Category: J-1 Students

Fall 2020 Workshop Schedule

September 23rd, 2020 in Academic Workshops, F-1 Students, ISSO Workshops, J-1 Students, OPT workshops

The ISSO is pleased to announce our Fall workshop schedule on topics including on-campus employment, applying for Optional Practical Training, and Interviewing in the U.S.

For complete workshop dates, locations and session descriptions see our calendar. Additional dates may be added during the semester.

All workshops during the Fall semester will be offered virtually via Zoom.  When you register for a workshop at the corresponding link below, you will receive an e-mail confirmation with the link to access the session.

Workshops in collaboration with the BU Student Employment Office:

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

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!

 

Workshops in collaboration with the BU Center for Career Development:

Interviewing in the USA: A Career Workshop

Join staff from the ISSO and the Center for Career Development (CCD) for a program designed to help international students understand the job search process in the U.S. Sharpen your interviewing techniques by bringing your strengths as an international student to the table. This workshop will help you familiarize yourself with the intricacies of the U.S. interview process while learning how to best assess your skills and international experience to answer “difficult” interview questions.

Thursday, October 27th, 8:00 am [Register with the CCD here]
Location: Virtual on Zoom

Thursday, November 12th, 4:00 pm [Register with the CCD here]
Location: Virtual on Zoom

 

Internship Search for International Students

The Center for Career Development and the International Students and Scholars Office invite you to join us to learn how to prepare and search for internships specifically for international students.  This workshop will include information about OPT and CPT eligibility and other concerns.

Wednesday, October 14th, 4:00 pm [Register with the CCD here]
Location: Virtual on Zoom

 

Networking for International Students

Leverage your connections in the US and at home to enhance your global job or internship search. This session will be presented by CCD staff.

Monday, October 22nd, 8:00 am [Register with the CCD here]
Location: Virtual on Zoom

ISSO general immigration workshops:

Q&A with ISSO for Graduate Students

We know you have questions! ISSO Advisors are here to help! Join ISSO for a brief overview of immigration updates for Fall 2020, followed by a Q&A session. Bring your immigration, employment and travel questions!

Wednesday, October 7th, 4:00 pm [Register here]
Location: Virtual via Zoom

 

Q&A with ISSO for Undergraduate Students

We know you have questions! ISSO Advisors are here to help! Join ISSO for a brief overview of immigration updates for Fall 2020, followed by a Q&A session. Bring your immigration, employment and travel questions!

Wednesday, October 7th, 5:00 pm [Register here]
Location: Virtual via Zoom

 

Employment Authorization for Internships: CPT and pre-OPT

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), Pre-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), Employment through designated International Organizations

Friday, October 30th, 9:00 am [Register here]
Location: Virtual via Zoom

 

F-1 OPT: Application Basics

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 mailing the OPT application.

Thursday, October 1st, 6:00 pm [Register here]

Friday, October 2nd, 9:00 am [Register here]

Monday, November 2nd, 5:30 pm [Register here]

Tuesday, December 8th, 9:00 am [Register here]

All workshops will be virtual via Zoom

 

F-1 OPT: Application Q&A Sessions (NEW for Fall 2020!)

ISSO has made our OPT Basics workshop available on-demand!  These Q&A sessions are for students who would prefer to watch the OPT Basics workshop on their own, and then ask ISSO Advisors the questions that they still have after watching the workshop.  Q&A sessions will not have a formal presentation, so you MUST watch the on-demand workshop prior to attending.  When you watch the workshop, please note questions that you have and bring those with you to one of our Q&A sessions!

Tuesday, October 6th, 9:00 am [Register here]

Wednesday, October 14th, 5:30 pm [Register here]

Monday, October 19th, 4:00 pm [Register here]

Thursday, November 5th, 4:00 pm [Register here]

Tuesday, December 1st, 5:00 pm [Register here]

Friday, December 11th, 9:30 am [Register here]

All workshops will be virtual via Zoom

 

F-1 STEM OPT Extension: Application Basics

This workshop is designed for students who have already submitted an application 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.

