SEVP's Fall Guidance- What You Need to Know! 

All students should have received an email from ISS on July 28 with information about SEVP's guidance and how it relates to the Fall 2020 semester.  The email contained detailed information about how students are eligible to maintain status and what students can expect if maintaining status is not currently an option. This communication can be found in its entirety on our website along with other communications we have sent throughout the summer.

We know that you may have questions. We welcome you to send them to us at international@case.edu and we will do our best to provide you with answers. We will continue to monitor the guidance and communicate with you as needed throughout the semester!

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.

Beware of Scams

ISS wants to make sure that international students are aware of these scams and know how to protect themselves.  Visit our website for more information. 

Experiential Learning for Fall

If you are interested in exploring what it is like to work in a field relevant to your degree, you might qualify for the co-op or practicum program. Both programs require course enrollment in SIS and will likely require CPT. Make sure to contact the following staff before August 10 to ensure you have enough time to complete all prerequisites before August 24.

Co-op program is for all engineering and computer science students.  Contact Genine Apidone, co-op director, genine.apidone@case.edu

Students interested in Practicum should contact Brian Matthews, Assistant Director, brian.matthews@case.edu