student writing a note to ISSO & GSSP at our End of Semester Celebration

Monthly Updates

International Student & Scholars Office Monthly Updates

For Recent Immigration Updates Please Visit Our Immigration Alerts Webpage.

Monthly Updates / Upcoming Deadlines

Deadlines

TimelineReminderDetails
OPT Filing TimelineOptional Practical Training Applications Accepted NowStudents can apply for Post-OPT 90 days prior to their completion date and 60 days after their completion date. Read further on our OPT Guide.
The OPT Guide and application can be found on the "Forms & Guides" tab on our website.
Completion date does not necessarily mean degree conferral. Please visit our guide to find out more about how USCIS defines completion date.

Upcoming Events

DateEventLocation & Information
November 2Advanced Job Search
Coffee Hour		ETIC - Perry Atrium at 3 p.m.
Informational session on searching for a job.
November 12-16International Education WeekJoin the Office of Multicultural Affairs for events all week long to celebration international education.
November 16Cultural FestivalFree event celebrating the cultures of our students.
November 16 & 30Travel Signature SessionsETIC - Perry Atrium at 3 p.m.
Bring your passport and I-20 to obtain a travel signature.

Notices

TimelineReminderDetails
November 12Veteran's DayUniversity closed
November 14Last Day for Undergraduates to Drop a Course
Request Withdrawal of
Hold to Drop a Class by November 9		All F-1 international students have a hold on their account that prevents them from dropping a class without prior authorization from ISSO. Submit your request to withdraw the hold through our online e-form by November 9.
November 21-25Thanksgiving BreakUniversity closed for Thanksgiving break.
December 5Last Day for Graduates to Drop a Course
Request Withdrawal of
Hold to Drop a Class by November 30		All F-1 international students have a hold on their account that prevents them from dropping a class without prior authorization from ISSO. Submit your request to withdraw the hold through our online e-form by November 30.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
As of October 1Crossing over from
F-1 STEM OPT to H1-B		Students that were on F-1 STEM OPT and are now switching over to an H1-B on October 1, 2018 must submit their I-983 Final Evaluation through our STEM Employment Reporting Tool. Once you have fulfilled all STEM reporting requirements with our office, please refer to the employer sponsoring your H1-B for any immigration related concerns.
As of June 2018Important OPT UpdatesPre & Post OPT Petitions are taking 90+ days to process, please plan accordingly.
Check out the Forms & Guides section of our website for more information.
All STEM employment changes must be reported through the ISSO e-forms.
All Post-OPT employment must be reported through the SEVP Portal.
As of May 2018New Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles RequirementsDue to recent changes to the RMV process ISSO is no longer issuing RMV letters for the purpose of applying for a Massachusetts Driver's License or State ID.
Important ReminderBeware of Phone & Email ScamsUnfortunately, phone and email scams are common. Learn how to protect yourself from scammers.

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