Thursday, October 27th, 1:00 pm [Register here]
Location: Virtual via Zoom

 

F-1 STEM OPT Extension: Application Q&A Sessions (NEW for Fall 2020!)

ISSO has made our STEM OPT Extension workshop available on-demand!  These Q&A sessions are for students who would prefer to watch the STEM OPT workshop on their own, and then ask ISSO Advisors the questions that they still have after watching the workshop.  Q&A sessions will not have a formal presentation, so you MUST watch the on-demand workshop prior to attending.  When you watch the workshop, please note questions that you have and bring those with you to one of our Q&A sessions!

Thursday, November 19th, 9:00 am [Register here]

Monday, December 7th, 10:00 am [Register here]

All workshops will be virtual via Zoom

 

Life After F-1: Transitions (Cap-Gap, H-1B and alternatives)

This workshop is designed for students who have already submitted an application for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and who may already be working on OPT. Covers advanced such as moving to H-1B employment-based immigration sponsorship, and “cap-gap” extensions of status and work permission.

Thursday, October 22nd, 5:00 pm [Register here]
Location: Virtual via Zoom

Spring Semester Workshop Schedule for Students

January 22nd, 2020 in Academic Workshops, F-1 Students, ISSO Workshops, J-1 Students, OPT workshops

The ISSO is pleased to announce our spring workshop schedule on topics including on-campus employment, applying for Optional Practical Training, and Interviewing in the U.S.

For complete workshop dates, locations and session descriptions, see our calendar. Additional dates may be added during the semester.

Please note the location of the workshop you wish to attend. Workshops are offered across Charles River and Medical Campus to ensure space and access to interested students.

Space for our workshops is limited and a reservation is usually required to ensure your place. Please register at the corresponding link below for the workshops you plan to attend. Registration is open now for workshops in February and March, and will open later for other dates.

Featured Workshops with visiting attorneys:

Immigration Considerations for Medical Students

Rhonda Tjietjen – RSST Law Group

  • Are you a Medical Student interested in staying in the United States to complete your residency?
  • Are you interested in learning about the different visa options for research and clinical training programs after Medical School?
  • This session will highlight different visa options to support these activities.

Tuesday, March 3rd, 5:00 pm [Register here]
Location: BU School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, L110

 

Immigration Considerations for Life after F-1

Prasant Desai - Iandoli Desai & Cronin P.C

  • Are you interested in staying in the United States to work after your F-1 Optional Practical Training ends?
  • Are you considering applying to begin a US Lawful Permanent Resident?
  • This session will highlight post-F-1 visa options for those interested in living and working in the United States.

Wednesday, February 19th, 5:30 pm [Register here]
Location: CCD, 100 Bay State Road, 6th Floor

 

Immigration Considerations for Entrepreneurs and Self-Employment

Elizabeth Goss - Goss Associates

  • Are you interested in starting a company or working for a start-up?
  • What entrepreneur activities require employer authorization?
  • This session will highlight nonimmigrant visas options to support these activities

Wednesday, March 25th, 4:00 pm [Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor

 

Immigration Considerations for Artists and Performers

Donal Eoin Reilly - Iandoli Desai & Cronin P.C.

  • Are you interested in starting a company or working for a start-up?
  • What entrepreneur activities require employer authorization?
  • This session will highlight nonimmigrant visas options to support these activities

Thursday, April 23rd, 4:00 pm [Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor

Workshops in collaboration with the BU Student Employment Office:

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

Join staff from the ISSO and the Student Employment Office to discuss, 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.

Monday, January 27th, 3:00 PM [Register here]
Location: SHA 110, 928 Commonwealth Ave

Thursday, January 30th, 11:00 am [Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor

 

Workshops in collaboration with the BU Center for Career Development:

Interviewing in the USA: A Career Workshop

Join staff from the ISSO and the Center for Career Development (CCD) for a program designed to help international students understand the job search process in the U.S. Sharpen your interviewing techniques by bringing your strengths as an international student to the table. This workshop will help you familiarize yourself with the intricacies of the U.S. interview process while learning how to best assess your skills and international experience to answer "difficult" interview questions.

