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…
Category: Newsletter
Weekly updates and notices.
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…
Update from the ISS Director: Cancellation of SEVIS Records
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…
Update from the ISS Director: Federal Immigration Policy
We have recently heard from students that the last few weeks of uncertainty around immigration policy has been difficult. I want to assure you that I have been working closely with UW leadership, campus partners across all 3 UW campuses, and with our leading international organizations to monitor any changes to federal F-1 and J-1 regulations. There have been no changes to F or J immigration policies. If any federal policies are announced that directly impact F-1 or J-1 students,…
Alert! Scam Targets Chinese Students
A common scam targets Chinese international students at the University of Washington, pretending to be Chinese police or government officials. Their goal is to steal your money or personal information by using fear and confusion. Here’s how to stay safe: How the Scam Works Scammers often call students and claim to be Chinese police, immigration officers, or other government representatives. These scammers often speak Mandarin, use fake documents, and spoof official phone numbers to appear legitimate. They may use tricks…