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.
I understand that this information as well as recent news stories can be alarming for members of the international student community. I want to assure you that the ISS staff and University leadership are continuing to monitor the situation closely. ISS and our Designated School Officials (DSOs) will be monitoring the SEVIS immigration system regularly and will contact any F-1 or J-1 student directly if there is a change to their SEVIS record by the U.S. government.
University officials are not receiving any notifications from the government when they terminate the SEVIS record, but we have heard from other schools that students receive an email from the embassy or consulate where their visa was issued. If you receive an email from the embassy, consulate, or any other official U.S. government office stating your F or J visa has been cancelled and you should depart the U.S., please contact ISS to Meet with an ISS advisor or Email Us as soon as possible so we can review your SEVIS record and provide you with additional information.
Can I check my SEVIS record? What else can I do to make sure my status is okay?
Students cannot access the SEVIS immigration system. F-1 and J-1 regulations are being enforced and the best thing you can do to ensure your status remains active is to remain compliant with the requirements for your visa. ISS also recommends the following:
- Carry color photocopies of your current immigration documents at all times, even when in the U.S. This is required to show you were legally admitted to the U.S. Review information about Documents to Carry and Know Your Rights while in the U.S.
- Report U.S. address changes within 10 days of moving. Update your local address through MyUW. ISS will then report the address change in SEVIS. Failure to report an address change within 10 days is a violation of your immigration status.
- Check the program date on your I-20. Apply early in MyISSS and in a timely manner for any immigration benefit (I-20/DS-2019 extension, final quarter reduced course load, CPT, etc.) or any USCIS-adjudicated benefit like OPT.
- Monitor your university email and read the ISS bi-weekly newsletter or Blog Posts for reliable information and up to date changes or announcements. ISS will send emails to F and J students when we have updates and we directly contact any student whose SEVIS record is changed by the government.
- If you need to travel internationally, carefully review our Travel Outside the U.S. information to be prepared for requirements and potential delays or challenges you could encounter upon re-entry. You are also encouraged to register your international travel with Global Affairs.
The University leadership, faculty, staff and entire UW community are here to support our international student community. We are working with national resources to better understand the events taking place and will continue to post updates with any new information we receive. Remember that all UW students have access to counseling services through UW’s Counseling Center and Student Legal Services for free legal immigration advice.
ISS advisors are also available for virtual and in-person advising if you have questions about your F-1 or J-1 status, or you can Contact Us through email.
Most Sincerely,
Kim Lovaas
Director of International Student Services