On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published to the Federal Register the final rule that will eliminate Duration of Status (D/S) for F-1 and J-1 students and replace it with a fixed admit until date (AUD) upon admission to the U.S. The final rule does not take effect until September 15, 2026. We understand this change creates uncertainty and raises many questions about how this new rule will impact our F-1 and J-1 international student…
Category: ISS Newsletter
Weekly updates and notices.
Understanding “Duration of Status”
The U.S. government has proposed changes that would eliminate the Duration of Status (D/S) rule for F and J students. Nothing has changed at this time and F-1 and J-1 students should continue following the current rules for maintaining status. What does “Duration of Status” mean? Duration of Status, often abbreviated as D/S, means that you are admitted to the U.S. for the duration of your authorized program and related activities as long as you maintain your F-1 or J-1…
Before You Ask AI: Guidance for F and J Students
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are becoming part of everyday life helping us to draft emails, brainstorming ideas, or looking up quick answers. At the University of Washington, new tools like Purple are making AI even more accessible to students. While these tools can be helpful, it’s important to understand their limits especially when it comes to immigration advice. AI Can Be Helpful But It Has Limits AI tools can be a great starting point for general questions. For example, they…
ISS Summer Hours and Services
No two summers look the same. Some students will be enrolled in classes, others will be participating in CPT or Academic Training, traveling home, or preparing to graduate. Whatever your plans, ISS remains available throughout the summer to support you and answer your questions. Connecting with ISS International Student Services is located in 459 Schmitz Hall and is operates Monday–Friday from 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Whether you have a quick question, need immigration advising, or want to learn more about ISS…
Understanding Your Vacation Quarter Options
For many students, the summer vacation quarter is an opportunity to rest, travel, work, or focus on personal goals. As an F-1 or J-1 international student, you may have several options for summer quarter, but it’s important to understand the immigration requirements before making plans. Who is eligible for a summer vacation quarter? Most students! You are eligible for the annual vacation quarter if you: Completed three consecutive full-time quarters prior to the vacation quarter Intend to register full-time following…
Preparing for Possible Changes to Duration of Status (D/S)
You may recall our update last September regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s proposed changes to Duration of Status (D/S) and how the length of stay is managed for F and J students entering the U.S. While no final rule has been announced yet, we expect it to be published soon. At this stage, nothing has changed and current rules and guidance remain in effect. Once the final rule is published, the elimination of D/S could affect how long students…
12 International Students Named to the Husky 100
Each spring, the University of Washington recognizes 100 exceptional students who are making the most of their time on campus through the Husky 100. Now in its second decade, this honor celebrates undergraduate, graduate, and professional students across all three UW campuses. The selected students not only excel academically, but also apply their learning in meaningful ways through research, leadership, service, and community engagement. This year’s cohort reflects the depth and diversity of the UW community. This includes a number…
How to Optimize Your Job or Internship Search
The UW Career & Internship Center Spring is in the air! That means longer days and blooming flowers but also rising stress levels for students on the job or internship hunt. The good news? Many students successfully secure positions during the spring quarter with the right approach. Here are some key tips to help you succeed: Know Your Work Authorization—ASAP! Understanding your work authorization (OPT, CPT) is crucial for an effective job search and clear communication with employers. Start by…
Tips for Visiting ISS during the Spring
Spring Quarter is here, and the cherry blossoms are in bloom across campus! While this is a beautiful and exciting time of year at UW, it’s also the busiest time for the ISS office. Many students are applying for CPT or OPT, requesting travel signatures, extending their I-20 or DS-2019, or preparing for graduation. If you’re planning to visit the ISS office this quarter, a little preparation can go a long way. Here are a few tips to help make…
Campus Spotlight: The UW Food Pantry
Food insecurity is a real issue that affects students at the University of Washington. The UW Food Pantry is a campus resource that provides free food and groceries to students, staff, and faculty. What the UW Food Pantry Is The UW Food Pantry is a campus resource that provides shelf stable products, UW Farm organic produce, ready-to-eat items from campus dining locations, and hygiene products at no cost to members of the UW campus community. Its mission is to ensure…