As posted on our Government Updates page, the U.S. Department of State issued updated guidance that expands screening and vetting procedures for all nonimmigrant visa applicants, including F-1 and J-1 categories, and resumed visa appointments. While the official June 18, 2025 press release did not include full details, a cable sent to U.S. consulates outlines key changes. Below is a summary of the changes affecting F & J visa applicants, based on the information ISS has gathered from our international…
Category: ISS Newsletter
Weekly updates and notices.
Update from the ISS Director: Travel Restrictions
On June 4, 2025, a Presidential Proclamation was issued that restricts the entry of nationals from certain countries into the U.S. This entry ban went into effect at 12:01 am eastern daylight time on June 9, 2025 (9:01 pm Seattle time on June 08). These travel restrictions should not affect students already in the U.S. or who have a valid F-1 or J-1 visa on the effective date of the proclamation. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide…
Update from the ISS Director: F & J Visa News
ISS continues to carefully monitor any changes to federal F-1 and J-1 regulations. Although there have been recent announcements in the media about student visas, there have been no official changes to F or J federal immigration policies. If there are any official changes to the federal regulations, ISS will post it to our Government Updates page. We will also notify any impacted students directly by email if there are any official changes. Below are a few updates regarding recent…
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…
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…
Alert! New scam targets international students
We want to alert our international student community about a concerning new scam targeting students at the University of Washington. Scammers are sending fraudulent emails designed to intimidate students into responding with sensitive information. Here’s what you need to know: Details of the Scam Sender Name: The scam emails claim to be from Sarah Phillp, a person who is not affiliated with UW. Fake Department: The emails reference the UW Academic Integrity Department, which does not exist. False Allegations: The…