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…
Category: Newsletter
Weekly updates and notices.
Preparing for your Return to the UW
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)…
5 Things to Know as a New International Student
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…
Maintaining Status while on OPT and STEM OPT
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…
Alert: Possible Online I-765 Filing Fee Error for OPT and STEM OPT Applicants
We have received reports that the online I-765 application may be incorrectly calculating the filing fee. If you’re an F-1 student applying for OPT or STEM OPT, this issue could affect your application process. About the Filing Fee Error Students have reported that the online I-765 application is not charging the correct filing fee. According to the USCIS Fee Schedule, filing an I-765 online with USCIS should cost $470. However, some students have reported being charged an additional $550 for…
Renewing Your Visa during Summer Break
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…
Update from the ISS Director: F & J Visa Appointments
As posted on our Government Updates page, the U.S. Department of State issued updated guidance that expands screening and vetting procedures for all nonimmigrant visa applicants, including F-1 and J-1 categories, and resumed visa appointments. While the official June 18, 2025 press release did not include full details, a cable sent to U.S. consulates outlines key changes. Below is a summary of the changes affecting F & J visa applicants, based on the information ISS has gathered from our international…
Update from the ISS Director: Travel Restrictions
On June 4, 2025, a Presidential Proclamation was issued that restricts the entry of nationals from certain countries into the U.S. This entry ban went into effect at 12:01 am eastern daylight time on June 9, 2025 (9:01 pm Seattle time on June 08). These travel restrictions should not affect students already in the U.S. or who have a valid F-1 or J-1 visa on the effective date of the proclamation. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide…
Update from the ISS Director: F & J Visa News
ISS continues to carefully monitor any changes to federal F-1 and J-1 regulations. Although there have been recent announcements in the media about student visas, there have been no official changes to F or J federal immigration policies. If there are any official changes to the federal regulations, ISS will post it to our Government Updates page. We will also notify any impacted students directly by email if there are any official changes. Below are a few updates regarding recent…
Planning for Summer as an International Student
Please read the Update from the ISS Director for additional guidance regarding recent news related to student visas. The end of spring quarter is quickly approaching! We know many students are starting to make plans for the summer—whether that involves taking a break from school, working, traveling home, going somewhere new, or taking classes during summer quarter. Here are important updates and reminders to help you make informed decisions about your summer plans. ISS Continues to Monitor F-1 & J-1…