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…
Category: Newsletter
Weekly updates and notices.
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…
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…
What You Need to Know About REAL IDs
If you’re an F or J visa holder studying or working in the U.S., you may have heard about Real IDs. Starting May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to fly within the United States. Here’s what you need to know as an international student to be prepared. What is REAL ID? Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 to enhance security standards for…
Update from the ISS Director: SEVIS records cancelled
As of this posting, we have learned of five current UW students plus four recent alumni participating in post-completion Optional Practical Training across the three UW campuses whose F-1 visa and SEVIS records have been cancelled by the federal government without prior notice to the University or the students. The University and ISS are deeply concerned about the well-being of these students and alumni and are working to support them. International students and scholars are essential and valued members of…
Tips for Applying for OPT
Happy Spring Quarter! As many of you prepare for your graduation, you may be considering applying for OPT. Applying for OPT can feel daunting and stressful, so here are some tips from ISS to help you prepare for your application. Apply early! Spring is the busiest season for USCIS. Applications can take several months to process, so if you are able to, we highly recommend that you apply early. Post-completion OPT does not require a job offer to apply, so…
Update from the ISS Director: Cancellation of SEVIS Records
This communication was sent to all UW Seattle, F-1 and J-1 active students for spring quarter on March 30, 2025. We are aware of reports from other institutions that F-1 and J-1 student visas have been cancelled by the U.S. government and student SEVIS immigration records are being terminated. At the time of this blog post, no UW issued I-20 or DS-2019 SEVIS records have been terminated by the U.S. government for currently enrolled F-1 or J-1 international students. …