We are excited to welcome Amber as our new Reception Team Program Coordinator! Amber is no stranger to our office—she was a student assistant at International Student Services (ISS) while attending the University of Washington. After graduating, she joined our team to continue supporting international students in this role overseeing the reception team. The reception team is the first point of contact for students visiting ISS and includes Amber and a team of 6-8 student assistants. They help answer general…
Category: Newsletter
Weekly updates and notices.
Spring Break Travel Tips
Spring break is just around the corner, and if you’re an international student in F-1 or J-1 status, it’s important to prepare properly before traveling. Whether you’re heading home, exploring a new U.S. city, or going abroad, here are some key reminders to ensure a stress-free trip and smooth return. International Travel Before you leave, make sure you have the following: A valid passport (at least six months beyond your intended return date) A valid F-1 or J-1 visa (if…
Campus Spotlight: Student Legal Services & Your Rights
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…
Meet Our Team: Jennifer
You may already know our newest International Student Advisor, Jennifer! Previously our dedicated Program Coordinator overseeing our front desk and team of student assistants, Jennifer has now joined our advising team. We couldn’t be more excited to introduce her in this new role! Are you from Seattle? If not, where are you from and how did you end up in Seattle? I was born in Seattle and moved around different cities in Washington growing up. When I was 15, I…
Campus Spotlight: UW Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Written by Phil Quinn, Associate Professor of Accounting and Founder of UW VITA Most people rank filing tax returns just above getting dental surgery, but there is one heroic group, our very own Master of Science in Taxation students, who thrive on doing taxes, and they are offering their services for free on the UW campus. For nearly a decade, the United Way of King County has joined forces with MS Tax to create UW VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance),…
A Message from the Director of ISS
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,…
Campus Spotlight: UW Federal Tax Clinic
University of Washington (UW) Federal Tax Clinic comprises over 20 volunteer student attorneys, 15 volunteer attorneys, and three experienced directors and professors. The Clinic offers free representation of low-income Western Washington clients, including international students, at all levels of the IRS for ongoing tax disputes with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In 2023, the Clinic reduced tax liabilities, penalties, and interest by $4,159,508. As an international student, you must file a U.S. Tax Return if you have a taxable scholarship…
Winter 2025 Quarter Reminders
International Student Services understands that any transition to a new presidential administration creates uncertainty around immigration policies. We want to assure you that ISS staff continue to monitor F-1 and J-1 policies and will keep you updated on any changes or developments. Things to keep in mind throughout this quarter: Maintain your F-1 or J-1 status. International students must meet full-time enrollment requirements every quarter to keep your immigration status valid. Be sure to follow the rules and meet deadlines…
2025 Tax Season: What to Expect
The 2025 tax season is quickly approaching. Filing taxes in the United States can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re filing for the first time as an international student. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process, understand key dates, and access helpful resources. Who Needs to File Taxes? As an international student on an F-1 or J-1 visa, you are required to file certain tax forms—even if you didn’t earn any income during the year. These forms help confirm…
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…