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…
Category: Newsletter
Weekly updates and notices.
Immigration Update: 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…
Immigration Update from the Director of ISS
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. …
How to Optimize Your Job or Internship Search
Author: Erin Lee, 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…
Spring Break Travel Tips
Spring break is just around the corner, and if you’re an international student in F-1 or J-1 status, it’s important to prepare properly before traveling. Whether you’re heading home, exploring a new U.S. city, or going abroad, here are some key reminders to ensure a stress-free trip and smooth return. International Travel Before you leave, make sure you have the following: A valid passport (at least six months beyond your intended return date) A valid F-1 or J-1 visa (if…
Meet Our Team: Amber
We are excited to welcome Amber as our new Reception Team Program Coordinator! Amber is no stranger to our office—she was a student assistant at International Student Services (ISS) while attending the University of Washington. After graduating, she joined our team to continue supporting international students in this role overseeing the reception team. The reception team is the first point of contact for students visiting ISS and includes Amber and a team of 6-8 student assistants. They help answer general…
Campus Spotlight: Student Legal Services & Your Rights
Navigating Immigration Changes: Rights and Resources for International Students at UW Written by Tanya Fekri, Director and Attorney of Student Legal Services Recent changes in immigration regulations under the new administration have left many international students at UW feeling uncertain about their visa status, work authorization, and travel plans. Student Legal Services (SLS) is here to help students understand their rights and connect them with essential resources to navigate these shifts. Know Your Rights as an International Student International students…
Alert! AR-11 Scam Targeting International Students
Beware of USCIS Phone Scams Targeting International Students If you’re an F or J international student, be cautious of phone scams where callers impersonate U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers. A recent scam has surfaced where students receive threatening calls regarding Form AR-11, claiming a complaint has been filed against them. Details of the Scam Students have reported receiving repeated calls from a person posing as a USCIS officer. The scammer may: Claim that you failed to file Form…
Meet Our Team: Jennifer
You may already know our newest International Student Advisor, Jennifer! Previously our dedicated Program Coordinator overseeing our front desk and team of student assistants, Jennifer has now joined our advising team. We couldn’t be more excited to introduce her in this new role! Are you from Seattle? If not, where are you from and how did you end up in Seattle? I was born in Seattle and moved around different cities in Washington growing up. When I was 15, I…