As autumn quarter begins, I want to warmly welcome all of our international students to Seattle and the University of Washington! Autumn is one of the most beautiful times on campus with the changing leaves, crisp air, excitement and energy of a new academic year. This makes UW a truly special place to be. For those of you returning, I hope you had a restful summer break and you are re-energized to continue your studies. For those of you joining the UW for the first time, we are so delighted you have chosen the UW as your new academic home and we welcome you!
Immigration Rules Continue to Evolve
I want to acknowledge that the immigration landscape has changed over the last 9 months, sometimes quickly and unpredictably. ISS knows these shifts can bring stress, uncertainty and new challenges for F-1 and J-1 students. Please know that we are here to support you and help you navigate these complexities. ISS staff continue to closely monitor government announcements and will post any official changes or updates on the ISS Government Updates page as well as notify students directly impacted by these changes.
That said, I want to remind you of your F-1/J-1 responsibilities and the importance of your immigration status. Maintaining your status requires:
- Full-time F-1 or J-1 enrollment each quarter (unless you have prior ISS authorization for a reduced course load).
- Follow F-1 or J-1 employment regulations, which generally limit work to on-campus jobs unless you have off-campus work authorization.
- Keeping your documents valid and up to date, including your passport, visa, I-20 or DS-2019, and travel signatures.
ISS Is Here to Help
ISS offers many services to help you stay informed and in status. We provide in-person and virtual advising, information sessions (workshops) on topics such as employment, OPT, CPT, and STEM OPT, and detailed resources on our website. If you have questions, I encourage you to connect with our ISS team through our online chat or Contact ISS form. Staying proactive and informed is the best way to protect your immigration status.
I love the start of a new academic year and welcoming all you to the UW for the first time or back to the UW! We look forward to working with you as you pursue your academic, professional, and personal goals. Thank you for choosing UW as your home away from home and being a part of our Husky community.
All the best,
Kim Lovaas
Director of International Student Services