If you’re an F-1 international student at the University of Washington, you typically take your annual vacation during the summer quarter. However, some students may qualify to take their vacation quarter during the winter instead. This is called an alternate vacation quarter. Here’s a guide to help you determine if an alternate vacation quarter is right for you and what steps to take. What Is an Alternate Vacation Quarter? An alternate vacation quarter allows eligible students to take a break…
Category: Newsletter
Weekly updates and notices.
Enter the UW Global Photo Contest!
The UW is celebrating global experiences this November! The UW Global Photo Contest is open to the entire UW community -students, faculty, staff and alumni. Photos can reflect study abroad, international research, personal global travel and/or cross-cultural experiences. Contest Details: Open to all members of the UW community Four categories: Husky spirit – “Dawgs Abroad,” Day in the Life of a Study Abroad Student, International Research in Action, Cross-Cultural Experiences Deadline to submit photos: November 30, 2024 For more information…
Navigating the U.S. Election Season as an International Student
Election season in the U.S. can feel intense, especially if you’re new to the country’s political climate. From news stories to conversations on campus, it seems like everyone’s talking about it! If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just unsure about what it all means for you as an international student, we’ve got some tips and resources to help you stay informed and keep the stress in check. Mental Health Resources Navigating the heightened tensions of election season can be emotionally draining….
Employment Options and Limitations for F-1 International Students
As an F-1 student, working in the U.S. can help you gain experience, meet people, and earn extra money. However, you must follow specific rules to maintain your F-1 status. Here’s a quick guide to your options: On-Campus Employment F-1 students can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school year and full-time during breaks (like summer or winter holidays). Jobs might include roles in the library, dining spaces, or university and department offices. No…
Reminders and Tips for Registering for Classes
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…
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…