Registration & Your Visa Status

The last day of Add/Drop is this Friday! ISS just wants to remind you that, as international students, you are required to be properly registered for a full-time course load while you're studying here at CWRU. This is mandatory by US Federal Regulations.  Visit our website dedicated to SEVP guidance for Spring 2021 for additional information. There are very few exceptions to this rule and only ISS can determine whether or not you qualify for an exception. Never register for less than full-time or drop below a full-time courseload without first speaking with an advisor in ISS. This could have serious consequences, including termination, for your visa status.

We will be verifying each student's registration over the next several weeks. If we detect a problem with your registration or have questions, we will be contacting you by email. It's extremely important that you follow up with us promptly and work to quickly resolve the matter so that your visa status is not negatively impacted.

If you have questions, never hesitate to contact our office at international@case.edu or get in touch during advising hours!

Check In with ISS

If you are beginning a program at CWRU this semester or received a check-in message from ISS, you need to check in online as part of the process to maintain your visa status.

If you will be on campus this semester to begin your program, please access the Instructions on How to Check In with ISS and complete the process. Please note that you:

• check in online AFTER you arrive in the US with your valid I-20 or DS-2019
• can check in up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019
• must check in by the start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. If there is a delay, please notify us immediately

We cannot process any on-campus employment or Social Security Number paperwork until you have been checked in.

If you will not be coming to the United States this fall, are either attending courses entirely remotely (from either within the United States or abroad), and/or deferring your admission to a future semester, do not check in using the instructions above. It is critical that you complete the survey instead.  If you have not done so yet, please do so immediately. 

Thank you for your attention and cooperation!

Orientation with ISS

Did you miss Orientation with ISS? The orientation session reviews the most fundamental rules and regulations as well as resources that ISS provides in order to help you maintain your status and enhance your time at Case Western Reserve University

Log into Terra Dotta and view the presentation materials here!

Grads: Waiver of Registration Information

If you are a graduate student planning to submit a Waiver of Registration , it is essential that you understand the impact of this decision on your visa status. The Waiver of Registration is an administrative process of the university, but does not fulfill federal regulations that stipulate a requirement to be properly registered at all times. Proper registration is required to maintain your visa status and if you are not properly registered, you need to take other steps to maintain your visa status.

Keep in mind:

• By virtue of submitting a Waiver of Registration, ISS is obligated to shorten the length of your I-20 to reflect the Drop/Add deadline. Your legal status in the US actually becomes shorter because it is now based on this Drop/Add deadline rather than your future intended graduation date.
• In order to maintain your visa status after submitting a Waiver of Registration, you must, in a timely manner, either apply for OPT or make arrangements to begin a new academic program.

OPT applications must be submitted within the 60 day grace period following the new Drop/Add deadline. Don't forget, it takes an average of 90-120 days for an OPT application to be processed. If you wait too long to apply, you're not likely going to be authorized for your full 12 months of OPT.

If you intend to begin another academic program, to maintain your current F-1 status (and SEVIS record), your new academic program must start within 5 months of the Drop/Add deadline. Any program beginning later than 5 months will result in you falling out of status.

If you do not intend to maintain your status either through OPT or continued education, you are required to leave the United States within 60 days of the Drop/Add deadline. Remaining in the US beyond the 60 day grace period can have extremely negative consequences such as fines and being barred from the US in the future.

Please get in touch with ISS if you have additional questions or concerns. We are here to help!

Winter Weather 101

We want you to stay warm this winter! Be sure that you're dressing appropriately for the Cleveland weather.

CWRU Launches a New COVID-19 Website

The health and safety of the campus community is the university's priority. 

Visit the website to learn about the policies, procedures, and guidance in place to prevent spread as well as access resources and communications.

IMPORTANT: Working as an International Student

Found a job on campus? Thinking about gaining experience off-campus? Wondering what to do now? ISS is here to help!

