From: VISA Office
Date: November 13
Subject: VISA News: Thanksgiving, End of Semester Reminders, International Education Week, and MORE


ISS news header

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.

Thanksgiving Holiday Closure

The University will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29.  VISA Office staff will be unavailable on those days.  Please plan accordingly for this break if you need assistance from the VISA Office.

Normal business hours will resume on Monday, December 2.

If you have an emergency while the university is closed, please follow this protocol:
For life-threatening emergencies:  On-campus: CWRU Division of Public Safety: 216-368-3333
Off-campus: 911
For immigration-related emergencies, call CWRU Division of Public Safety: 216-368-3300.

Other Thanksgiving News

Airport Shuttle
An Airport Shuttle to Cleveland-Hopkins Airport will be available ahead of Thanksgiving.  See details in The Daily: https://thedaily.case.edu/shuttle-service-to-cleveland-hopkins-international-airport-available-ahead-of-thanksgiving/?utm_source=sfmc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=thedaily_studentlife

Staying on Campus over Thanksgiving?
Keep an eye on The Daily for information about staying on campus during break.  Dining halls will be closed, but some places will have Thanksgiving meals.  CWRU will host a Thanksgiving Celebration on Nov. 28: https://case.edu/studentlife/news/go/celebrate-thanksgiving-cwru

 

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 the program end date on 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.

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 CPT presentation online before beginning the CPT authorization process. 

You can view the CPT presentation online here.

OPT Workshops

You can view the OPT presentation online here.  Please click on a session below to register and access the Zoom link for a live session:

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

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.

International Education Week

Next week is International Education Week! International Education Week (IEW) celebrates the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. It is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of State.  This year’s theme is “Explore".  Explore study abroad, exchange programs, fields of study, languages and cultures, and all the opportunities international education offers.  

Please see below for a list of activities in celebration of IEW!

Events for International Education Week

Monday, November 18 – A World of Coffee at CWRU
Join us for international coffee-tasting stations across CWRU dining halls! Sample delicious coffees from Guatemala, Brazil, Ethiopia, Bolivia, Mexico, Peru, Sumatra, and Colombia. Faculty and staff are welcome to purchase these international flavors at the BRB, Cafe on the Quad, Elephant Step Inn, and HEC Kitchen. Solstice Roasters will also have a free tasting station in the Tink from 11:30 am -1:00 pm.  Their coffee beans can be purchased at Med23 and discount coupons will be provided on future purchases. No registration required.

Monday, November 18 | 4 - 5 p.m. | Tomlinson Hall 135 – Faculty-Led Programs Information Session
Thinking about studying abroad and are unsure if an entire semester or summer is right for you? Eager to spend time abroad learning about one subject intensively with CWRU faculty and peers? Faculty-led, short-term study abroad programs are tied to fall, spring or summer terms and travel abroad during designated break times (winter break, spring break and summer break). Courses are offered all over the world, and from every school and college at CWRU. Hear what your options are for this and next year at this information session and learn how to start your journey abroad today! Open to undergraduate and graduate students. Register here: https://community.case.edu/StudyAbroad/rsvp_boot?id=2262641

Tuesday, November 19 | 12:30 - 2 p.m. | Tomlinson Hall Lobby – International Information Fair
Explore global opportunities at the International Information Fair! Connect with the Peace Corps, the Office of Education Abroad, International Fellowships, Global Cleveland, and the VISA Office to learn about study abroad, volunteering, and international resources. Register here: https://community.case.edu/ISRE/rsvp_boot?id=2262390

Wednesday, November 20 | 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. | Eldred Auditorium – Culture Talk (This event is hosted in collaboration with the Office of Multicultural Affairs)
Join us for Culture Talk, where international students from Spain, Nigeria, Brazil, and India share insights on cultural aspects, education systems, gender roles, and more. Each group will present, followed by a Q&A session. Bring your lunch and enjoy this engaging event open to all CWRU students, staff, and faculty. Register here: https://community.case.edu/ISRE/rsvp_boot?id=2262388

Wednesday, November 20 | 6 - 7 p.m. – Being You Abroad (This event is hosted in collaboration with the LGBT Center & Office of Multicultural Affairs)
Interested or already planning to study abroad as a first-generation, LGBTQ+ and/or multicultural student? Join us for Being You Abroad, where you’ll hear firsthand from study abroad alumni on how their identities impacted their study abroad experiences around the globe. Open to undergraduate and graduate students for all study abroad programs. Dinner provided. Register here: https://community.case.edu/StudyAbroad/rsvp_boot?id=2262642

Thursday, November 21 | 4 - 6 p.m. | Thwing Ballroom – Friendsgiving: The Power of Gratitude Across Cultures
Participate in an insightful session led by consultant Catherine Holloway, exploring how different cultures express gratitude. Join us for an engaging discussion on the power of gratitude across cultures. A traditional Thanksgiving meal and vegetarian option will be provided. Register here: https://community.case.edu/ISRE/rsvp_boot?id=2262391

Friday, November 22 | 12:30 - 1:15 p.m. | Tomlinson Hal 135 – All About Study Abroad Panel & Information Session
You already know that 1 in 3 CWRU students study abroad, but you may have no idea where to start. Join us for a student panel of study abroad alumni and info session to learn about all about the study abroad options at CWRU and hear about students’ experiences abroad! This student panel & info session will give a high level overview of the different types of study abroad programs, their costs, benefits, and more in bite-sized pieces. Register here: https://community.case.edu/StudyAbroad/rsvp_boot?id=2262643

Friday, November 22 | 7 p.m. & 10 p.m. | Strosacker Auditorium – International Movie Night (This event is hosted in collaboration with the CWRU Film Society)
Enjoy International Movie Night featuring Anatomy of a Fall! Register here: https://community.case.edu/cwrufs/rsvp_boot?id=2262181

Tuesday, November 26 | 12 - 1 p.m. | Online Event – An Introduction to CorpsAfrica
Learn about CorpsAfrica, a volunteer organization empowering young Africans to drive sustainable development in their communities. Led by Founder Liz Fanning, this session will highlight how local volunteers create impactful projects in health, education, and economic development. Open to all students, staff, and faculty. Register here: https://community.case.edu/ISRE/rsvp_boot?id=2262393

Financial Wellness Workshops

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 education webinars throughout the school year; view free financial webinars on their 2024 Full Webinar Calendar.

Healthy Food Giveaway

November 18th to 22nd is Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. University Health & Counseling Services (UH&CS) and Dean of Students (DoS) are working together to bring awareness of resources and support regarding housing and food security concerns for our campus community. 

A healthy food giveaway, where students can come and make their own fruit bowl or enjoy a veggie tray with pita and dip.

Please see below for more information about Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week and resources.

Click here for the Basic Needs Resource list

Click here for on-campus supports

If you want to learn more and get free snacks, stop by. Registration is not required but will serve as a reminder for the event as food is first come, first served.

Date: November 19th
Time: 11am to 1pm
Location: Thwing Atrium
Hosts: UH&CS and Dean of Students Office
Register by clicking 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.