Dear international students and visiting scholars,

 Today the federal government published a proposed rule change that could significantly impact how you and your family on F or J visas maintain  your legal status in the United States. The rule is currently in the proposal stage, and the public may comment on the rule in the next 30 days. The rule could be finalized, with or without changes, after the comment period.

 The proposed rule would change how F and J visa holders are admitted to the United States. Currently when you travel to the U.S., the immigration  officer does not define how long you are allowed to stay on your F or J visa. Instead, you are admitted for a period of Duration of Status (D/S), which means you may stay as long as needed to complete your program, provided you follow the rules for your visa, including updating your I-20 or DS-2019 forms to reflect program changes. The new rule would change this practice, by only allowing F and J visa holders to stay in the U.S. for a defined period of time, plus a grace period.  

 Under the proposed rule, if you cannot finish your program within your approved period of stay, you must apply for an extension of status  from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.  This proposed rule also carries a number of related changes to F and J regulations, many of which impact how F and J visa holders apply for and receive immigration benefits. 

 While we know that this proposed change may cause alarm, please know that ISSS is working to fully understand the details of this rule, and  how we can best support you. ISSS will provide more detailed information about the proposed rule changes at Friday’s Stay Informed! International Student and Scholar Meeting, October 2 at 12 pm. The meeting will be recorded for those who cannot watch live. We will also provide more detailed information through future written communication. 

 We know that recent years have been extremely difficult for international students related to immigration and tolerance in the U.S. Please know you are a vital part of the UConn community, and while the changes proposed in the rule do not change your ability to study and work in the U.S., we are concerned that the rule would create additional hurdles to achieving your academic goals. ISSS will update you on actions taken by the University in response to this rule.

We have heard from some international students that they are not sure where they can study on-campus, or perhaps they need an on-campus space to participate in their online class, because it directly follows an in-person class.  There are now two ways to reserve study space on-campus in academic buildings or in the library.

All Campuses: Reserve Space in Academic Buildings

Check out this information and video on reserving availalble study spaces in Academic buildings through Nexus.

https://nexus.uconn.edu/secure_per/reservations/study_space.php

 

Storrs Campus: Reserve a Seat in the Homer Babbidge Library

Students can use this link to reserve space at the Homer Babbidge Library in Storrs.

https://lib.uconn.edu/services/reserve-a-seat/

For more information, contact: ISSS at international@uconn.edu

As we move further into fall semester, it’s so important to try and stay connected to what is happening in our UConn community.

ISSS wants to remind you that the UKindness website is a central resource for everything happening on campus and virtually, as well as tips for staying well during this time. Check in with the event coordinator if you have any questinos about how to participate!

https://kindness.studentaffairs.uconn.edu/

For more information, contact: UKindness at connected@uconn.edu

Dear F-1 students,

This Fall, ISSS is asking that all F-1 students who are applying for Optional Practical Training or Curricular Practical Training attend a practical training workshop before you submit your application to ISSS. This policy is in effect for all students who submit practical training applications during Fall 2020 semester, and may continue into the future, if successful. 

ISSS will offer a series of virtual workshops to help you learn more about the practical training options for F-1 students, and to help you meet this new requirement. You must attend the entire workshop to gain credit for attending that workshop. 

When you apply for OPT or CPT, we will check to see if you have recently attended a workshop on the topic. If you have not, then we will ask you to attend a workshop before we will process your application.

ISSS offers the following three practical training workshops. Be sure to attend the workshop relevant to your application:

Post-Completion OPT Workshop– for F-1 students who will soon graduate and apply for Optional Practical Training work authorization to work in the U.S. after graduation, or in the final stages of your thesis/dissertation.  

CPT and Pre-Completion OPT Workshop – For F-1 students who want to work or intern off-campus while you are still an active student, or who are enrolled in degree programs with clinical placements or other practical training at off-campus locations (paid or unpaid). 

STEM OPT Extension Workshop – for F-1 students who are already on post-completion OPT, and who are preparing to submit an application for STEM OPT Extension. Currently enrolled students who are in STEM majors should attend the regular Post-Completion OPT Workshop for their initial OPT application. 

Students who are not yet ready to apply for practical training may also attend the workshops of their choice, if they are interested to learn more about options for future planning. 

Find a Workshop:

• Visit the ISSS Events Calendar to find a workshop information and a virtual event link. 
• Workshops that list a specific campus in the event name are intended for students who attend that campus (the workshop information may be customized to the academic programs offered at that campus). Workshops that do not include a campus name in the workshop title will provide general information, not customized to a specific program.
  
• Law School practical training workshops are still being scheduled, and ISSS will announce those dates separately.
  

Thank you and please let us know if you have any questions.