ISS wants to remind all international students that you must be properly authorized to work by our office before you begin any kind of work.  NEVER WORK until you’ve finalized all processes with ISS.

It is very important that you follow all steps as described and do so in a timely manner. Failure to complete the required paperwork can result in you not being paid for work you've done, loss of work permission privileges, or even the termination of your visa status!

You will find a lot of helpful information about working on our website.

 And please remember, only ISS can advise you about employment and the impact it can have on your immigration status.

Updating Address information in SIS

Federal regulations require that all international students report their current address to SEVIS and any changes within 10 days. It is also important that the university has your current address on file at all times.

The best way to ensure that you are complying with federal regulations and university policy is to check your address for accuracy in SIS and report any changes through SIS. Information in SIS is shared with ISS' system (Terra Dotta) and then ISS can report changes of information to SEVIS.

Ensuring that information is always reported to and updated in SIS ensures that you will always get the information that you need from CWRU and that you are properly maintaining your status as a student visa holder. Failure to report your address properly is a violation of status that can have serious consequences.

Chat with ISS Staff Online During Advising Hours

Have a question? Need Support? Connect with an ISS staff member during Virtual Advising.

Virtual Advising is available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., EST. The chat box (it looks just like the picture) will be available on our website.

You can request an appointment to speak with an advisor by zoom or phone by emailing international@case.edu. Please be prepared to briefly describe the nature of your appointment when you contact us so that we can prepare. Same-day appointments are not generally available; an appointment for the next business day is typically the earliest we can schedule.

Advisors are looking forward to chatting with you. We are here to help!

Schedule an Appointment to Apply for SSN

While Social Security offices are closed due to COVID-19, you will need to schedule an appointment to submit your application for the SSN.  ISS staff has spoken with staff at the Shaker Heights office and here is the protocol to follow:

1. Call 1-877-635-3546, then press "2" as an option for the first menu, then press "0" to speak with a staff member.
2. Tell the staff member that you would like to meet with a manager to apply for the SSN.  Managers are generally available on Monday and Tuesday mornings.
3. The staff member will ask for your full, legal name to enter your appointment in the system. Speak very slowly and clearly.  It will be helpful to spell your name using examples ( C for Charlie, A for Apple, T for Turtle, etc.).
4. A 30 minute appointment will be scheduled for you. You MUST be prompt.  ISS recommends that you arrive 5-10 minutes early.
5. On the day of your appointment, you must have all of your documentation in order and completed:
   • passport
   • I-20
   • employment verification from ISS
   • SS-5
6. When you arrive for your appointment, go to the front door of the office, wearing a mask, and be ready to hand your completed paperwork to the manager.
7. The manager will take your documents inside to process and return to let you know when everything is complete.
8. You should expect to receive your SSN at the address that you list on your SS-5 when it is ready.

We hope this information is helpful to you.  If you need to visit a different Social Security Administration, you can find a location near you by visiting their website.  Call that office and ask what their SSN application process is.

Winter Shuttle Schedule

Tax Information: Get Your W-2

If you worked and got paid during the previous calendar year, you should receive a W-2 from your employer within the next several weeks. This W-2 is required to file taxes, which all persons in the US (international students too!) must do by April 18. More information about how to file your taxes will be made available on the ISS website in mid to late February. It is currently unavailable.

Current Students: If you worked at CWRU and got paid during last calendar year, the university will generate your W-2 and send it to the US W-2 address you listed in the Student Information System (SIS). You must make sure that that address is listed in SIS to ensure that your W-2 is sent to the proper address.

Alumni: If you received payment from CWRU during the last calendar year, you must also make sure that your address is properly listed in SIS to receive the W-2.

If you have not received your W-2, you'll need to contact Payroll by email to request an appointment to pick up your W-2 in person.

More information: https://case.edu/registrar/sites/case.edu.registrar/files/2018-03/SIS_SC_W2.pdf

Sprintax Offers Tax Webinars to Prepare for Tax Filing Season 2020 

ISS partners with Sprintax to provide international students, who are considered non-resident aliens for tax purposes, with expert assistance when filing their US taxes.

