Are you an F-1 student graduating in Fall 2023? If so, now is the time to apply for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is here to help you through this important process. What is OPT? OPT is an employment benefit for students with F-1… read more
Read This Before Finalizing Your Course Registration
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
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
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
New Restrictions on Travel from India
On April 30, 2021, President Biden signed a proclamation, effective May 4, 2021, suspending entry into the U.S. of nonimmigrant travelers who have been physically present in the Republic of India in the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the U.S. The proclamation will go into effect… read more
SEVP Policy Guidance and Enrollment Requirements
On April 26, 2021, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) announced an extension of the existing COVID-19 guidance for F-1 students for the 2021-2022 academic year. This guidance specifies what types of enrollment are acceptable for F-1 students to maintain their visa status. J-1 guidance from the Department of… read more
Need More Time to Complete Your Studies? Extend your I-20 or DS-2019
Attention F-1 and J-1 students! Is your I-20 or DS-2019 expiring this semester? Do you need more time to finish your studies? If so, you will need to extend your I-20/DS-2019. ISSS can help you with that. First, you’ll need to get in touch with your academic advisor. Ask for… read more
USCIS OPT/STEM OPT Delays and Flexibility
USCIS is currently experiencing delays in issuing receipt notices for OPT and STEM OPT applications. USCIS has acknowledged these delays and are extending some flexibility to OPT or STEM OPT applications received between October 1, 2020 and May 21, 2021. If you applied for OPT and are concerned because your… read more
Optional Practical Training (OPT) for Spring 2018
Are you an F-1 student who will graduate in spring 2018? Do you want to work in the U.S. after graduation? If you answered yes to both questions, then you want to apply for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is work authorization for F-1 students that allows you to… read more
Optional Practical Training (OPT) for Fall 2017
Are you an F-1 student who will graduate in fall 2017? Do you want to work in the U.S. after graduation? If you answered yes to both questions, then you want to apply for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is work authorization for F-1 students that allows you to… read more