SEVP Guidance for Spring 2021

I wrote in December about the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) announcement that the Student and Exchange Visitor Program’s (SEVP) would continue to apply its fall 2020 federal guidance through spring 2021. As a result, international students will be able to engage in distance learning that exceeds existing regulatory limits in light of the pandemic’s ongoing public health risks and safety concerns. 

ISS’ Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates website now includes information about Spring 2021 SEVP Guidance.  Please take your time when reading this information and pay particular attention to how the status of your SEVIS record in Spring 2020, when the COVID-10 guidance was released, determines your options for maintaining status in Spring 2021.

We understand that this information is complicated and can affect students’ academic plans.  We also acknowledge that students may need assistance in evaluating their individual circumstances for maintaining status.  ISS is here to help.  Email your questions to international@case.edu and we will do our best to support you.

We hope you are enjoying a restful winter break and look forward to supporting you in 2021!

Best Regards,

Marielena Maggio, M.A.
Director, International Student Services, PDSO & ARO

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. Instead, please complete this survey by February 5.

Thank you for your attention and cooperation!

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.

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!

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!

New Virtual Mental Health Option for CWRU Students—Wherever They Are

CWRU has announced a new initiative to help ensure that students living outside of Ohio can access mental health care during these trying times called CWRU Care. CWRU Care is a 24/7 mental telehealth care service that undergraduate, graduate and professional students can access from wherever they are.

For more information about the program or to make an appointment, please visit cwru.care.

Need a Fresh Travel Signature?

If you need a travel signature, don't panic! You can request a travel signature using our electronic form here.

Read more about what to do on our Travel and Reentry pages for F-1 and J-1 students.

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 2, 1.30pm EST – Register here
• 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

6 Tips for Winter Driving in Northeast Ohio

Beware of Scams

Local Emergency Food Assistance

Emergency food assistance will be available for students in a pick-up and go format.

Food boxes for current undergraduate and graduate students will be provided by Church of the Covenant thanks in partnership with the UDC student organization UPCaM and the Office of Thwing Center Engagement and Operations. 

To arrange for a box of nonperishable food items or refer a student in need please contact Shelley Nelson-Bridger (san57@case.edu).  

H-1B Visa Workshop for International Students

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

January Study Abroad Friday Forums

CWRU students are encouraged to use their J-Term to start exploring study abroad opportunities for next year through virtual Study Abroad Friday Forums every week at 1 pm!

They start January 8 with a session on deciding where to go, and on January 15, students can discover resources for navigating their identity abroad.

January 22 will feature a conversation with the Case School of Engineering’s Peer Advisors about how they made their study abroad experiences happen and January 29 is all about the career benefits of studying abroad led by an alumni panel!

Students can find the link to join each Friday Forum on the Study Abroad CampusGroups page: http://cglink.me/r899485. And make sure to follow CWRUStudyAbroad on Facebook and Instagram so you don’t miss out on any events or student stories!

Winter Programming and Information

Although much of the Case Western Reserve University student community will be finishing the semester remotely, the university will still be providing events, activities, support resources, dining options and some facility access to students who are staying on/nearby campus for all or part of the winter break.

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.

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!

Cleveland Metroparks Trail Challenge 2021

Welcome to the 2021 Trail Challenge, a guest led program where you discover new trails throughout Cleveland Metroparks on your own, move to better health, discover the wonders of nature, and earn awards along the way!