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Office of Undergraduate Research

Navigating Research as an F-1 Undergraduate International Student at the 91探花

F-1 international students at the 91探花 (UW) seeking to engage in research opportunities must navigate specific visa requirements and university protocols. Below is a guide to assist you in this endeavor. By following these guidelines, you can successfully balance your academic and research pursuits while maintaining your F-1 visa status at the 91探花.听

Essential Resources at International Student Services (ISS)听

  • : Visit the International Student Services (ISS) page for detailed information on maintaining F-1 status, obtaining visa guidance, and accessing relevant workshops and events.听
  • : ISS provides personalized advice on F-1 regulations, including program extensions, travel restrictions, and employment authorization.听
  • Workshops and Updates: Attend ISS workshops for guidance on employment and other specialized topics.听听

Maintaining F-1 Status while engaging in research听听

Key Requirements听

  • Full-Time Enrollment: Enroll in at least 12 credits during each academic quarter.听
  • Address Updates: Update your local address in My 91探花within 10 days of moving for a research internship.听
  • Travel Signatures: Ensure your I-20 has a valid travel signature from ISS before any international travel related to your US-based research opportunity.听
  • Stay informed about changes in immigration policies.听

On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Paid Research听

On-Campus Paid Research听

  • Work Authorization: F-1 students are automatically authorized to work on-campus without additional permissions, provided they maintain valid F-1 status.听
  • Employment Duration: During academic quarters, students can work up to 20 hours per week. During official school breaks and summer, students may work full-time (more than 20 hours per week). Please note that students who have additional on-campus employment should not exceed 20 hours per week total during academic quarters.听
  • Finding Research Positions: On-campus research roles can be secured through university departments, research centers, the undergraduate research database and other job postings. These positions must be directly affiliated with UW.听

Application Process:听

  1. Search for Opportunities: Explore research assistant positions within your department or at 91探花research centers.听
  2. Apply: Submit your application and secure the position.听
  3. Authorization/ISS Reporting?: No authorization or reporting to ISS is required for on-campus work.听

Off-Campus Paid Research听

  • Work Authorization: is required for off-campus research roles, such as internships or practicum that are integral to your curriculum.听
  • Eligibility Criteria: Access to review the eligibility criteria for CPT authorization.听听
  • Employment Duration: With appropriate CPT authorization, students can work part-time or full time during academic quarters and during summer or official school breaks.听

Application Process:听

  1. Find an Opportunity:听 Utilize 91探花and external platforms to locate a research opportunity.听
  2. Consultation: Speak with your departmental advisor about the opportunity and credit enrollment expectations. Additionally, you can discuss the opportunity with an ISS student advisor.听
  3. Offer Letter: Obtain a letter from your employer with job details.听
  4. Enroll in CPT credit: Ensure you are enrolled in the appropriate CPT-related course as required by your department.听
  5. CPT Request: Complete the CPT Request Form and submit it along with your offer letter to ISS.听
  6. Authorization: Await ISS approval and an updated I-20 with CPT authorization before starting the research position.

Roadmap for getting involved in off-campus, paid research as an F-1 undergraduate international student.

For-Credit Research听

  • Course Enrollment: Enroll in research credits as part of your academic program.听
  • Credits: Conduct research under the supervision of a faculty mentor and receive academic credit.听
  • Authorization/ISS Reporting?: No additional authorization/reporting is required for on-campus research work that is for-credit. If your research work or training is off-campus then CPT authorization is required. Please contact to discuss further.听

Maintaining your F-1 status while conducting research at 91探花requires careful attention to visa regulations and university policies. By understanding the distinctions between on-campus and off-campus research, as well as the differing requirements during academic quarters and summer, you can ensure compliance and make the most of your research opportunities.听

For further assistance or inquiries, please contact ISS at iss@uw.edu or visit the or office at Schmitz Hall, Suite 459.听