Tuesday, February 25th, 4:00 pm [Register with the CCD here]
Location: CCD, 100 Bay State Road, 6th Floor

Thursday, April 2nd, 2:30 pm [Register with the CCD here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Avenue, 2nd Floor

 

Global Job and Internship Search for International Students

Learn how to find internships and/or full-time jobs both internationally and in the US. We will start with the mechanics of preparing for the search including knowing yourself and your targeted audience. We will review resources for searching both here and abroad and various strategies to enhance your search process including social media. This session will be presented by CCD staff.

Monday, January 27th, 4:00 pm [Register with the CCD here]
Location: CCD, 100 Bay State Road, 6th Floor

 

US resume versus International CV for International Students

Learn the difference between a resume and a CV in the US and begin to convert your international CV to a US resume format. This session will be presented by CCD staff.

Wednesday, January 29th, 5:00 pm [Register with the CCD here]
Location: CCD, 100 Bay State Road, 6th Floor

 

Networking for International Students

Leverage your connections in the US and at home to enhance your global job or internship search. This session will be presented by CCD staff.

Wednesday, February 5th, 4:00 pm [Register with the CCD here]
Location: CCD, 100 Bay State Road, 6th Floor

ISSO general immigration workshops:

Summer Internships: CPT and pre-OPT

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), Pre-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), Employment through designated International Organizations

Monday, February 10th, 1:00 pm [Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor

Thursday, April 16th, 10:00 am  [Register here]
Location: Zoom

 

F-1 OPT: Application Basics

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 mailing the OPT application.

Friday, February 7th, 3:00 pm [Register here]
Location: Questrom Auditorium (HAR 105), 595 Commonwealth Avenue

Wednesday, February 12th, 4:00 pm [Register here]
Location: BU School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Keefer Auditorium

Thursday, February 13th, 5:00 pm [Register here]
Location COM 101, 640 Commonwealth Avenue

Thursday, February 20nd, 11:00 am [Register here]
Thursday, February 20nd, 1:00 pm [Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor

Friday, February 28th, 4:00 pm [Register here]
Location: COM 101, 640 Commonwealth Avenue

Monday, March 23rd, 2:00 pm [Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Avenue, 2nd Floor

Friday, April 3rd, 11:00 am [Register here]
Friday, April 3rd, 2:00 pm [Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor

Friday, May 1st, 11:00 am [Register here]
Friday, May 1st, 3:00 pm [Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Avenue, 2nd Floor

Friday, June 5th, 3:00 pm [Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Avenue, 2nd Floor

 

F-1 STEM OPT: Application Basics

This workshop is designed for students who have already submitted an application 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.

Tuesday, March 3rd, 4:00 pm [Register here]
Location: BU School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, L110

Thursday, March 19th, 3:00 pm [Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Avenue, 2nd Floor 

Wednesday, April 15th, 2:00 pm [Register here]
Location: Zoom

 

Life After F-1: Transitions (Cap-Gap, H-1B and alternatives)

This workshop is designed for students who have already submitted an application for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and who may already be working on OPT. Covers advanced such as moving to H-1B employment-based immigration sponsorship, and “cap-gap” extensions of status and work permission.

Thursday, March 19th, 4:00 pm [Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Avenue, 2nd Floor

Wednesday, April 15th, 3:00 pm [Register here]
Location: Zoom

J-1 Academic Training: Application Basics

This workshop is intended for Boston University-sponsored Exchange Visitors who wish to apply for employment or training permission either during or at the end of their academic program. The workshop will cover the application process for J-1 Academic Training (AT), including establishing eligibility and suitable training opportunities.

Thursday, March 18th, 1:30 pm [Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Avenue, 2nd Floor

Spring 2019 Workshop

January 30th, 2019 in F-1 Students, ISSO Workshops, J-1 Students, OPT workshops, STEM OPT rule

International Students & Scholars Office Spring 2019 Workshop Schedule

The ISSO is pleased to announce our spring workshop schedule on topics including on-campus employment, applying for Optional Practical Training, and Interviewing in the U.S.

For complete workshop dates, locations and session descriptions, see our the ISSO event calendar as additional dates may be added during the semester.

