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…
Category: ISS Newsletter
Weekly updates and notices.
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…
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…
Is This Allowed? Employment Gray Areas as an F-1 Student
ISS advisors receive questions every quarter about employment for which there are no straight answers. Immigration regulations can be vague, and it is up to ISS to help students better understand the risks of choices they make. We are here to debunk some of the myths surrounding common work topics that come up in advising, and make sure you have the best information! Common Gray Areas in Employment Volunteer Work versus Unpaid Work True volunteer work does not require work…