The Sprintax team will be hosting a series of free open tax webinars to provide helpful information around non-resident tax filing obligations.

You can find the details and registration links below for each (these are all in EST). 

• Tuesday, Feb 16, 3pm EST – Register here
• Wednesday, Mar 3, 12pm EST – Register here
• Monday, Mar 15, 2.30pm EST– Register here
• Monday, Mar 29, 2pm EST– Register here
• Tuesday, April 6, 1pm EST – Register here
• Tuesday, April 13, 1pm EST – Register here

The informational webinars will cover the same topics on each occasion:

• An overview of tax for nonresident students and scholars
• Who must file a 2020 US tax return
• What income forms students/scholars may receive
• Forms that need to be completed and sent to the IRS
• We cover terms like FICA, ITIN and Form 1098-T
• What happens if students don’t file, or misfile
• State tax returns
• IRS stimulus payments
• Sprintax overview

Sprintax Offers Nonresident Tax Overview for OPT/CPT

Graduating at the End of the Semester?  Think About Optional Practical Training

Being well informed about OPT before you apply is a must. ISS feels very strongly about this, which is why we require all students to complete a workshop. ISS will be offering Optional Practical Training (OPT) Workshops to go over in detail the application process, student responsibilities, and other considerations.

A complete OPT Workshop schedule will be available shortly. Be sure to either register to attend your preferred advisor-led session or access the presentation online before you complete your OPT application.

Completing a workshop (in one of the formats- ISS highly recommends the advisor-led sessions!) during the semester that you intend to apply for OPT is required as part of the application process. You do not need to have a job offer or any definitive employment plans to complete a workshop or apply for OPT!

If you have questions, get in touch during advising hours. Remember, only ISS staff can advise you about the procedures for OPT!

USCIS Acknowledges Delays in Receipt Notices for OPT

ISS has been hearing from many students who are concerned, and rightfully so, about not having received their receipt notices for OPT applications that they submitted in November and through the end of 2020. While ISS staff hope our responses have been reassuring- that this is a known issue with USCIS that is affecting students nationwide and not likely something wrong with your personal application- we can now share that USCIS very recently provided an update about their significant delays in issuing receipt notices. You can read USCIS's memo here.  We hope this means that these known issues will be resolved soon and processing will speed up.

We know that these unprecedented delays may continue to cause students stress.  International education professionals are working together to make sure that USCIS understands how this is affecting students.  NAFSA, a professional organization dedicated to international education and student advocacy, is in contact with the USCIS Ombudsman's Office about this situation.

If it has been 30 days since your application was received, you may choose to:

•  contact the USCIS Lockbox (see “Inquiries Based On Filing Location”).
• ask for Case Assistance through the USCIS Ombudsman.

If you receive any letters from USCIS, please email a pdf of the letter to international@case.edu so that staff can assist you as needed.  If you have additional questions, you are always welcome to contact ISS!

Celebrate Lunar New Year with CWRU!

All students, staff, faculty and alumni are invited to celebrate Lunar New Year with CWRU!

The Center for International Affairs will have a special Lunar New Year outdoor photo backdrop set up in the KSL oval from February 8 - 12 for the campus community to take a holiday photo with!

The Center asks that everyone who stops by send their photos to global@case.edu to be shared on its social media pages as part of the celebration!

Lunar New Year is the most important social and economic holiday for billions of people around the world. It’s tied to the lunar-solar Chinese calendar and was originally observed as a time to honor household and heavenly deities and ancestors. Today, it’s a special time to bring friends and family together for feasting and festivities in China, Korea, Vietnam, Japan and beyond!

While the global pandemic has prevented CWRU from hosting its usual Lunar New Year gathering, the Center hopes to bring some holiday spirit to campus to celebrate the year of the ox while allowing for safety and social-distancing.