Please note the location of the workshop you wish to attend. Workshops are offered across Charles River and Medical Campus to ensure space and access to interested students.

Space for our workshops is limited and a reservation is usually required to ensure your place. Please register at the corresponding link below for the workshops you plan to attend.

Featured Workshops with visiting attorneys:

Immigration Considerations for Medical Students

Rhonda Tietjen & Heidi Snyder – RSST Law Group

  • Starting a medical residency on OPT vs. H1-B vs. J-1 alien physician
  • Options for waivers of the 212e J-1 two year home country residence requirement
  • Long term planning for US permanent residence after completing residence training

       Wednesday February 20th, 5:30 pm [Register here]
       Location: BU School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Room L110

Immigration Considerations for Entrepreneurs and Self-Employment

Elizabeth Goss - Goss Associates

  • Are you interested in starting a company or working for a start-up?
  • What entrepreneur activities require employer authorization?
  • Session will highlight nonimmigrant visas options to support these activities

Thursday, March 7th, 4:00 pm [Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor

Immigration Considerations for Artists and Performers

This workshop will feature attorney Donal Eoin Reilly from Iandoli Desai & Cronin P.C.

This session will focus on employment options for artists and performers to gig during and after your program of study. It will also highlight a few immigration options for artists after Post Completion Optional Practical Training.

Thursday, April 11th, 4:00 pm [Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor

Workshops in collaboration with the BU Student Employment Office:

You're Hired! On-Campus Employment for International Students

Join staff from the ISSO and the Student Employment Office to discuss, 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.

Monday, January 28th, 3:00 pm [Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor

Thursday, January 31st, 11:00 am [Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor

Workshops in collaboration with the BU Center for Career Development:

Interviewing in the USA: A Career Workshop

Join staff from the ISSO and the Center for Career Development (CCD) for a program designed to help international students understand the job search process in the U.S. Sharpen your interviewing techniques by bringing your strengths as an international student to the table. This workshop will help you familiarize yourself with the intricacies of the U.S. interview process while learning how to best assess your skills and international experience to answer "difficult" interview questions.

Wednesday, February 27th, 4:00 pm [Register with the CCD here]
Location: CCD, 100 Bay State Road, 6th Floor

Thursday, April 4th, 3:00 pm [Register with the CCD here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor

Global Job and Internship Search for International Students

Learn how to find internships and/or full-time jobs both internationally and in the US. We will start with the mechanics of preparing for the search including knowing yourself and your targeted audience. We will review resources for searching both here and abroad and various strategies to enhance your search process including social media. This session will be presented by CCD staff.

Wednesday, January 30th, 4:00 pm [Register with the CCD here]
Location: CCD, 100 Bay State Road, 6th Floor

US resume versus International CV for International Students

Learn the difference between a resume and a CV in the US and begin to convert your international CV to a US resume format. This session will be presented by CCD staff.

Tuesday, February 5th, 4:00 pm[Register with the CCD here]
Location: CCD, 100 Bay State Road, 6th Floor

Networking for International Students

Leverage your connections in the US and at home to enhance your global job or internship search. This session will be presented by CCD staff.

Tuesday, February 26th, 4:00 pm[Register with the CCD here]
Location: CCD, 100 Bay State Road, 6th Floor

Summer Internships: CPT and pre-OPT

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), Pre-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), Employment through designated International Organizations.

Tuesday, February 12th, 4:00 pm[Register here]
Location: COM 101, 640 Commonwealth Avenue

Wednesday, February 20th, 4:00 pm[Register here]
Location: CCD, 100 Bay State Road, 6th Floor

F-1 OPT: Application Basics

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 mailing the OPT application.

