WEEKLY UPDATE – April 21

This week's newsletter includes information about spring 2025 graduation as well as Optional Practical Training (OPT) reminders for students completing their programs. As always, if you have any general questions, you can contact our office by chat, phone, or email. If you have specific immigration questions, you can email ISSS or make an appointment with your ISSS adviser. 

Congratulations to the upcoming spring 2025 grads! This is a reminder that graduating from your program is a separate process from attending commencement. Visit the Graduation Center for information on how to apply to graduate, participate in commencement, and receive your diploma. Commencement ceremonies will be held in person from May 15–17 at St. Ignatius Church. Note that all ceremonies will be streamed virtually on USF's website and YouTube. For additional information, please review the Spring 2025 Commencement Information web page »

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an off-campus work benefit for F-1 visa holders. The OPT application process is detailed, and for this reason, ISSS requires that students complete the OPT Canvas course before applying. It is important to know that the process for applying for OPT can take 3-4 months, and students should plan ahead to use this work authorization benefit. Students who have questions after completing the OPT Canvas course are welcome to attend an OPT Drop-In Advising session to get help with general questions about the application process, choosing OPT start and end dates, and travel during OPT. Students have 90 days before and 60 days after their program end date to submit their application to USCIS once they have their OPT I-20 issued by ISSS. 

Looking for a job? GoinGlobal is an online platform designed to help international students navigate the complexities of the global job market. It has a rich database of job and internship opportunities around the world, including job application procedures and visa requirements. In addition, it features a collection of country-specific career guides providing information on job search strategies, resume writing, and interviewing techniques specific to individual countries, preparing students for the unique cultural and professional expectations of different regions worldwide. An H1B Plus database is also available, which provides listings of American employers seeking to hire international talent in the United States.

Access GoinGlobal here » 

Note: Students must be logged in to myUSF in order to access GoinGlobal.

Don't forget to complete the Graduating International Student Survey by Friday, April 25!

Wednesday, April 23 | 3:30–5:30 p.m. Fromm Hall 115

The USF Center for Asia Pacific Studies and Fromm Institute invite you to a screening of Didi. In 2008, during the last month of summer before high school begins, an impressionable 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy learns what his family can’t teach him: how to skate, how to flirt, and how to love your mom. This event is open to all USF community members.

Register Now »

Saturday, April 26 | 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 101 Howard St

This event will highlight the systemic challenges Black migrants encounter — while also celebrating their resilience, contributions, and aspirations. Through insightful panel discussions, personal testimonies, and collaborative workshops, they’ll explore strategies to foster inclusion, ensure access to essential services, and build sustainable support networks. This event is open to all USF community members.

Register Now »

Various Events Throughout April

Join USF in celebrating Earth Month 2025 with the Office of Sustainability! Featuring several events throughout the month of April, the theme "Our Power, Our Planet," emphasizes the collective responsibility we all share in transitioning to renewable energy sources and creating a sustainable future. These events are open to all USF community members.

Learn More »

Tuesday, April 29 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
McLaren Complex 250

The Office of Sustainability is hosting the thrift pop-up again this spring, so come by for zero-cost shopping! Bring any unwanted clothing and accessories to exchange, and shop from your peers! Avoid fast fashion, prevent waste, and give your gently used garments a new home. Also, join the Center for Asia Pacific Studies for a 21% Party, a special community clothing exchange during the pop-up from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is open to all USF community members.

The Wellness Check is a confidential assessment tool that can help you figure out different areas you can improve to achieve whole-body health and wellness. After you take the Wellness Check, you can schedule a wellness coaching appointment.

During the new presidential administration, ISSS is monitoring and communicating immigration updates that may affect our international students. Visit our International Student Support web page for updates and resources.

If you are requesting an immigration document or letter from our office, remember that we request ten business days to process requests. Make sure you plan accordingly so you have enough time to receive your document before you need it. All ISSS requests should be submitted through the MyISSS student portal (log into your MyISSS account, go to Requests & Documents, and select the appropriate icon on the right side of the page). You can view our MyISSS Student Handbook for assistance with your submission.

Click the Chat with ISSS button on the bottom, right corner of any ISSS web page, and the ISSS team can assist you with your inquiry.

Appointments can be made online. Appointments are booked in 20-minute increments.

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