for filling out your I-765! When filing the I-765 with USCIS (either with a physical form or online) it is important to remember: You must have your recommended OPT I-20 before you apply to USCIS. Students often get denied because they either file the documents out of…

UW Center for Human Rights Funding Available

Our colleagues across campus have reached out to us about funding available through the UW Center for Human Rights! If you’re researching human rights or working on projects to advance social justice, this may be available to you! Details for individual funds are listed below: 1) Osheroff and Clark Fund Available to undergraduate and graduate students Funding priority goes to projects focusing on promoting social change through direct action Approximately $4,300 is available for distribution 2) Mack and Mayerfeld Fund Available…

Get ready for spring break! Come to a Travel Signature Clinic!

If you’re planning on traveling outside of the U.S. during spring break, you need a travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019! Wait – what is a travel signature? The travel signature is on page two of an I-20 and page one of a DS-2019. An advisor signs it after they’ve confirmed that you are maintaining status by following the rules of your visa. Signatures on DS-2019s are valid for one year. Signatures on I-20s are valid for one year…