Please read this information as a guide to help you with your studies and maintain a valid immigration status. The information below may not apply to international students at all campuses.
Contents
- An update regarding Optional Practical Training
- On-Campus Employment
- Do you have an International Programs hold?
- Full-time enrollment requirements
- Report harassment/discrimination
An update regarding Optional Practical Training
On October 8, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shared a proposed rule that talks about adding new fees for schools when they recommend students for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
We want to reassure you right away: these fees are not in effect.
- What the proposal says: It suggests a $70,000 fee for an initial OPT recommendation and a $30,000 fee for a later/subsequent OPT recommendation (such as a STEM extension).
- Where things stand: Right now, this is just a proposal at the start of a public review process. It can still change or be dropped after people share their feedback.
- What you should do: Please don’t worry or delay your plans! If you are eligible for OPT right now, you should continue with the normal application process (process outlined below). If this ever becomes a final rule, it won’t take effect until at least 60 days later.
We are keeping a close eye on this update and will let you know as soon as we learn more. In the meantime, your goals matter to us—please reach out to our office if you have any questions or just want to chat through your application. We are here to help.
The OPT application process starts in myPassport:
- Log in to myPassport.wsu.edu.
- Under Employment/Internships, choose Optional Practical Training application.
- See the online tutorial and complete all forms.
- After providing the requested information hit “submit.”
We will contact you in about 5 business days to give you the I-20 needed for the OPT submission to USCIS. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our office.
On-Campus Employment
As a reminder – if you are an F-1 or J-1 student, you are eligible to work on campus without ISSS authorization. However, you are limited by immigration regulations to only 20 hours per week of employment.
J-1 students need approval from ISSS to work on campus before they can begin working. So if you are a J-1 student, please speak with an International Student Advisor about your limitations.
Please keep these limitations in mind and be careful not to go over 20 hours. You can potentially lose your F-1/J-1 status
Do you have an International Programs hold?
All international students in F-1 and J-1 status should have an INTL Programs Drop Hold for fall 2026. This hold will not prevent you from registering for your spring 27 classes. It is there only to ensure that you do not mistakenly drop below full-time status when you drop or withdraw from courses. Therefore, this hold only keeps you from dropping or withdrawing courses on your own. All drop/withdraw requests need to go through ISSS first. Graduate students: These requests need to be made through the graduate school.
If you have the INTL Programs hold (not the drop hold), this will prevent you from registering for your spring 2027 classes. This hold was placed on your account because you did not complete the ISSS international orientation offered throughout the fall semester.
You can speak with an advisor to learn how to have the hold removed by scheduling an appointment
Full-time enrollment requirements
As part of your F-1 or J-1 status, you are required to be enrolled full time unless you have authorization from ISSS to drop below full-time enrollment.
Within two weeks of the semester start date you must be enrolled in the following:
- Undergraduate students: 12 credits
- Graduate students: 10 credits
Please note that if you are a current student, your F-1 or J-1 status is tied to your full-time enrollment or having an approved reduced course load by our office. Holding on-campus employment, such as an assistantship, does not constitute maintenance of status. You can remain legally in status without employment, as long as you are full-time enrolled.
If you need to drop below full-time enrollment, please meet with an ISSS advisor or contact us to learn more.
Report harassment/discrimination
If you witness or experience harassment or discrimination, please report it! Your identity will be protected, and you will help continue to make our campus community a safe and welcoming place for all. Here is how to file a report or complaint.
WSU Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) provides resources, advice, solution building, investigation, support, education and training relating to compliance and civil rights. CCR is the central resource office for complaints of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and sex and gender based violence.
Regardless of which campus you are located at, please do not hesitate to contact ISSS for assistance.