Friday, February 1st, 3:00 pm[Register here]
Friday, February 1st, 4:00 pm [Register here]
Location: Questrom Auditorium (HAR 105), 595 Commonwealth Avenue

Tuesday, February 12th, 5:00 pm[Register here]
Location: COM 101, 640 Commonwealth Avenue

Wednesday, February 13th, 5:30 pm[Register here]
Location: BU School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Room L110

Thursday, February 21st, 11:00 am[Register here]
Thursday, February 21st, 1:00 pm[Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor

Friday, March 1st, 3:00 pm[Register here]
Friday, March 1st, 4:00 pm[Register here]
Location: COM 101, 640 Commonwealth Avenue

Tuesday, March 5th, 4:00 [Register here]
Location: BU School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Bakst Auditorium

Friday, April 5th, 11:00 am[Register here]
Friday, April 5th, 3:00 pm[Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor

Wednesday, April 10th, 4:00 pm[Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor

Friday, May 3rd, 11:00 am[Register here]
Friday, May 3rd, 3:00 pm[Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor

Friday, June 7th, 3:00 pm [Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor

F-1 OPT: Transitions (STEM OPT, Cap-Gap, H-1B and alternatives)

This workshop is designed for students who have already submitted an application 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, moving to H-1B employment-based immigration sponsorship, and “cap-gap” extensions of status and work permission.

Tuesday, March 5th, 5:00 [Register here]
Location: BU School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Bakst Auditorium

Wednesday, April 10th, 5:00 pm[Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Avenue, 2nd Floor

J-1 Academic Training: Application Basics

This workshop is intended for Boston University-sponsored Exchange Visitors who wish to apply for employment or training permission either during or at the end of their academic program. The workshop will cover the application process for J-1 Academic Training (AT), including establishing eligibility and suitable training opportunities.

Thursday, March 21st, 3:00 pm[Register here]
Location: ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Avenue, 2nd Floor

Change to USCIS Policy on Accrual of Unlawful Presence for F Students and J Exchange Visitors

August 9th, 2018 in F-1 Students, J-1 Students

USCIS announced a significant policy change relating to the accrual of “unlawful presence” for F, J, and M nonimmigrants. Effective August 9, 2018, any F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor who violates immigration status, may immediately begin to accrue unlawful presence that could subject them to the 3- or 10-year reentry bar provisions of INA 212(a)(9)(B).

This policy shift does not change the regulations related to maintaining lawful F or J status. For instance, there is no change to the regulations related to academic registration, the limits on employment authorization, the importance of maintaining valid immigration documents, or your SEVIS reporting requirements. However, the consequences of violating status are now much higher.

Under the previous immigration policy, an F and J nonimmigrant admitted to the US for “D/S” (“duration of status”) who later violated the terms of their immigration status, would begin to accrue “unlawful presence” only after a formal finding of status violation was made by USCIS officer or an immigration judge. Under the new policy, an F or J nonimmigrant may begin to accrue unlawful presence the day after a status violation occurs, even without a formal finding by a government official or judge. Students and exchange visitors who accrue six months of unlawful presence may be barred from the US for a period of 3 years, and those who accrue one year or more of unlawful presence could be barred for 10 years. This new policy also applies to F-2 and J-2 dependent family members who are over the age of 18.

A status violation for a student or exchange visitor might include staying in the US beyond the expiration of their I-20 or DS-2019, staying in the US beyond the end of a “date-certain” I-94, dropping below the required full-time registration requirement, or working without appropriate employment authorization. Any event that leads to termination of a student or exchange visitor’s immigration record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) might also be considered a status violation.

As a result of this policy change, it will be critical for F students and J exchange visitors to take immediate action to remedy any status violations as quickly as possible after they occur. This may involve departing the US and making a new entry to reestablish lawful immigration status. Status violations that are not quickly resolved may result in long-term bars from the US of up to 10 years. If you have questions about this policy change may affect your case, please contact your ISSO advisor directly, or request a referral to a knowledgeable immigration attorney.

J-1 Academic Training: Application Basics

April 16th, 2015 in J-1 Students

Friday, April 24th, 2015
3:00 – 4:00 pm
International Students & Scholars Office
888 Commonwealth Ave, Second Floor

The J-1 “Academic Training” workshop is intended for Boston University-sponsored Exchange Visitors who wish to apply for employment or training permission related to their academic program. The workshop will cover eligibility factors, suitable training opportunities and the application process for Academic Training.

J-1 students sponsored by other sponsors may attend this ISSO workshop, but must request approval for Academic Training directly from their program sponsors.