OPT, CPT, Taxes, and more
OPT, CPT, Taxes, and more
Immigration Services
Welcome back!  This February in the OIS, we are thinking about work authorization for summer internships (CPT), working in the U.S. after graduation (OPT), preparing for tax season, and more!
Read on for resources, information, and reminders:
Please do not hesitate to send suggestions, questions, or content for consideration in future newsletters to ois@amherst.edu. 

Visit OIS in Keefe!


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


OIS Advising Hours


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:
  • Tuesdays, 3pm-4pm
  • Wednesdays, 11am-12pm
  • Thursdays, 1pm-2pm


Coming Soon: OPT Application Season


Are you planning to use Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work in the U.S. this summer?  Start preparing your application now.
Seniors graduating in May 2023 are eligible to apply for OPT as early as February 27, 2023.  Whenever possible, it is best to prepare your entire application in advance of this date, so that you are ready to submit it to USCIS as soon as you are eligible.
There are lots of ways to learn more about applying for OPT:


Coming Soon: CPT Application Season


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. 
The Summer 2023 CPT Request Form is expected to open up in mid-April, near the time of Fall 2023 pre-registration.


Upcoming OIS Events
OPT Info Sessions
Join an OPT Info Session to learn more about Optional Practical Training, how and when to apply for it, and how to maintain your F-1 status while in OPT.
  • February 2 (Thursday), 4pm, Friedmann Room, Keefe Campus Center
  • February 13 (Monday), 10am, Friedmann Room, Keefe Campus Center
  • February 24 (Friday), 1pm, via Zoom
  • March 8 (Wednesday), 5pm, Friedmann Room, Keefe Campus Center 
CPT Info Sessions
Join a CPT Info Session to learn more about Curricular Practical Training, who is eligible, and how and when to apply for it.
  • March 23 (Thursday), 2pm, Friedmann Room, Keefe Campus Center
  • April 4 (Tuesday), 4pm, Friedmann Room, Keefe Campus Center
  • April 19 (Wednesday), 3pm, via Zoom
  • May 2 (Tuesday), 11am, Friedmann Room, Keefe Campus Center

Immigration Updates & Headlines


DHS Implements New Processes for Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans and Eliminates Cap for Venezuelans
On Jan. 5, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a safe and lawful way for qualifying Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans with U.S.-based supporters to travel by air to and temporarily reside in the United States. Individuals arriving under this new process may also apply for work authorization. 
For additional information on the process and eligibility requirements, please see the Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans page.

Extension and Redesignation of Somalia for TPS
On Jan. 12, 2023, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalia for an additional 18 months, from March 18, 2023, through September 17, 2024. He also redesignated Somalia for TPS, allowing Somali nationals residing in the United States as of January 11, 2023 to apply for TPS, so long as they meet all eligibility requirements. The extension and redesignation of Somalia for TPS are due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent Somali nationals from safely returning.

DHS Redesignates and Extends Special Student Relief Employment Benefits to Haitian Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship
On Jan. 25, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a Federal Register Notice announcing the suspension of certain regulatory requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant students from Haiti who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a result of the current crisis in Haiti. This notice redesignates Special Student Relief (SSR) to include eligible students who are in a lawful F-1 status as of Jan 26, 2023 and extends relief until Aug. 3, 2024.

Deferred Enforced Departure for Certain Hong Kong Residents Extended
Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for certain Hong Kong residents has been extended for two years.  Eligible Hong Kong residents include those who have arrived in the United States since Aug. 2021, as well as those who were covered under the initial decision. This extension provides Hong Kong residents who are concerned about returning to Hong Kong with temporary safe haven in the United States.

Nonresident Tax Webinars


Tax season is right around the corner, and Sprintax is offering helpful webinars  In these tax webinars, international students will be run through everything they need to know about nonresident tax for the 2022 tax season.  Topics will includ:
  • who must file
  • tax residency
  • FICA
  • state tax returns
  • implications of misfiling
  • how to use Sprintax to prepare a tax return
To register, visit Upcoming Sprintax Webinars!
OIS will be sharing Sprintax free-filing codes later this spring.  Stay tuned!

Spotlight:
Fragomen/Interstride Webinars
Fragomen/Interstride are offering a series of webinars this spring at the intersection of employment and immigration.  All webinars are free!
  • LOOKING FOR WORK EXPERIENCE ABROAD?
    • FEBRUARY 16, 1PM EST
    • Learn about Fragomen’s International Internship Scheme in the UK
    • Presenters: Pina Mistry & Naomi Goldshtein
    • Register here
  • EB-5 GREEN CARD OPTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT INVESTORS
    • MARCH 1, 1PM EST
    • Presenters: Mitch Wexler & Chad Blocker
    • Register here
  • WHAT EMPLOYEES NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE PERM LABOR CERTIFICATION PROCESS
    • MARCH 15, 1PM EST
    • Presenters: Molly Carey & Chris Patalano
    • Register here

Reminder: OIS website resources


The OIS website is here for you!  From Federal Updates and Travel Guidance to DACA resources and F-1 and J-1 status and visa information, don't forget to check the website whenever you're looking for student-related immigration answers.
Amherst College
Amherst College
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