USF International Student and Scholar Services

WEEKLY UPDATE – Nov. 27

End-of-Semester Reminders

As you wrap up your fall courses, our office wants to share a few end-of-semester reminders. As always, please email our office with any questions or concerns. Wishing you the best of luck as you prepare for your final exams!

Program End Dates

A reminder that all F-1 students are responsible for completing their program on time. Failure to complete your studies at USF before your I-20 program end date is considered a violation of your F-1 student status. If you will not be able to complete your degree requirements by the program end date on your I-20, please make an appointment with your ISSS adviser to discuss your eligibility for an extension of your stay in the U.S. If you are eligible for an extension of your program, your request must be submitted at least ten business days prior to your I-20 program end date. Note that MyISSS is currently being upgraded and you can make your request starting Nov. 29. View additional information »

Please note that the program end date listed on your I-20 also signifies the end of any student employment positions on campus.

Students seated inside University Center

OPT Reminders

If you are an F-1 student graduating in fall 2023, you may want to consider applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is a 12-month work authorization benefit that allows students to work in the U.S. in a job related to their field of study. Students can apply as early as 90 days before their program end date. Students are encouraged to apply early, as doing so allows for more flexibility in choosing work start dates. Before you can apply for OPT, you must attend an OPT workshop. Visit the OPT web page to register for an online workshop.

Reminder: Students on OPT are eligible to purchase the USF student health plan per semester for up to one academic year. To determine eligibility, please submit a request to voluntarily purchase the USF student health plan. The form will be active on Thursday, Nov. 30. For questions, contact Health Promotion Services.

A student going through exam preparation material

Academic Skills Workshop: Preparing for Finals

The Learning Center invites you to attend the academic skills coaching workshop Preparing for Finals to get ready for the upcoming final exams. The following topics will be discussed: structured study time, finding focus and academic mindsets, and test-taking and exam preparation strategies.

Join the workshop on Tuesday, Nov. 28, from 11:50 a.m.–12:40 p.m. PST and on Wednesday, Nov. 29 from 5:30–6:30 p.m. PST on Zoom »

Get Focused: Study Hour

Looking for a cozy spot to dive into your studies? Join Intercultural Center where you can focus on your study while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere. You are invited to study every Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at UC 411/412! Feel free to bring your books, grab a seat, and make this space your own.

World AIDS Day at USF

HPS will be organizing the World AIDS Day 35: Remember and Commit event on Dec. 1 from 12 to 2 p.m. at Gleeson Plaza. Free red ribbons will be available. UCSF Alliance Health Project will also be there to provide HIV testing and other testing with their mobile testing van on campus.

Travel Signature Days

For students who are traveling during the winter holiday, ISSS will be holding Travel Signature Days between Dec. 6–11, during which any submitted travel signature requests will be processed by Dec. 15.

ISSS OFFICE RESOURCES

Requesting a Document from ISSS?

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 (click on requests on the left-hand menu). You can view our MyISSS Student Handbook for assistance with your submission.

Please note that MyISSS is currently being upgraded from Nov. 17–29.

Adviser Appointments and Workshops

Appointments can be made online. Please visit the ISSS website to schedule an appointment. Appointments are still booked in 15-minute increments. To schedule a workshop, select workshops from the first menu option in our scheduler. Students must complete an OPT workshop before applying for OPT.

Connect with ISSS through Instagram »

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