From: VISA Office
Date: September 16, 2020
Subject: ISS News, September 16, 2020: Digital I-20s, Flu Shots, USCIS Fees Increase on October 2, Good Vibes, OPT & CPT Workshops, Virtual Fairs, & More!


IS

September 16, 2020

____________________________________________________________________

in this issue:

  1. OPT & CPT Workshops
  2. USCIS Fee Increases Effective October 2, 2020
  3. BMV Reopens
  4. Applying for the SSN While Social Security Office are Closed
  5. Features
  6. Campus Happenings
  7. Good Vibes Only
  8. New Electronic Employment Verification Process to Request On-Campus Employment
  9. Digital I-20s are Available

____________________________________________________________________

ISS Staff is available to students, without an appointment, on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday during advising hours:

11am to 3pm- through virtual advising available online

There are no advising hours on Wednesday.

____________________________________________________________________

If you need to speak with an advisor outside of our advising hours, please send an email to international@case.edu to schedule an appointment. Please provide your full, legal name and a brief description of the nature of your appointment when you contact us.

opt and cpt workshop branding telling students to complete a workshop

OPT & CPT Workshops

ISS offers Optional Practical Training (OPT) and CPT Workshops to go over in detail the application process, student responsibilities, and other important considerations.  

Being well informed before applying for either authorization is extremely important and applying early is critical!

USCIS is publishing that it takes 4-6 months to process submitted OPT applications. Plan to complete a required OPT workshop as early as possible to be best prepared. Remember, you do not need to have a job offer to apply for OPT!

You do need to have a job offer before applying for CPT authorization and you are not eligible to begin your experience until you have proper authorization in place.  It can take several days to become authorized.

For more information about OPT and CPT workshops other details about these authorizations, visit our website. Please be sure to very carefully read all of the information there.

ISS is still developing virtual workshops that will be led by an ISS staff member.  When these options are available we will let students know through ISSNews.

work spelled out on dice

New Electronic Employment Verification Process to Request On-Campus Employment

ISS has transitioned to a paperless process through which students can submit their on-campus Employment Verification requests and receive completed materials through Terra Dotta.

Simply follow the instructions on the Employment Verification form and an advisor will review your submission within 5-7 business days. When your materials have been processed, you will receive an email with instructions about how to access them within Terra Dotta.

Remember, Employment Verification serves as your authorization to work on-campus. You must complete this process with ISS to properly maintain status and then submit forms to the Office of Student Employment. If needed, this form will also serve as proof of employment verification that you will present to the Social Security Administration. If you are paid through the Graduate Payroll, as a Research or Teaching Assistant, for example, you only need to complete the Employment Verification Form if you need a Social Security Number (SSN). No other paperwork is needed from our office.

Please contact ISS if you have additional questions.

filing cabinet coming out of computer screen to represent a digital file

Digital I-20s are Available

ISS offers the option of electronic I-20s whenever a new one needs to be issued to you. After it is created, this I-20 will be immediately available and accessible anywhere, anytime through your Terra Dotta (visas.case.edu) account.

Students will still have the option to request a physical document to receive through either FedEx or a pick-up/drop-off appointment (Please remember that these appointments are not for advising purposes.) if they would prefer that.

uscis logo

USCIS Fee Increases

Effective October 2, 2020

USCIS published a final rule on August 3, 2020, which will go into effect on October 2, 2020.  Any petition postmarked on or after October 2, 2020 must include the fees as listed in this new rule.

OPT and STEM OPT petitions (Form I-765) will increase in cost from $410 to $550.  If you do not submit the appropriate fee at the time you apply, your application will not be processed and you will experience delays in receiving your authorization.  Please plan to apply early to avoid the fee increase and so that you receive your authorization sooner rather than later.

Several other petitions are being affected by this rule and more complete information can be found in Table 1 of the Federal Register.

bmv offices reopen
get in line online for BMV
ssa logo

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:
  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.

Features

study abroad north star experiences flyer

Explore Study Abroad’s North Star Experiences

The Office of Education Abroad is offering three North Star experiences for students to expand their global and intercultural learning virtually. The topics include digital storytelling, exploring global learning, and exploring intercultural knowledge and competence.

These experiences offer students opportunities to engage in virtual research and fieldwork, to cultivate a more understanding and empathetic community, and to think critically about one's own identity, perspectives, ethics, and community.

Each experience runs for three weeks and they all start this semester. Find out more on the Study Abroad CampusGroups page.

CLE Bucket List Flyer
scholarship flyer for study abroad

Study Abroad Scholarships Available for 2021 Programs!

The Office of Education Abroad is accepting applications for Spring 2021, Summer 2021 and Fall 2021 study abroad programs - and has scholarships available for those terms!

Students are encouraged to get a jump on their plans to become successful in a global marketplace by planning for an affordable study abroad experience now!

Applications for Spring 2021 study abroad programs are due September 15 and scholarship applications for Spring 2021 are due October 1.

You can find more information here.

