Overview
F-1 and J-1 students must report any change in address to the U.S. government within 10 days.
Address Types
- Local address: Your current U.S. address (typically in the Seattle area). It must be a residential address rather than a P.O. box, business, or university office.
- Permanent address: A non-U.S. address (usually your home country).
Local Address Update
Current Students
Current students should report their local U.S. address through their MyUW account with the university. This information will be sent to International Student Services which will then report it to the U.S. government for verification. The U. S. government confirms addresses using computer software. To avoid problems with the government check, carefully review the Contact Information Update Guide.
Need help? Watch this video created by CIRCLE.
Students on OPT
Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT should report changes to their local U.S. address through U.S. government’s SEVP Portal. If you have trouble reporting through the SEVP Portal, please submit the change in address through the Contact Information Update for OPT Students request in MyISSS.
Permanent Address Update
All international students in F or J status are required to report to the U.S. government their permanent address outside the U.S., and update the government within 10 days of any change. The permanent address must be a foreign address and can be a relative’s or friend’s residential address. To update this information:
- Current F-1 students can submit the Contact Information Update request in MyISSS.
- F-1 Alumni can submit the Contact Information Update for OPT Students request in MyISSS.
- J-1 students and alumni can submit the EV Contact Information Update request in MyISSS.
Related Resources
MyUW
Enrolled F and J international students can update their local address through MyUW.
SEVP Portal
Alumni on OPT or STEM OPT should update their local address through the SEVP Portal.