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Winter 2025 Quarter Reminders  

International Student Services understands that any transition to a new presidential administration creates uncertainty around immigration policies. We want to assure you that ISS staff continue to monitor F-1 and J-1 policies and will keep you updated on any changes or developments.

Things to keep in mind throughout this quarter:

Maintain your F-1 or J-1 status. International students must meet full-time enrollment requirements every quarter to keep your immigration status valid. Be sure to follow the rules and meet deadlines to maintain your F-1 status or J-1 status.

Stay informed. Rely on updates from ISS – read the ISS newsletters and blog posts, go to our Government Updates page for the latest information, or go to government resource pages directly. Avoid rumors, speculation, social media, tweets, and unverified news.

Ask ISS questions. We are here to help you! The ISS team can help you understand the federal regulations and navigate your F-1/J-1 student status. You can email us or Meet with Advisor through either virtual or in-person advising options.

Plan ahead for travel & re-entry to the U.S. For routine travel, verify you have all your documents in order before you depart the U.S., including an updated travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019, a valid passport for at least 6 months into the future, and a valid F-1 or J-1 visa stamp. We also recommend you carry a copy of your current class schedule or an unofficial copy of your UW transcript in case you are asked to show proof of enrollment at the Port of Entry. Consider any potential challenges or delays you may encounter and give yourself enough time for your trip. If you have concerns, email us or Meet with Advisor to discuss your situation.

Apply early for visas or benefits like OPT. Processing times will likely vary and be unpredictable. There could be longer wait times or processing delays, so applying early is our best advice. Everyone will need patience and to be prepared.

Report any RFEs (Request for Evidence). If you receive an RFE from USCIS, report it to ISS as soon as possible since these requests are time sensitive and require you to respond within a very specific timeframe. ISS can assist you in reviewing the requested information required by USCIS.

Contact Information: Save contact details for the ISS office in case you need assistance. If you have trouble at the Port of Entry, you can request the border official contact ISS directly.