If returning to the UW after an extended period, plan ahead of time to receive a new immigration document.
Review the OUR Returning Student Process information.
Submit a Returning Student Application (if applicable).
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- If you are required: complete the OUR Returning Student Request Form. After you receive the OUR email with Enrollment Confirmation instructions, proceed to next step.
- If you are not required: proceed to next step.
Please submit this request around 3 months before your intended return and no later than 20 days before the start of the quarter you intend to return. You will need the following documents:
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- Proof of registration or OUR Enrollment Confirmation
- Financial documentation
- Copy of your Passport Biographical Information page
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Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee after you receive your new I-20 or DS-2019. This is required when a new SEVIS record is created. Carry the receipt to your visa interview, if applicable, and when you travel to the U.S.
After you return to Seattle, you must complete the Immigration Check-in process through MyISSS.
To prepare for your arrival, take the following steps:
- Talk with your academic department/adviser to determine if you are eligible to enroll in classes.
- Graduate students who did not apply for Grad On Leave status may need to request Academic Reinstatement
- Check whether you need to apply for a new F-1 visa.
- If you are returning to the same program, submit the Returning Student I-20 – Continue Previous Degree Program request.
- If you are returning to start a new program, you will work with your admissions unit and submit the Returning Student I-20/DS-2019 – New Degree Program request.
Please submit this request around 3 months before your intended return and no later than 20 days before the start of the quarter you intend to return. You will need the following documents:
- Proof of registration
- Financial documentation
- Copy of your Passport Biographical Information page
Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee after you receive your new immigration document. This is required when a new SEVIS record is created. Carry the receipt to your visa interview, if applicable, and when you travel to the U.S.
After you return to Seattle, you must complete the Immigration Check-in process through MyISSS.
If you are returning to the UW to begin a new program while on or after OPT or STEM OPT and intend to remain on your current immigration record, you will need to submit the Change of Level/Program request in MyISSS. You will need the following documents:
- Financial documentation
- Copy of your Passport Biographical Information page
- Final date of work under OPT or STEM OPT
At the start of your new program, you must complete the Immigration Check-in process through MyISSS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students whose visa has expired must apply for the visa in their home country, unless circumstances or travel plans make this impossible, and anticipate delays in visa issuance due to enhanced security reviews. U.S. consulates require in-person interviews for most visa applicants. You are encouraged to schedule the visa interview appointment as early as possible. The U.S. Department of State maintains an excellent website on the visa application process, and it should be studied carefully. You can also find information about how long it will take to get your visa.
No, but you do need to request a new I-20 or DS-2019 by submitting the Returning Student I-20 Request form through MyISSS. F-1 students who are outside of the U.S. for more than five months and not registered full-time are required to obtain a new I-20 prior to returning to the U.S.
Students gone for two or more quarters, summer quarter excluded, are required to apply for a new I-20 from the ISS Office.
Yes, it is advised that you enter the U.S. in student status, even if just to defend your dissertation. To request a new I-20 or DS-2019, log-in to your MyISSS profile and complete the Returning Student I-20 Request.