ISSS News - March 2022
Announcements
University Closure: March 25, 2022
The University of Colorado Boulder, including ISSS, will be closed Friday, March 25, 2022 in observance of a spring break holiday. ISSS will resume normal services on Monday, March 28, 2022. A complete list of University holidays is available on the Human Resources website.
Don’t Forget: Request a Free Tax Prep License to File Your 2021 Tax Returns
Each year, CU is proud to welcome international employees and students from across the globe. Studying or working in the U.S. presents unique tax obligations for international employees and students. Many of you will have received IRS Forms W-2 and/or 1042-S from CU over the past months.Form W-2 is...
International Student Tutoring Program (ISTP) is Back
The International Student Tutoring Program (ISTP) is back! We offer individual and group tutoring for international students at CU Boulder at no extra cost on issues related to English as a second language and U.S. academic culture.The topics we cover include:PronunciationReadingWritingConversation...
CAPS International Â鶹ŇůÔş Group
This group welcomes CU international students of all ages, education levels and backgrounds. It provides a safe and supportive space for international students to understand themselves in the context of a new culture while learning ways to navigate common challenges. The group helps students find a...
Name On Diploma and In Commencement Program
When completing your graduation application, please check that your name is shown as you want it to be on your diploma and in the commencement program. You can change your first and/or middle names on your diploma and commencement program by doing so on the graduation application. The application al...
Dating or Defrauding? Protect Yourself Against Romance Scams With Help From the Government
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), in 2020 alone, people who experienced romance scams lost over $600M. Romance scammers target people looking for love on dating apps and social media. But how can you tell the difference between dating or defrauding?
Learn More...
ISSS Emergency Financial Grants for Spring 2022
If you are experiencing an unexpected financial emergency unrelated to COVID-19 or the December 30, 2021 Boulder County fires, ISSS encourages you to apply for an Emergency Financial Grant if you meet the eligibility requirements listed on the ISSS Financial Opportunities webpage.If your financial e...
Immigration News
Final Semester Guidance for Â鶹ŇůÔş in F-1 Status: Enrollment Requirements and In-Person Presence
International students in F-1 status in their final semester are allowed to be enrolled part-time if they do not need full-time enrollment to complete their academic program requirements. Out of the credits a student needs to complete their academic program in their final semester, students are stil...
Requesting A Travel Signature
Do you have upcoming travel plans and need a new travel signature to return to the U.S.?Travel SignaturesA valid travel signature is required to enter the U.S. in F-1/F-2 and J-1/J-2 status.A travel signature is generally valid for re-entry to the U.S. within one year from the date it is received or...
Passport Validity Dates
U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires international visitors to maintain a valid passport for the duration of their stay in the United States.Passports should be valid for a period of at least six months beyond your expected period of stay in the U.S.Please make every effort to apply to rene...
Spring 2022 Graduates: Apply for Post-Completion OPT Now!
What is Post-Completion OPT? Post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is defined in the F-1 regulations as “temporary employment authorization for practical training directly related to a student’s major field of study.” Standard OPT is available for a cumulative maximum of 12 months of emp...
Are You an International Student in F-1 Status Completing Your Academic Program Spring 2022? Here are some important reminders
Let ISSS Know!If you are graduating this semester: Email ISSS as soon as possible to let us know you intend to graduate.If you plan to defend your dissertation or thesis prior to the start of the summer term: Email ISSS as soon as possible so that ISSS can provide important information regarding you...
Events
Mar 3: How to Apply for STEM OPT Workshop
Are you currently in an authorized period of post-completion OPT and interested in the possibility of extending your OPT authorization? If you earned a degree in the U.S. that was in an OPT STEM extension eligible field, then you may be eligible for the STEM OPT extension.Join our STEM OPT extensio...
Mar 8: Virtual Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) Workshops
Pre-Completion OPT is an F-1 benefit that provides off-campus work authorization during a student’s degree program.  Join our Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) workshops for students with F-1 visa status to learn more about pre-completion OPT, including eligibility requirements, the a...
March 11: International Coffee Hour
When: March 11, 2022 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.Where: UMC Dining CenterSponsor: CU Police DepartmentInternational Coffee Hour is the best way to meet people and make new friends. At coffee hours, we drink coffee, eat food, and have a great time together. This month, we will be playing “Who Wants to be a Mi...
Mar 29: Virtual Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Workshop
Join our CPT workshop for students with F-1 visa status to learn more about CPT eligibility requirements, the application timeline and request process.
Learn More About CPT
Workshops will be offered:Mar 29, 2022 at 11 a.m.April 5, 2022 at 3:30 p.m.April 19, 2022 at 3:30 p.m....
Mar 30: Pizza & Perspectives - South America
When: March 30, 2022 from 12 to 1 p.m.Where: UMC 247You are invited to attend this semester’s Pizza & Perspectives, a lunchtime gathering featuring international students from South America.Panelists will be sharing their perspectives on culture, life in the U.S., and life back home. This event is f...
Mar 31: Virtual Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) Workshop
Are you graduating or completing your graduate course work at the end of the fall 2021 semester and interested in working in your major field of study in the U.S.?Join our Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) workshop for students with F-1 visa status to learn more about OPT eligibility...
Community Corner
Winter Olympic/Paralympic Quiz
The XXIV Olympic Winter Games, hosted by Beijing China, began on February 4, 2022 and continued through February 20, 2022. The Paralympic Winter Games begin March 4 and will continue through March 13, 2022 in China.Test your 2022 Winter Olympic knowledge with this quiz.
Which country w...
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This newsletter is provided as a service to International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) clients, subscribers, and other possible readers, and may contain third-party content and website links. ISSS is not responsible for the accuracy of third-party content, and our newsletter does not constitu...