It has compiled videos and information about Lunar New Year traditions and celebrations around the world that everyone can enjoy, whether on-campus or off! They can be found here: https://case.edu/international/events/lunar-new-year

Make sure to follow the Center on Facebook (facebook.com/CWRUInternational) and Twitter (twitter.com/CWRUintl) to see all the Lunar New Year photos!

H-1B Visa Workshop for International Students

CWRU international students are invited to join the Center for International Affairs for a workshop about H-1B visas. Those who attend will learn about the process of obtaining an H-1B visa from a local immigration expert and networking opportunities from staff of Global Cleveland.

The workshop will take place on Wednesday, February 10 at 9:30 am ET on Zoom. Registration and details to join the Zoom can be found on the International Student Services’ CampusGroups page: http://cglink.me/r924484

Opportunities to Work in Canada after Graduation

CWRU students are invited to learn about opportunities to live and work in Canada after graduation at an event hosted by the Center for International Affairs. The presentation will feature representatives from the immigration section of the Consulate General of Canada who will discuss options to work in Canada and the process to become a Canadian via the Express Entry program.

The event will be held Wednesday, February 10 at 4:00 pm via Zoom. All CWRU students are welcome to attend. To register for the event, visit the International Student Services (ISS) CampusGroups page: http://cglink.me/r893430

Valentine's Day Candy Giveaway

The Center for International Affairs is sharing some love this Valentine’s day with a free #YouAreWelcomeHereCWRU candy giveaway for students.

All CWRU students are invited to stop by the Tomlinson Hall Lobby between 10 am and 3 pm on Friday, February 12 to pick up a bag of candy that include #YouAreWelcomeHereCWRU candy hearts!

You can see a preview of the sweets in-store on the Center’s Facebook page, facebook.com/CWRUInternational

I ÔØñ Study Abroad Virtual Fair

Make the world your Valentine this year and join the Office of Education Abroad for it's I ÔØñ Study Abroad Virtual Fair on February 16 and 18!

This event will help you fall in love with traveling the world and expanding your global perspective, as well as give you a chance to talk to study abroad advisors about how to make your journey happen once it's safe for programs to resume.

The fair will run from 1 - 5 pm ET on Tuesday, February 16 and Thursday, February 18. You can register and find more information on the Study Abroad CampusGroups page: http://cglink.me/2cS/r966490

Virtual Global & Intercultural Learning Opportunities for Spring & Summer

CWRU students are able to expand their global perspective without leaving home by participating in the Office of Education Abroad’s Virtual Global and Intercultural Learning opportunities this spring and summer!

Through intentional cultural engagement and professional projects, students can expand their horizons and skill sets through global internships, research, service learning, and coursework opportunities.

The programs help students to boost their transcript and resume and allow them to transfer credits back to CWRU.

Students can explore a curated list of opportunities appropriate for CWRU and find the one that's best for them here: https://studyabroad.case.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngular&id=11296

One of these opportunities is the Office of Education Abroad’s Learning Across Cultures series taking place in March. Students will have a chance to explore self-awareness, intercultural communication, cultural worldview and knowledge, intercultural empathy and understanding through weekly interactive workshops, reflections, readings and feedback. The series will meet 3 times from March 4 - 18, on Thursdays from 4 - 5 pm ET.

Participation is FREE and the series is based on the Association of American Colleges & Universities’ Intercultural Learning rubric. Registration is due by Monday, February 15 on the Study Abroad CampusGroups page: http://cglink.me/r904413

Nominate Faculty for Awards Recognizing Excellence in Mentoring and Teaching

Nominations are being accepted for the J. Bruce Jackson, MD, Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Mentoring and the Carl F. Wittke Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.

The Jackson award is given to faculty or staff members who have fostered professional development, facilitated goals and life choices, and made a significant impact on a student’s life. The Wittke award is given to outstanding classroom teachers who are engaging, invested and stimulate enthusiasm for their area of study.

