Category: Newsletter

As winter quarter 2025 approaches, it’s time to make sure you meet the enrollment requirements to maintain your F-1 or J-1 status. Follow these guidelines to ensure you remain in compliance with immigration regulations: Full-Time Enrollment Requirements F-1 and J-1 students must be enrolled full-time during the academic year. For most students, this means: Undergraduate students: A minimum of 12 credits. Graduate students: Typically a minimum of 10 credits (or fewer if you enrolled in thesis or dissertation coursework). Online…

As a J-1 student at the University of Washington, your well-being and success are our top priorities. While your time here may be exciting, unexpected challenges can sometimes arise. If they do, it’s important to let the International Student Services (ISS) team know so we can help. Reporting Incidents As part of our role as a J-1 program sponsor, UW is required to notify the U.S. Department of State about certain situations involving J-1 students. This includes things like: A…

As winter break approaches, many of you may be preparing to travel home or explore new destinations. Whether you’re embarking on an adventure or heading back to spend time with family or friends, here are some key reminders and tips to ensure a smooth journey and a seamless return to the University of Washington. Prepare for Re-Entry to the U.S. To return for the start of the winter quarter on January 6, make sure you have the following items in…

The Shih loan is now open for the 2024-25 academic year.  Please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid if you are interested on being put on the wait list or have questions. UW international graduate and undergraduate students are eligible to apply for the Jeff Shih Student Loan. The loans are made possible through a generous gift from Jeff Shih, a Seattle and San Francisco businessman and are intended to help international students in financing their education and completing…

If you’re an F-1 international student at the University of Washington, you typically take your annual vacation during the summer quarter. However, some students may qualify to take their vacation quarter during the winter instead. This is called an alternate vacation quarter. Here’s a guide to help you determine if an alternate vacation quarter is right for you and what steps to take. What Is an Alternate Vacation Quarter? An alternate vacation quarter allows eligible students to take a break…

The UW is celebrating global experiences this November! The UW Global Photo Contest is open to the entire UW community -students, faculty, staff and alumni. Photos can reflect study abroad, international research, personal global travel and/or cross-cultural experiences. Contest Details: Open to all members of the UW community Four categories: Husky spirit – “Dawgs Abroad,” Day in the Life of a Study Abroad Student, International Research in Action, Cross-Cultural Experiences Deadline to submit photos: November 30, 2024 For more information…

Election season in the U.S. can feel intense, especially if you’re new to the country’s political climate. From news stories to conversations on campus, it seems like everyone’s talking about it! If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just unsure about what it all means for you as an international student, we’ve got some tips and resources to help you stay informed and keep the stress in check. Mental Health Resources Navigating the heightened tensions of election season can be emotionally draining….

As an F-1 student, working in the U.S. can help you gain experience, meet people, and earn extra money. However, you must follow specific rules to maintain your F-1 status. Here’s a quick guide to your options: On-Campus Employment F-1 students can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school year and full-time during breaks (like summer or winter holidays). Jobs might include roles in the library, dining spaces, or university and department offices. No…

As we kick off the quarter, it’s important to stay on top of class registration to ensure you’re meeting visa requirements and academic goals. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the process smoothly! Full-Time Enrollment F-1 and J-1 students are required to enroll in full-time coursework each quarter: 12 credits for undergraduates 10 credits for graduate students Be sure you’re registered for the correct number of credits by September 25th. Maintaining full-time status is critical for your…

Being an international student on an F or J visa comes with its own unique set of challenges, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. The International Student Services (ISS) team is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re new to campus or preparing to graduate this year, here’s a quick look at how we can help you. 1. Staying on Top of Immigration Rules Understanding the rules for your F or J visa can…