Spring 2025 Workshops

in Fall 2024 Workshops
December 4th, 2024

Please find our virtual immigration workshop series below. Join us at one of our scheduled workshops to learn about maintaining status and employment benefits as an F-1 or J-1 student and get your questions answered by ISSO staff. In addition, you are welcome to access one of our on-demand workshops available on our website about OPT or on-campus student employment.

 

Spring 2025 Workshop Series

Post Completion OPT Application Basics and Q&A

This workshop covers topics for students preparing to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), including eligibility factors and timing of application, considerations for travel and employment, and tips for preparing and submitting the OPT application. Questions will be taken via chat at the end of the presentation.

Friday January 10, 2025         3PM   Register Here

Tuesday February 11, 2025    10AM Register Here

Wednesday March 5, 2025     1PM   Register Here

Please note that this session (03/05) will have an extra focus on the unique needs of PhD students.

Monday April 7, 2025             12PM Register Here

Thursday May 8, 2025            4PM    Register Here

Friday June 6, 2025                11AM Register Here

 

STEM OPT Basics and Q&A

This workshop is designed for students who have already applied for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and who may already be working on OPT. Covers advanced OPT topics including an overview of STEM OPT, allowing OPT extensions for certain Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields.  After this workshop, students should be prepared to apply for the STEM OPT extension. Questions will be taken via chat at the end.

Tuesday January 28, 2025      12PM  Register Here

Monday February 24, 2025    3PM    Register Here

Friday March 28, 2025           10AM  Register Here

Thursday April 24, 2025        4PM    Register Here

Please note that this session (04/24) will have an extra focus on the unique needs of PhD students.

Wednesday May 21, 2025      1PM    Register Here

Tuesday June 24, 2025           11AM  Register Here

 

Employment Authorizations for Internships

It’s not too early to begin planning for a summer internship. This workshop covers F-1 student employment authorization options for off-campus work and internships including: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Pre-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Friday February 7, 2025         12PM  Register Here

 

Academic Training- Employment Authorization for J-1 students

If you have a J-1 visa and are planning on either completing an academic internship or pursuing post-graduation employment opportunities this summer, join ISSO to learn about Academic Training, the J-1 employment authorization benefit.

Friday April 11, 2025 4PM    Register Here

 

Special Topics in Immigration with Featured Immigration Attorneys

Join ISSO and local attorneys who specialize in immigration to learn more about special immigration topics;

Immigration Options after OPT

TBD

Immigration Considerations for Entrepreneurs and Non-Traditional Employment

TBD

  

On-Demand Workshops – access them anytime!

Student Employment

This workshop covers tips for finding a job on campus, U.S. work permission, your rights and expectations as a U.S. worker, Social Security numbers, getting paid and taxes. It is now offered online in an on-demand format.  If you are interested in learning about how to work at BU, you can watch the video any time!

You’re Hired! On Campus Employment for International Students- on demand workshop

 

OPT Application Basics

Want to know more about the OPT Application process? Check out the OPT Application Basics Workshop below. This video is a 25 minute overview intended to introduce you to basic concepts and terms.  You will learn more about what OPT is, when you should apply, and how to maintain your status while on OPT. We recommend that you watch this video when you are starting to think about OPT as it gives you a good overview of the entire process.

OPT Applications Basics – on demand workshop

 

ISSO Collaboration with Center for Career Development

Please register for these Center for Career Development sessions through the CCD website. These workshops are in person.

Internship and Job Searching for International Students- Tuesday February 4, 2025 4PM

Networking for International Students- Monday February 10, 2025 4PM

Interviewing in the US- Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:30AM