To nominate a faculty or staff member for one of the awards, complete the nomination form.

Nominations are due Feb. 15, 2021.

To learn more about these awards, please visit the Undergraduate Studies website or email ugstudies@case.edu.

Spring 2021 Professional Development Fund

GSC's Professional Development Fund has returned for the Spring 2021 semester! Each year the Graduate Student Council allocates money towards a professional development fund accessible to CWRU graduate students. Students have the opportunity to receive up to $300 in reimbursements. In the past, the PD fund has typically been awarded to subsidize conference fees, travel and lodging to conferences and interviews for internships, jobs, and residencies. However, in light of the United States’ current COVID-19 situation, GSC is refraining from using the fund for travel-related expenses for the Spring 2021 semester. Instead, GSC will focus on funding virtual conference fees, virtual workshop fees, application fees, and other forms of online professional development.

The application will open at 6 PM on Monday, February 1, 2021 and close at 6 PM on Monday, February 15, 2021. For Spring 2021 funding, students may apply for reimbursement for any experience occurring between November 21, 2020 to May 7, 2021.

The application will be hosted exclusively on CampusGroups, and will be linked on GSC's website under the "Forms" tab.

Questions? Feel free to email gscinfo@case.edu! Please keep in mind that further details on the full process will be listed in the application.

Alumni CAREer Network "Mixers"

The Alumni Association of CWRU and the Office of Post-Graduate Planning and Experiential Education invite all students and alumni to meet classmates who share your geographic proximity, career interests and other experiences. Alumni CAREer Network “mixers” bring the CWRU community closer together, despite physical distance.

Please join one (or all) of these events to meet and learn more about the students and alumni in your CWRU network. In addition, we hope you join a regional or affinity community within the CWRU Connect: Alumni CAREer Network to carry on the conversations started during these events. 

Tuesday, February 16
Noon - 1 p.m. EST

Alumni Hosts: Adrian Hattan (CWR ‘20), CWRU Homecoming Royalty; Richie Lazear (CWR '19), Houston Chapter Leader; Julia Wright (CWR ’20)

Wednesday, February 17
8 p.m. - 9 p.m. EST

Alumni Hosts: Ashi Batchu (CWR ‘11), Bay Area Alumni Chapter Leader; Vincenzo Volpe (CWR ‘17), CWRU Pride Alumni Network

Thursday, February 18
8 a.m. - 9 a.m. EST

Alumni Hosts: Hiram Cortez (CWR ‘16), Latinx Alumni Association President; Tobili Hatcher (CWR'20), Cleveland Alumni Chapter Leader; Yi Sun (SAS ‘17), Columbus Alumni Chapter Leader

REGISTER >

Upcoming Career Fairs

Engineering, Technology & Science Career Fair

When | Monday, Feb. 15, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

About | Employers who attend this event are interested in recruiting CWRU students and alumni who are seeking careers in engineering, computer science, natural sciences, and more. Participants who attend this event will learn important information on internships, co-ops, practicum, and full-time employment.

Business, Arts & Service Career Fair

When | Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

About | Employers who attend this event are interested in recruiting CWRU students who are seeking careers in business, social sciences, law/ government, public service, art, and more. Participants who attend this event will learn important information on internships, co-ops, practicum, and full-time employment.

Highre Virtual Grad School Fair

The Virtual Grad School Fair provides an opportunity to meet with admissions officers from top universities, learn about graduate and professional schools, and get an early start on the application process.

Brite Winter

Brite Winter is the premier Cleveland event between New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day and a showcase for Northeastern Ohio’s artists, musicians, and creative culture.

Brite Winter marries fire, participatory art, food, music, and games to build community while helping us embrace the cold winter months.

Learn more about this year's virtual line up for the February 19, March 5, and April 9, 2021 events!

40 Arabic Words Transformed into Illustrations of Their Literal Meanings!