Resources for UW’s global community

International Scholars Office – Updated Guidance on New H-1B Visa Fee

On September 20th, USCIS and Customs and Border Protection issued guidance clarifying that the executive order issued on September 19th only affects H-1B petitions that have not been filed yet, and the beneficiaries thereof.

This means that any UW employee who has already had an H-1B petition for them filed and/or approved should not be subject to the new fee requirement. H-1B employees currently outside the U.S. should be able to reenter subject to the usual requirements and guidance listed on our Travel on H-1B Visa page.

This is a significant change from what was originally announced yesterday evening. We in ISO extend our sincerest apologies and support to any employee whose travel plans were disrupted by the announcement yesterday. We will continue to reach out with updated guidance as we can.

As always, please send your questions to us at acadvisa@uw.edu.

International Scholars Office – Update from the International Scholars Office – New H1-B Visa Fees

On September 19, 2025, an Executive Order was issued that bans entry in H-1B status by anyone whose employer has not paid a $100,000 fee on their behalf. The executive order goes into effect at 12:01AM EST on Sunday, September 21, 2025.

This requirement only applies to persons entering the U.S. in H-1B status; scholars already in the U.S. in H-1B status should not be affected unless they engage in international travel. Changes of status to or extensions of H-1B status inside the U.S. should also be unaffected.

• If you are in the U.S. in H-1B status, ISO recommends against international travel at this time.  
• If you are outside the U.S. and have an H-1B visa stamp or are visa-exempt, ISO strongly recommends that you return to the U.S. before 12:01AM EST on Sunday, September 21, 2025. 

We cannot predict whether or how the fee will change at this time. ISO will continue to provide updates as this situation evolves. Please contact us with any questions.

International Student Services – Update from the Seattle ISS Director: F&J Visa Appointments

• International Student Services – Update from the Seattle ISS Director: Travel Restrictions
• International Student Services – Presidential Proclamation: Restricting Entry of Foreign Nationals
• International Scholars Operations: Recently-announced U.S. entry ban

UW teams are reaching out to affected students and scholars directly with more information.

The Trump administration has signed a travel ban that is slated to go into effect at 12:01 am eastern daylight time on June 9, 2025 (9:01 pm Seattle time on June 8, 2025). The countries included in the travel ban are Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Heightened restrictions (not a full ban) will also be imposed on travelers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. Individuals from the partially banned countries will not be able to come to the United States permanently or get new tourist, student, or exchange visitor visas. It is possible that other countries will be added to the ban at a later date.

The ban provisions only apply to nationals of the countries included in the travel ban who are outside of the U.S. and who do not already have a valid visa as of June 9, 2025. Individuals who are inside the United States on June 9, 2025, or who are outside the United States on that date but have a visa that is valid as of June 9, 2025, would not be covered by the ban. There are also exceptions for some visa categories.

We encourage current visa holders from affected countries to plan ahead carefully if traveling outside the U.S., as U.S. Customs and Border Protection may hold you for additional screening and/or deny re-entry upon your return. It is essential that you bring appropriate documentation, and you should adjust your plans to allow extra transit time.

This will impact the University of Washington community as we engage in study, research and other University activities abroad. However, we remain dedicated to our mission as a global university and to all members of our community, no matter where they call home. The University of Washington is committed to providing a safe, secure and welcoming environment that protects the privacy and human rights of our community.

International Student Services – Update from the Seattle ISS Director

International Scholars Operations – Department of State “pause” of F-1, M-1, and J-1 visa appointment availability

Office of the Provost – Updated: International students and scholars

International Scholars Operations – Immigration update for UW-sponsored J-1 scholars

UW News – Statement on UW students having visas revoked without notice

International Scholars Operations – Immigration update for UW-sponsored J-1 scholars

International Student Services – Immigration update for Seattle F-1 and J-1 students

International Student Services – Spring Break Travel Tips

Office of the Provost – Working together to address the financial risks facing our University

Office of the Provost – Provost Serio addresses federal issues in her annual town hall remarks and Q&A

Presidential Blog – In an uncertain environment, we we are working constantly and carefully to protect research

Office of the Provost – Federal Policy Updates

Presidential Blog – Our mission and values will guide us through changing times