Category: Newsletter

The Center for International Relations & Cultural Leadership Exchange (CIRCLE) is here to help international students thrive at the University of Washington. Whether you are looking for 1:1 support, new friends, or opportunities to connect with campus life, CIRCLE offers programs and services designed with international students in mind. Personalized Support CIRCLE provides 1:1 coaching and case management to help you succeed at UW. From student success and wellbeing coaching to personalized support with challenges you may face, CIRCLE staff…

As an F or J international student, staying on top of your immigration requirements is an important part of your student experience. To help you manage this, the University uses MyISSS, your dedicated online immigration portal. What is MyISSS? MyISSS (pronounced “my I-triple-S“) is your resource for immigration-related request forms and information. This resource allows you to submit requests to the ISS office, view information related to your F or J immigration record, and receive communications from our office. What…

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 23rd. Maintaining full-time status is critical for your…

Each Autumn quarter the ISHIP Office receives many questions about enrolling in ISHIP, getting your LifeWise insurance card, and questions about the coverage ISHIP provides. Here’s what you can expect from ISHIP as you start Autumn quarter. Important information for new students enrolled in ISHIP: ISHIP coverage begins on 9/1 BUT you must register for Autumn quarter classes to activate your ISHIP coverage. LifeWise will send you a Welcome Email the week after you register for Autumn quarter classes OR the week…

As you get ready to return to the UW for the 2025-2026 academic year, here are a few important reminders to help you stay on track with your immigration and have another successful year. 1. Prepare Your Documents for Entry When you travel back to the U.S., make sure you carry (not pack in checked luggage) the documents you’ll need to show at the port of entry: A valid passport (valid for at least six months beyond your entry date)…

Starting your journey at the University of Washington as a new international student is exciting, but we know it can also feel overwhelming, especially if you’re moving to the U.S. for the first time. To help you prepare, here are five important things every new F or J international student should know as they begin their studies at the UW. 1. Prepare Your Documents for Entry When you travel to the U.S., make sure you carry (not pack in checked…

Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT extension are valuable opportunities for F-1 international students to gain work experience in the U.S. related to their major field of study. However, maintaining your F-1 status during this period requires ongoing attention to specific rules and reporting requirements. Failing to meet these obligations can result in a loss of status and may impact your future immigration benefits. Here’s what you need to know to stay in status while on OPT or STEM…

Summer break is the perfect time for many international students to travel home, reconnect with loved ones, and take care of important matters including renewing a U.S. visa. If you’re an F-1 or J-1 student planning to leave the country this summer, and your visa has expired or will expire before your return, you will want to understand the visa renewal process and plan ahead. About the Visa Renewal Process To renew your visa, you’ll need to apply at a…