On Friday the OIE sent out a message to all F-1 students about a proposed change to Duration of Status, or D/S. Though this is just a proposed change, we feel it is important to share with you more information about the possible changes and the way they might impact F-1 students whose visas are valid for D/S. These changes, if inacted, will impact every F-1 visa holder (even those on OPT), so we think it is important to share with you what we know, as well as the advocacy efforts of our team, UW-Stout and the University of Wisconsin System.
Please plan to join us for our informational session tomorrow. The session will begin at 4:00pm with a short presentation on the proposed rule, and will last until we have answered all questions. Information about the proposed rule was sent on Friday and you are encouraged to review that for a general overview. If you have any questions, please send them in advance to gloabled@uwstout.edu so that we can be sure to cover them in the recorded presentation.
EVENT
International Student Duration of Status (D/S) Meeting
The Office of International Education is holding a meeting to share important news regarding a proposed F and J nonimmigrant status regulatory policy change. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced on September 25, 2020 a proposed rule that would eliminate duration of status (D/S) and replace it with date-specific status end dates.
Since the ramifications of this rule would potentially impact our current and future students, we are holding a question and answer session next Tuesday, October 20, 2020, from 4 to 5 pm through MS Teams.
Please send questions in advance to globaled@uwstout.edu.
Tuesday, October 27 is Advisement Day. But while classes won't be in session, this day is not a "day off" but an opportunity to connect with your advisor regarding registration and enrollment and to take advantage of informational offerings from campus offices. International Student & Scholar Services will be hosting two bonus workshops on this day. Please plan to attend if you have not already been to a session.
Workshops will be held on the following topics:
Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT is what you will need as an F-1 international student if you wish to participate in an internship or co-op during your degree program. If you are thinking about doing a co-op prior to Fall 2021, you are strongly encouraged to attend!
Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT is what you will need if you wish to participate in practical training (work experience) after you finish your degree program. The OPT Workshop is appropriate for students who will finish their programs in Fall 2020. OPT applications will take 3-5 months to review so it is very important that you apply as early as possible!
Check last weeks' newsletter for a reminder of how to check your enrollment date. Spring 2021 enrollment begins next week for graduate students with undergraduate students to follow!
INVOLVEMENT CENTER VIRTUAL CONNECTIONS
The Involvement Center has compiled a listing of virtual activities like museum and national park tours, sporting events and online games and puzzles. If you've got "itchy feet", these resources just might help you to feel like you're somewhere else but from the comfort of your own bedroom. Check them out here: https://connect.uwstout.edu/involvement/virtual-events/
