From: VISA Office
Date: November 29, 2023
Subject: VISA News: Important Tax Info, Off-Campus Housing Information Session, Gingerbread House Contest and MORE

November 29, 2023

In this issue:

Off-Campus Housing Information Session Tomorrow
End of Semester Reminders
We're Here to Help
OPT Workshops
Important Tax Info: Make Sure You Get Your W-2
Nominate Your Outstanding Mentors and Teachers for Awards
WISER's Gingerbread House Contest
Trans Allyship 101 Training
Discounted Tickets to Cleveland Botanical Garden's Holiday Exhibit
Ice Skating at The Rink at Wade Oval

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.

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.

Off-Campus Housing Information Session Tomorrow

Do you have questions about living off campus? Case Western Reserve University students are invited to an information session about off-campus housing Thursday, Nov. 30, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. via Google Meet.

This session will include an overview of options for students living on campus who are thinking about moving off campus, and those who already live off campus and want to ask questions.

To request the Google Meet link, email offcampushousing@case.edu.

keep calm the semester is about to end meme

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.

Learn about University Health and Counseling Services' Timely Care and Other Wellness Offerings

Support Resources

The Dean of Students Office and the Case Western Reserve University community are committed to helping students overcome challenges during their academic careers. A website has been developed to host a variety of resources and services, including information about various food pantries for students who are facing food insecurity.

OPT Workshops

We are having one more OPT workshop for this semester. Join us!

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

December 13:https://cwru.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XMCF6x0cRu2whF6Onf_JwA

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

Every year, ALL individuals in F and J status must file taxes- including spouses-- even if they haven't earned any income!

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.

Campus Happenings

WISER Gingerbread House Competition

Will you win the gingerbread house competition? In their last General Body meeting of the year, join Women in Science and Engineering Roundtable (WISER) one more time for fun gingerbread house-making. Enjoy crafting with your peers with a nice Christmas movie to end the year on a good note.

The event will be held on Thursday, November 30 from 5:00-6:30pm in the Mather Center (TVUC 248).

Click here for more information:
https://community.case.edu/WISER/rsvp_boot?id=2251949

Trans Allyship 101 Training

The LGBT Center at Case Western Reserve University will host a Trans Allyship 101 training session Thursday, Dec. 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Tinkham Veale University Center first-floor conference room.

This training goes in-depth on the topics of transgender identity and allyship. Common myths about trans adults and trans children will be busted and advice on how to be a trans-inclusive ally will be shared.

Other Opportunities

Get Discounted Tickets to the Cleveland Botanical Garden’s Holiday Exhibit

The Alumni Association is offering members of the Case Western Reserve University community discounted tickets to the Cleveland Botanical Garden‘s holiday exhibit “Frost: An Ice-Capped Garden Experience.”

This exhibit allows guests to immerse themselves in a winter wonderland (both indoor and outdoor) with ice arches, dazzling light installations, sounds of the season and a magical wintery experience.

Through The Alumni Association, tickets cost $15. Tickets will be valid anytime before Dec. 30.

Purchase tickets.

Ice Skating at The Rink at Wade Oval

Try ice skating this winter right in the CWRU neighborhood! The Rink at Wade Oval opens December 1st.

See this link for more information:

https://www.universitycircle.org/events/2023/12/01/the-rink-at-wade-oval

Discover more winter events in Univeristy Circle by visiting the University Circle, Inc. website here.

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.