Greetings from International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)! We are excited to welcome you back to campus. We also want to make sure you understand your enrollment requirements for the upcoming semester, so you can properly maintain your F-1 or J-1 student visa status. Restrictions on Online Enrollment COVID-19 enrollment… read more
Got Travel Plans? Get Travel Signatures!
Hello, everyone! The summer season is in full swing, and we hope those of you back in your home countries are enjoying the sunshine. We’re dropping this blog post today as a gentle reminder that when you do eventually head back to the United States to resume your studies, you… read more
Graduating in Summer? Read this!
In-Person Enrollment Required Are you an F-1 or J-1 student? Will you be graduating this summer? If so, be prepared to enroll in enough in-person or hybrid courses this summer. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) COVID-19 guidance is expiring at the end of the Spring 2023 semester. We… read more
Request to Extend Your I-20 or DS-2019
Do I need an extension? Is your F-1 I-20 or J-1 DS-2019 expiring this May? Do you need another semester (or more) to complete your graduation requirements? If so, you need to extend your I-20 or DS-2019. How do I extend my I-20/DS-2019? First, contact your academic advisor. Ask for… read more
Summer Internship Opportunities for F-1 Students
Are you an F-1 student planning to do an internship this summer? Read on to learn about Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization for paid and unpaid internships. CPT for Summer Internships: What is CPT? CPT is a benefit of F-1 immigration status that allows students to gain practical, hands-on experience… read more
Spring Break Reminders: Travel and Re-entry
With Spring Break upon us, we want to provide you with important information about traveling and your immigration status. Read on to learn how to safely and smoothly re-enter the United States after your travels. Valid Travel Signature A valid, unexpired travel signature on your immigration document (I-20 or DS-2019)… read more
Self-Care for Staying Safe, Healthy and Productive
It is two months into the spring semester, and by now, you possibly have a better understanding of how demanding the rest of your semester will be. Some of you might be feeling overwhelmed by all you have to do this semester, from classes and assignments to work (for those… read more
Apply for Post-Completion OPT
Are you graduating in Spring 2023? If so, now is the time to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Granted by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), OPT is an employment benefit for students with F-1 status to gain practical experience in their major field of study. To successfully… read more
Updates to F-1/J-1 Status for Students Graduating in Spring 2023
Graduating in Spring 2023? Read this important update about your F-1/J-1 status. Are you an F-1 or J-1 student expecting to graduate in Spring 2023? If so, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) wants you to understand some critical information regarding the validity of your I-20/DS-2019. Please carefully read all… read more
Travel Signature Drive and ISSS Holiday Closure
Travel Signature Information Traveling internationally over the break? You must have a current travel signature on your I-20/DS-2019 to re-enter the U.S. from abroad. The travel validation signature is on Page 2 of the I-20 and on Page 1 (bottom right corner) of the DS-2019. The most recent signature must… read more
