From: VISA Office
Date: October 30
Subject: VISA News: CPT/OPT Workshops, Employment Verification Process Changes, Halloween, TASA Night Market, Diwali and MORE


VISA Office Information

The VISA Office is open 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday. We are located in Crawford Hall, Suite 215.

We have virtual chat advising available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11am to 1pm. Access virtual chat from our website here.

You are also welcome to contact us for an in-person, phone, or virtual appointment. Please email visa@case.edu to request an appointment or schedule from our website here.

OPT & CPT Workshops

The VISA Office offers Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Workshops to discuss the application process, student responsibilities, and other important considerations.

It is important to be well informed before you apply. It is also important to apply early!

You must complete an OPT workshop before beginning the OPT application process.  We strongly recommend that you attend a workshop as early as possible if you plan to apply for OPT this semester, as it takes several months to process. You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT.

CPT is for currently enrolled students.  You must have a job offer before applying for CPT, and you may not begin work until you have CPT authorization in place, which can take 2-3 weeks to process. You must attend a CPT workshop or view the recording of the CPT workshop  before beginning the CPT authorization process.

CPT Workshops

You can watch a recording of the CPT Workshop online here or you can register to attend our last live Zoom session for this semester.

Please click on the session below to register and access the Zoom link:

Wednesday, November 13, 9:00 am - 10:30 am: Webinar Registration - Zoom

OPT Workshops

A recorded OPT workshop is available for viewing here.  Please click on a session below to register and access the Zoom link for a live session:

Tuesday, November 5, 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm: Webinar Registration - Zoom
Thursday, November 21, 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm: Webinar Registration - Zoom
Wednesday, December 4, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm: Webinar Registration - Zoom
Friday, December 13, 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm: Webinar Registration - Zoom

Changes to the Employment Verification and SSN Process

As of November 1st, the VISA Office will have a new process in place for the Employment Verification and SSN process.  Please see the updated form on our website: https://case.edu/visa/forms-and-resources/student-forms-and-resources

Daylight Saving Time Ends November 3rd

In the United States, Daylight Saving Time will end on Sunday, November 3rd at 2 am. This means that we will set our clocks back by 1 hour, making the time 1 am. Please make sure that you are aware of how this change will impact your classes and appointments next week.

OISRE Updates

OISRE Office Information

The Office of International Student Resources & Engagement (OISRE) helps international students adapt to life in the US. They offer support services and plan events for international students and the campus community.

OISRE is open Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. They also have drop-in hours on Thursdays from 11 am to 1 pm in Tomlinson Hall, Room 143.

You can reach them at international@case.edu or call 216-368-2517.

Check their website for events. If you see an activity of interest, click on the link and pre-register in CampusGroups so they can get an accurate headcount for shuttles, etc.

Let's Celebrate Halloween!

OISRE is hosting a Halloween party for all CWRU students on October 31 from 12 - 2 pm in Tomlinson Hall. Register at https://community.case.edu/ISRE/rsvp_boot?id=2257784. 

Come carve pumpkins with your friends, enjoy some delicious food, and show off your best costume. We’ll be having a costume contest with awesome prizes!

20th Annual Dia de Los Muertos Festival

A vibrant cultural celebration for the whole family, the annual “Day of the Dead” honors the memory of those who have passed and is a treasured holiday in Mexico and throughout Latin America. Featuring Altar Installations, Latin Food, Live Music, Folk Art Market, and FREE Entertainment for All Ages. Admission is free.

Saturday, November 2
11 AM - 10 PM, Parade at 3:30 PM
Cleveland Public Theatre
6205 Detroit Avenue

https://www.cptonline.org/performances/seasons/2024-2025/dia-de-muertos-8/

TASA Night Market! Saturday, November 2

Thwing Ballroom 6-8 pm

This annual flagship event is one of the Taiwanese American Student Association's largest events on campus. It typically attracts around 350 attendees and features Asian food vendors from the local Cleveland area as well as classic night market games and performances. Through this event, TASA hopes to share Taiwanese culture and cuisine with the Case community and foster awareness of the school’s diverse student body. 

Admission is free.  Purchase food and drink tickets in advance in the Tink from 10 am - 5 pm. Please note: Food and drink tickets will not be for sale on the day of the event.

Diwali Celebration - Nov. 8

Celebrate the vibrant and joyous occasion of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with an evening filled with cultural splendor, festive traditions, and communal unity on November 8 from 7 to 11 pm. This event invites everyone, regardless of background, to join in the festivities, wear traditional attire, and experience the warmth, joy, and togetherness that Diwali brings. Hosted by the Graduate Indian Student Association (SATRANG) and Graduate Student Council.  Tickets are $10. 

Register at https://community.case.edu/satrang/rsvp_boot?id=2261533.

Financial Wellness Workshops

PNC offers several excellent resources to help you reach your financial goals for the 2024-2025 school year.

PNC offers a wide range of financial education webinars throughout the school year; view free financial webinars on their 2024 Full Webinar Calendar.

More about Halloween...

Today, Halloween is celebrated by wearing costumes, trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns, and eating sweets and treats.  But it's actually a holiday rooted in centuries-old traditions!  Here are some brief histories of Halloween.

https://www.history.com/topics/halloween

https://blogs.loc.gov/headlinesandheroes/2021/10/the-origins-of-halloween-traditions/

If you  would like to promote your event or opportunity through VISA News, please make a complete submission (including flyers, images, details, etc.) for consideration by noon on Monday to visa@case.edu. The VISA Office cannot guarantee that all submissions will appear in the newsletter, as space is limited, but staff will review all timely submissions for consideration.