From: VISA Office
Date: October 16
Subject: VISA News: Fall Break, CPT & OPT Workshops, Halloween Party, Diwali Celebration and MORE


VISA Office Information

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

We have virtual chat advising available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 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.

 

Fall Break Is October 21 - 22

During Fall Break, the VISA Office will be open regular business hours!

If you are travelling outside the US, remember to check your I-20 or DS-2019 for a valid travel signature.  If you need a new travel signature, go to our website https://case.edu/visa/forms-and-resources/student-forms-and-resources and scroll down to "reprint or travel signature request."

Airport Shuttle Available ahead of Fall Break

A shuttle with service to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport from the Case Western Reserve University campus will operate Oct. 18–19 for fall break.

See The Daily for more information: https://thedaily.case.edu/heading-out-of-town-for-fall-break-airport-shuttle-available-oct-18-19/?utm_source=sfmc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=thedaily_studentlife

OPT & CPT Workshops

The VISA Office offers Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Workshops to discuss the application process, student responsibilities, and other important considerations.

It is important to be well informed before you apply. It is also important to apply early!

You must complete an OPT workshop before beginning the OPT application process.  We strongly recommend that you attend a workshop as early as possible if you plan to apply for OPT this semester, as it takes several months to process. You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT.

CPT is for currently enrolled students.  You must have a job offer before applying for CPT, and you may not begin work until you have CPT authorization in place, which can take 2-3 weeks to process. You must attend a CPT workshop or view the recording of the CPT workshop  before beginning the CPT authorization process.


Please sign up for a workshop-- You can sign up below!

CPT Workshops

You can watch a recording of the CPT Workshop online here or you can register to attend our last live Zoom session for this semester.

Please click on the session below to register and access the Zoom link:

Wednesday, November 13, 9:00 am - 10:30 am: Webinar Registration - Zoom

OPT Workshops

A recorded OPT workshop is available for viewing here.  Please click on a session below to register and access the Zoom link for a live session:

Thursday, October 24, 9:00 am - 11:30 am: Webinar Registration - Zoom
Tuesday, November 5, 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm: Webinar Registration - Zoom
Thursday, November 21, 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm: Webinar Registration - Zoom
Wednesday, December 4, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm: Webinar Registration - Zoom
Friday, December 13, 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm: Webinar Registration - Zoom

opt wordle

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.

Marijuana Use Is Prohibited by Federal Law

We want to remind our international community that, while marijuana has been decriminalized in Ohio, its use remains prohibited under federal law and CWRU policy. Use of marijuana by international students, faculty, staff, and scholars could jeopardize their immigration status. 

Please review current CWRU policies at https://case.edu/provost/issue-2-and-cwrus-policies-marijuana-campus and https://case.edu/studentlife/healthcounseling/student-wellnessalcohol-and-drugs/marijuana. 

Reminder: Check with the VISA Office before Dropping a Class

We also wish to remind international students that they must be fully enrolled in classes at CWRU to maintain F-1 or J-1 student visa status. If you drop below full-time without permission from our office, you risk termination of your visa status. If you wish to drop a class, please consult with a VISA Advisor first!

OISRE Updates

OISRE Office Information

The Office of International Student Resources & Engagement (OISRE) helps international students adapt to life in the US. They offer support services and plan events for international students and the campus community.

OISRE is open Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. They also have drop-in hours on Thursdays from 11 am to 1 pm in Tomlinson Hall, Room 143.

You can reach them at international@case.edu or call 216-368-2517.

Check their website for events. If you see an activity of interest, click on the link and pre-register in CampusGroups so they can get an accurate headcount for shuttles, etc.

Financial Wellness Workshops and Info

Join us in shedding light on this important topic which may help improve the resources available to international students like you!

PNC offers several excellent resources to help you reach your financial goals for the 2024-2025 school year.

PNC offers a wide range of financial ed webinars throughout the school year; view free financial webinars at 2024 Full Webinar Calendar.

Let's Celebrate Halloween - October 31

The Office of International Student Resources & Engagement (OISRE) is hosting a Halloween party for all CWRU students on October 31 from 12-2 pm in Tomlinson Hall. Register at https://community.case.edu/ISRE/rsvp_boot?id=2257784. 

Come carve pumpkins with your friends, enjoy some delicious food, and show off your best costume. We’ll be having a costume contest with awesome prizes!

 

Diwali Celebration - Nov. 8

Celebrate the vibrant and joyous occasion of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with an evening filled with cultural splendor, festive traditions, and communal unity. This event will kick off with the traditional lighting of oil lamps (diyas), symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, followed by mesmerizing performances showcasing classical music and dance that bring to life the rich heritage of Diwali. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere as you explore with various performances, ethnic attire, and jewelry, while savoring delicious Indian cuisine and sweets from food stalls. This event invites everyone, regardless of background, to join in the festivities, wear traditional attire, and experience the warmth, joy, and togetherness that Diwali brings.  Registration starts today.  Hosted by the Graduate Indian Student Association (SATRANG) and Graduate Student Council.  Tickets are $10. 

Register here: https://community.case.edu/satrang/rsvp_boot?id=2261533

Other Opportunities

Global Career Fair - November 1

The Summit County Welcoming Workforce is hosting a Global Career Fair in Cuyahoga Falls on Friday, November 1st.

When: Friday, November 1, 11:00 am - 2 pm
Where: The Natatorium, 2345 4th Street, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 

Register on HandShake: https://joinhandshake.com/

US Visa Webinar Series by GoinGlobal

GoinGlobal is presenting their U.S. Visa Webinar Series with award winning immigration attorneys, Mark Rhoads and Crystal Malik. 

A key benefit to joining them for one of these webinars is that attendees are eligible to receive complimentary U.S. work visa consultation services (including H1B, OPT, green card processing, etc.). Details for connecting with Mark and Crystal for these counseling services will be provided at the end of each webinar.
See their Webinars page for details. 

Get the Real Facts On U.S. Work Visas

THU, October 24 @ 3:00 pm Eastern / 12:00 pm Pacific

Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3912512512716057439
 

F-1 Student Work Visa Strategies: What’s Required for OPT, CPT & STEM Extensions

WED, November 20 @ 3:00 pm Eastern / 12:00 pm Pacific

Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8128586550889182813

 

H1B Visa Process: Time Sensitive Insights from the Experts

THU, December 12 @3:00 pm Eastern / 12:00 pm Pacific

Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3524778533275073621

If you  would like to promote your event or opportunity through VISA News, please make a complete submission (including flyers, images, details, etc.) for consideration by noon on Monday to visa@case.edu. The VISA Office cannot guarantee that all submissions will appear in the newsletter, as space is limited, but staff will review all timely submissions for consideration.