ISS advisors receive questions every quarter about employment for which there are no straight answers. Immigration regulations can be vague, and it is up to ISS to help students better understand the risks of choices they make. We are here to debunk some of the myths surrounding common work topics that come up in advising, and make sure you have the best information! Common Gray Areas in Employment Volunteer Work versus Unpaid Work True volunteer work does not require work…
Category: ISS Newsletter
Weekly updates and notices.
2026 Tax Season: What to Expect
The 2026 tax season is here! Filing taxes in the United States can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re filing for the first time as an international student. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process, understand key dates, and access helpful resources. Who Needs to File Taxes? As an international student on an F-1 or J-1 visa, you are required to file certain tax forms even if you didn’t earn any income during the year. International Student Services provides…
Winter Quarter Update from the ISS Director
This winter quarter update was sent to all active F-1 and J-1 international students on the Seattle campus. As winter quarter is underway, I want to send a heartfelt welcome back and Happy New Year! I am so happy you are a part of the UW international student community and that you are here. I recognize some of you may be carrying the heavy weight of global crises and turmoil in your home countries right now. Some of you may…
Campus Spotlight: UW Study Away Program on Lopez Island
Author: Lesley Steinman Reconnecting Food Roots (RFR) is a unique and place-based UW Study Away program on Lopez Island, located in the Pacific Northwest U.S. The island is the unceded territory of Straits Salish people and has historically served as a breadbasket for the surrounding islands. RFR uses systems thinking to explore the interconnections of food, human and ecological health through the themes of Land, Sea, and Air. We are recruiting our Summer 2026 cohort and this program may be…
ISS Services for Winter 2026
Winter quarter 2026 is underway, and we wanted to make sure you know how International Student Services can help you with immigration related matters. Whether you have questions about immigration requirements, employment benefits, or general status concerns, multiple support options are available. Following is an overview of ISS services and how to connect with our team this quarter. Office Hours The ISS staff work Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. At certain times, our office doors are closed…
Winter Break Travel Tips
Winter break is quickly approaching meaning many F and J international students are preparing to travel outside the United States. Before you pack your bags, be sure to review what documents you’ll need to bring with you, understand what to expect when returning to the U.S., and know how to get immigration updates while you’re outside the country. Documents to Have with You To return for the start of the winter quarter on January 5th, make sure you have the…
Campus Spotlight: 911 and You
Author: Nicole Stankovic, UW Alum and UW School of Public Health Research Coordinator If you ever find yourself in a medical emergency in the United States, knowing how to call for help can save a life. But for many international students, the U.S. emergency system can feel unfamiliar or confusing. That is why 911 and You was created. What Is 911? In the United States, 911 is the phone number you call for help in any life-threatening emergency. The call…
Jeff Shih Student Loan Now Open for the 25-26 Academic Year
The Jeff Shih Student Loan application is closed for the 2025-2026 academic year. UW international graduate and undergraduate students are eligible to apply for the Jeff Shih Student Loan. The loans are made possible through a generous gift from Jeff Shih, a Seattle and San Francisco businessman and are intended to help international students in financing their education and completing their degree objectives. Eligibility Graduate students must be enrolled for 5 credits or more during the quarter in which they…
Campus Spotlight: UW CIRCLE
The Center for International Relations & Cultural Leadership Exchange (CIRCLE) is here to help international students thrive at the University of Washington. Whether you are looking for 1:1 support, new friends, or opportunities to connect with campus life, CIRCLE offers programs and services designed with international students in mind. Personalized Support CIRCLE provides 1:1 coaching and case management to help you succeed at UW. From student success and wellbeing coaching to personalized support with challenges you may face, CIRCLE staff…
All about MyISSS
As an F or J international student, staying on top of your immigration requirements is an important part of your student experience. To help you manage this, the University uses MyISSS, your dedicated online immigration portal. What is MyISSS? MyISSS (pronounced “my I-triple-S“) is your resource for immigration-related request forms and information. This resource allows you to submit requests to the ISS office, view information related to your F or J immigration record, and receive communications from our office. What…