As we kick off the quarter, it’s important to stay on top of class registration to ensure you’re meeting visa requirements and academic goals. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the process smoothly! Full-Time Enrollment F-1 and J-1 students are required to enroll in full-time coursework each quarter: 12 credits for undergraduates 10 credits for graduate students Be sure you’re registered for the correct number of credits by September 25th. Maintaining full-time status is critical for your…
Category: Newsletter
Weekly updates and notices.
We’re Here to Help: How ISS Can Support You
Being an international student on an F or J visa comes with its own unique set of challenges, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. The International Student Services (ISS) team is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re new to campus or preparing to graduate this year, here’s a quick look at how we can help you. 1. Staying on Top of Immigration Rules Understanding the rules for your F or J visa can…
Changed Your Major? Read About Your Updated I-20
If you’ve changed your major effective Autumn 2024, here’s what you need to know about getting your updated I-20: What do I need to do to get an updated I-20? No worries—ISS will do all the work! You don’t need to do a thing. We’ll automatically issue updated I-20s for any major changes. Remember, your updated I-20 will include a new travel signature valid for one year. How long will it take to receive my new I-20? Because of the…
Returning to Seattle? Read our To-do List
As you get ready to head back to Seattle, it’s important to make sure you’ve got everything in order for a smooth return. Here’s a quick checklist to help you out. 1. Double-Check Your Immigration Documents Visas: Make sure your visa is still valid for re-entry into the U.S. If it’s expired, you’ll need to renew it before you head back. I-20 or DS-2019: Take a look at your I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 students) and make…
Arriving in the U.S.: What to Expect
Landing in the U.S. as an international student is exciting, but maybe a bit nerve-wracking too. Whether you’re an F-1 student here for a degree or a J-1 student on an exchange, knowing what to expect can make the whole process a lot smoother. Here’s a quick guide to help you out. What Happens When You Land After you step off the plane, you’ll need to go through a few checks before heading to Seattle: 1. Immigration and Customs First…
Helpful Tips for New International Students
Starting your studies in the U.S. as an international student is super exciting, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. To help make your transition smoother, we’ve put together some essential steps and tips for you. Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee Before you head to the U.S., don’t forget to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee. It’s a required fee, and not paying it can create problems with your immigration status. You can pay it online at the FMJfee website…
ISS Physical Office Closed August 19-30
The International Student Services (ISS) physical office will be closed from August 19th to 30th. During this time, our staff will continue to work remotely to support you. Why the Closure? This temporary closure will allow our staff to focus on preparing for the upcoming autumn quarter, ensuring that we’re ready to support you during one of the busiest times of the academic year. We’re Still Here to Help – Virtually! While the office is closed, we’re still here to…
18 International Huskies Competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics
The 2024 Olympics in Paris features 18 current and former international student Huskies who represent 11 different nations and are competing in events across Track and Field, Rowing, and Golf. Meet Our International Husky Olympians Here are the UW athletes representing their respective countries: Izzi Batt-Doyle, Australia Women’s Track and Field Jacob Dawson, Great Britain Men’s Rowing Holly Dunford, Great Britain Women’s Rowing Brian Fay, Ireland Men’s Track and Field Kieran Lumb, Canada Men’s Track and Field Sophie O’Sullivan, Ireland Women’s…
MyISSS System to be offline July 27- 28
On July 27 – 28, the MyISSS platform used by F and J international students for immigration purposes will be offline while the software vendor, Terra Dotta, migrates the system to a new server. During this time, ISS staff, students, and campus partners will not be able to access the system including related forms and requests. The system should return to normal functionality on Monday, July 29th We encourage students and campus partners to plan ahead to avoid any inconveniences. …
Meet Our Advisors – Chloe
How did you become interested in working with international students? When I moved to Seattle for undergrad, I knew I wanted to learn more about other cultures, and so I studied abroad in Granada, Spain. I earned my undergraduate degree in International Studies and Spanish, which then led me to work in the travel industry for 6.5 years, traveling all over the world. In 2022, I combined my passion for the power of education with my love of learning about…