December 6, 2023

In this issue:

1. Beware of Scams
2. End of Semester Reminders
3. Finals Wellness Break
4. Support Through University Health and Counseling Services
5. Prepare for Final Exam Success
6. Winter Recess Closure
7. Winter Break Programming & Information
8. Winter Break Impact on Shuttles
9. Waiver of Registration Information
10. W-2 Information
11. OPT Workshops
12. OPT & STEM OPT Reporting
13. Trans Allyship 101 Training Tomorrow
14. CWRU Film Society
15. Apply to Be a Resident Assistant

VISA Office Information

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

On Monday, Thursday, and Friday, we have virtual chat advising available 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.

Be Aware of Scams

Every year a few international students fall victim to scams.  Let's stop this from happening! 

The US government rarely, if ever, calls international students. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a US government employee, tell them you need to check with your school about their call and take a message. If they are legitimate, this will be fine. If they are scammers, they will try to pressure or intimidate you, but do not give in. Hang up and contact the VISA Office or campus police.


Remember, scammers don't just operate in the US. There may be scammers in your home country that may try to scam you while you are here in the US. If you are contacted by anyone asking for money, contact the VISA Office or campus police before you do anything!

Contact us: visa@case.edu or 216-368-6964

CWRU Campus Police Non-Emergency Number: 216-368-3300.

See below for links to more information:

https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/2022/06/international-students-be-aware-of-potential-scammers

https://case.edu/international/international-student-services/living-cleveland/scam-alerts

End of Semester Reminders

Start preparing for the end of the semester and see if you have to take action on your I-20 or DS-2019.

If you need to extend your I-20 or DS-2019:  Please visit our website and scroll down to "request new I-20 extension" or "request new DS-2019 extension" and provide your advisor information in the request.
Undergraduates: list your Dean in Undergraduate Studies
Graduate students: list your academic advisor.

If you need to transfer your F-1 or J-1 SEVIS record: Visit our website for the transfer out request.

If you need to get a new travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019: To submit a request for travel signature, visit our website and scroll down to "request new I-20 reprint or travel signature request" or "request new DS-2019 reprint or travel signature request."  You can also read about travel and re-entry for F-1 and J-1 students here.

Check the validity of your visa stamp in your passport and make sure your passport is valid at all times.  Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months into the future.

Do you have additional questions? Get in touch with VISA Office Staff by stopping by our office from 8:30am to 5pm, Monday-Friday, or emailing us at visa@case.edu.

Get Ready for Final Exams

Winter Break News

The University Will Be Closed for Winter Recess

Friday, December 22 - Monday, January 1

The University will be closed for Winter Recess starting Friday, December 22nd through Monday, January 1st.  On all other days, the VISA Office will operate and offer services as usual.  Please plan your visit to the office accordingly so that staff members are available to help you!

Note: The Visa Office closes when the university closes for scheduled breaks and inclement weather. If you're ever in doubt about VISA Office staff availability, we strongly recommend that you call in advance of visiting the office (216.368.6964); we don't want you to be out in the cold, snowy weather if we're not available to help you!

If you have an immigration-related emergency when we are not in the office, contact CWRU Police at 216.368.3300 and dispatch will know how to reach a VISA Office staff member.

Winter Break Programming and Information

Although many students will be spending the winter break away from campus, there will still be local activities, support resources, dining options and some facility access for those who are staying on or nearby campus for all or part of the winter break. Students who have returned home are also invited to explore the available events, activities and support resources to stay connected with the CWRU community.

Most university offices will be closed on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023 and will remain closed for winter break until Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. Additionally, most residence halls will close on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023 at 3 p.m. and re-open on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024 at 9 a.m., except for Upper-Class Experience apartment-style housing, which will remain open throughout winter break.

More information is available here.

Winter Break Impact on Shuttles

CWRU's winter break impacts a number of University Circle shuttle routes. See the chart below for service changes. Additionally, shuttles do not operate on major U.S. holidays, including Christmas and New Year's Day.

For more information about University Circle shuttles, see the uGO website here:  https://www.ugointhecircle.com/transportation-options/shuttle

VISA Office Reminders

For Graduate Students: 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 count as registration for F-1 and J-1 students. Proper registration is required to maintain your visa status.  If you are not properly registered, you need to take other steps to maintain your visa status.

F-1 students:

• If you submit a Waiver of Registration, The VISA Office will 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 apply for OPT or maker other arrangements in a timely manner.

Please note:

OPT applications must be submitted within 90 days before or 60 days after  the new I-20 end date (based on the drop/add deadline). Don't forget, it takes an average of 90 days for an OPT application to be processed.

If you do not intend to maintain your status either through OPT or other action on your I-20, you are required to leave the United States within 60 days of the Drop/Add deadline (which is your 60 day grace period).

If you are a J-1 student, please contact The VISA Office with questions related to the Waiver of Registration.

Tax Information for 2023 Filing Year

Important Tax Info: Make Sure You Get Your W-2

The W-2 is a critical document for properly filing taxes. Every year between January and February, the university generates W-2 documents for individuals who have earned income from CWRU.

When your W-2 is generated, it's sent to your Permanent Address as listed in SIS.  For international students, this is often a foreign address.  

If your Permanent Address is correct, but you would prefer to have your W-2 sent to another address, for example a US address, it is necessary for you to include that address under the W-2 Override option in SIS no later than December 15. Using the W-2 Override function will maintain the integrity of your Permanent Address information and ensure that you receive your W-2 at the different, preferred address.

See more W-2 information here: https://case.edu/controller/payroll

Please contact Payroll if you have questions about receiving your W-2.

OPT & STEM OPT Students- Follow These Simple Steps for Reporting Updates

Reporting related to your personal contact and employment information is a critical part of maintaining status while authorized for OPT or STEM OPT. Our website has instructions for you to follow to ensure that both the VISA Office and the U.S. Government receive the required information . You will find detailed instructions on reporting requirements here.

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