On September 14, Judge Saylor of the District Court for the District of Massachusetts has issued an order granting the plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction, postponing the effective date of the Duration of Status (D/S) final rule nationally. As a result, the final rule and new regulations will not go into effect on September 15, 2026. This is not a permanent change. The effective date of federal regulation to eliminate D/S is postponed “pending further order of this court or resolution of…
Category: ISS Newsletter
Weekly updates and notices.
Preparing for your Return to the UW
As you get ready to return to the UW for the 2026-2027 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…
Follow up on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) policy
As previously reported, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) issued a Broadcast Message on August 24, 2026 that provided all Designated School Officials (DSOs) with guidance regarding Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and clarified their earlier CPT guidance sent to DSOs on August 12. After consultation with UW leadership as well as the Attorney General’s office, International Student Services (ISS) will continue to pause CPT approvals that are not required for all students participating…
Update on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Policy
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) issued a Broadcast Message on August 24, 2026 that provided all Designated School Officials (DSOs) with guidance regarding Curricular Practical Training (CPT) policy and clarified their earlier CPT guidance issued on August 12. These messages communicate a narrower interpretation of when CPT may be considered an “integral part” of an established curriculum. Among other points, SEVP is indicating that CPT should only be authorized when the practical…
ISS Update on Changes to Duration of Status
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…
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…