Connect with Study Abroad During September Friday Forums

September's Friday Forums start with why and how pre-med students can study abroad, move to an information session on the three North Star Experiences study abroad is offering, continue by exploring the world with a session on Korea and end with a celebration of Hispanic Heritage month via a student panel presentation.

EVENT

Friday Forums - Every Friday, 1pm EST

Friday, April 24 at 1:00pm
to Friday, December 4 at 1:30pm
-
Link
Add to Google Cal,Outlook,Yahoo,iCal

Every Friday at 1pm we will host an online forum about a different study abroad hot topic. Check back for topic updates! These will include but are not limited to: finding courses, programs and scholarships; specifics for diverse, LGBTQ and high financial need students; options for pre-med, research, business and engineering students; and journeys to popular world regions!
RSVP

Campus Happenings

civic engagement scholars group picture

Civic Engagement Scholars Program Enrollment


Now in its eleventh year, the Civic Engagement Scholars program, hosted by the Center for Civic Engagement & Learning (CCEL), promotes and recognizes meaningful student involvement in the community. Scholars complete at least 25 civic engagement hours in their choice of direct service, advocacy, philanthropy, political involvement, and moreover the course of the academic year. They also participate in approximately one educational program per month to enhance their understanding of these multiple forms of civic engagement and how they work together to create social change. All of the Scholars requirements (hours, educational events, and final reflection) can be completed remotely, and CCEL will serve as a resource to students in locating activities that satisfy the program components. Upon successful completion of the program, Scholars will earn a micro-credential issued by the Provost’s Office to recognize their commitment to community. Both undergraduate and graduate students of all years and majors are eligible to become Civic Engagement Scholars, and many students elect to participate in the program multiple years.

To learn more about this opportunity, its goals and requirements, visit this website.

The Scholars enrollment form, which can be found here, is due by Sunday, September 20.
flu shot sign

Get your Flu Shot

 

Faculty, staff and students are welcome to come to a free Flu Shot Clinic on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday mornings in the Veale Convocation, Recreation and Athletic Center Fieldhouse.

 

No appointments are required, but all participants need to bring their CWRU ID. In addition, wearing an outfit that allows the upper arm to be easily exposed is suggested.

 

The dates for the Flu Shot Clinics are:

Wednesday, September 16
Start End   Event         Location
8:30am 12:00pm Flu Clinic Veale Convocation, Recreation and Athletic Center Fieldhouse
Thursday, September 17
8:30am 12:00pm Flu Clinic Veale Convocation, Recreation and Athletic Center Fieldhouse
Tuesday, September 22
8:30am 12:00pm Flu Clinic Veale Convocation, Recreation and Athletic Center Fieldhouse
Wednesday, September 23
8:30am 12:00pm Flu Clinic Veale Convocation, Recreation and Athletic Center Fieldhouse
Thursday, September 24
8:30am 12:00pm Flu Clinic Veale Convocation, Recreation and Athletic Center Fieldhouse
Tuesday, September 29
8:30am 12:00pm Flu Clinic Veale Convocation, Recreation and Athletic Center Fieldhouse
Wednesday, September 30
8:30am 12:00pm Flu Clinic Veale Convocation, Recreation and Athletic Center Fieldhouse
Thursday, October 1
8:30am 12:00pm Flu Clinic Veale Convocation, Recreation and Athletic Center Fieldhouse
Tuesday, October 6
8:30am 12:00pm Flu Clinic Veale Convocation, Recreation and Athletic Center Fieldhouse
Wednesday, October 7
8:30am 12:00pm Flu Clinic Veale Convocation, Recreation and Athletic Center Fieldhouse
Thursday, October 8
8:30am 12:00pm Flu Clinic Veale Convocation, Recreation and Athletic Center Fieldhouse
Tuesday, October 13
8:30am 12:00pm Flu Clinic Veale Convocation, Recreation and Athletic Center Fieldhouse
Wednesday, October 14
8:30am 12:00pm Flu Clinic Veale Convocation, Recreation and Athletic Center Fieldhouse
Thursday, October 15
8:30am 12:00pm Flu Clinic Veale Convocation, Recreation and Athletic Center Fieldhouse

Upcoming Virtual Fairs

 

Engineering, Technology and Science Career Fair

When | Friday, Sept. 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. EDT

About | This fair will connect your organization with undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni seeking internship, practicum, co-op, or full-time positions in engineering, computer science, natural sciences and more.

Register for the Engineering, Technology and Science Career Fair in Handshake.

Culture, Community and Public Service Fair

When | Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. EDT

About | Co-hosted with the Center for Civic Engagement and Learning, this fair will connect your organization with undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni seeking careers in social sciences, law/ government, public service, art and more. 

Register for the Culture, Community and Public Service Fair in Handshake.

Good Vibes Only

During this very challenging time, ISS staff wants you to know that we are thinking about you- hoping you are safe, healthy, staying positive- and sending out good vibes!

In this section, we are including some things that we hope will make you laugh and smile, help you relax, be entertaining, give you something to do, etc.

This is a good vibes only section!

glass dragon

So Cool!