OIS is in Keefe 219 right across from the Class and Access Resource Center!

To schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with the OIS, visit calendly.com/ois-bliss. 

OIS drop-in hours (no appointment needed) in Keefe 219 when classes are in session:

Are you planning to use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) to work at an internship in the U.S. this summer? Check out the OIS's CPT information page or visit an upcoming CPT workshop to learn who is eligible for CPT and how to apply for CPT. 

Are you planning to use Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work in the U.S. this summer?  Apply ASAP!

There are lots of ways to learn more about applying for OPT.  Check out the OIS's OPT information page for more information and application instructions; or drop in for one of our OPT workshops to learn more and have your questions answered.

As of 4/22/23, the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum suspended its operations, and all immigrant and diversity visa interviews are canceled until further notice. Nonimmigrant visa applicants may apply in any county in which they are physically present and where there are appointments available.

DOS has published a notice in the Federal Register of Special Student Relief for eligible Ukrainian students in the United States on J-1 visas. This action was effective on 8/18/22, and will remain in effect until 10/23/23, unless the U.S. government unilaterally ends the arrangement early or the U.S. government and the government of Ukraine together extend its termination date. DOS will publish a document in the Federal Register if the termination date is changed.

The Department of State is making administrative changes to the regulations to include providing sponsors two new options: using digital signature software to sign Certificates of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status (DS-2019s) and electronically transmitting Forms DS-2019. The final rule was published in the Federal Register on March 28, 2023, and went into effect April 27, 2023.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify that, effective immediately, USCIS will accept the self-identified gender marker for individuals requesting immigration benefits. The gender marker they select does not need to match the gender marker indicated on their supporting documentation.

The update also clarifies that people requesting benefits do not need to submit proof of their gender identity when submitting a request to change their gender marker, except for those submitting Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document. The guidance in this Policy Manual section does not currently apply to Form N-565, and individuals submitting this form must continue to follow the form instructions. 

Currently, the only gender markers available are “Male” (M) or “Female” (F). The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is working on options to include an additional gender marker (“X”) for another or unspecified gender identity. USCIS will update its forms and the Policy Manual accordingly.

8B Education Investments has announced a new loan program for African students admitted to institutions or already studying in the US. In a first-of-its-kind partnership, 8B has partnered with Nelnet Bank (Member FDIC) to expand their fair loan program to new and continuing African students attending over 400 schools across the United States. With $30 million available for African students, 8B is currently taking applications from graduate and undergraduate students for Summer and Fall 2023 at www.8b.africa. As background, 8B is a social impact fintech that connects high-potential African students with fair loans to study in global universities. 8B was invited to make a commitment at the September 2022 meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative. The mission of 8B is to enable African brilliance to have a global impact, and has been featured in CNN International, Bloomberg, & Forbes.