As of this posting, we have learned of five current UW students plus four recent alumni participating in post-completion Optional Practical Training across the three UW campuses whose F-1 visa and SEVIS records have been cancelled by the federal government without prior notice to the University or the students. The University and ISS are deeply concerned about the well-being of these students and alumni and are working to support them. International students and scholars are essential and valued members of our University and you each of you contribute immensely to our community, state, and the nation.
ISS became aware of these terminated F-1 student records during recent checks of the Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The SEVIS record simply states the visa revocations were due to an immigration status violation. No additional information or details for the termination reason were provided by the government. We were not asked to provide any information to SEVP and we were not notified of this action. We are also not aware of any immigration officials coming to any of the UW campuses related to these terminations.
Each campus ISS office is immediately reaching out to the impacted student to notify them of the termination and to connect them to Immigration & Legal Help and other UW campus resources, like counseling, health & student support resources and academic resources. All UW students pay student fees every quarter with tuition which gives you access to these many campus support resources, often for free.
We understand this news is upsetting and causes concern. I want to assure you that our priority is supporting F-1 and J-1 students. The ISS leadership team will continue to actively monitor the SEVIS system daily so we can communicate directly with any Seattle campus F- 1 and J-1 student whose records are impacted. Students and alumni could receive an email from the consulate or embassy that issued your F-1 or J-1 visa and/or if you are on OPT, you could receive an email from SEVP about your portal access. UW does not receive any notification from the federal government, so please Contact ISS immediately if you receive one of these emails. Federal privacy laws prohibit ISS from sharing any information about the impacted students and alumni so ISS will not be sharing any further details or personal information about these student records.
How do I know if my record was cancelled, can I check my SEVIS record? Is there anything else I can do?
Students cannot access the SEVIS immigration system. If you have not received an email notification from the ISS about the termination of your SEVIS record, then your I-20 or DS-2019 has not been impacted. If you are concerned about a situation that could cause your SEVIS record or visa to be revoked, ISS staff cannot see potential terminations or reasons for a termination in the SEVIS system. There are no details provided to the University about these terminations so unless you receive an email notification from ISS that your SEVIS record has been terminated, ISS staff are unable to accommodate individual requests to check SEVIS records.
F-1 and J-1 regulations are being enforced and the best thing you can do is remain compliant with the requirements for your visa. ISS 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.
ISS advisors are 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