In this week's edition:

Announcements: Biden Proposed Changes, Virtual Appointments
Checklists Items & Updates: Full-time Requirement, Add/Drop Deadline
Virtual Sessions: Taxes, OPT Review, Post-OPT and Know Your Rights
Still Relevant: A new section presenting repeated yet important information

US Government Proposed Rule to End Duration of Status (D/S) Update

As one of his first acts after taking office, President Biden issued a Regulatory Freeze memorandum, which among other things, means that the proposed rule to end duration of status will not be published or take effect until it undergoes further review. As soon as we have any update we will notify all students. For further information on this proposed rule, check our advocacy on behalf of international students and scholars web page.

Online Appointments: Cancel if You’re Unable to Attend

If ever you need to speak with an OGS advisor, don’t hesitate to schedule an online advising appointment. But please keep in mind that if you can’t make your appointment, be sure to cancel it so that we can open your slot up to another student. Check our website for how to cancel your appointment.

Are you registered as a full-time student?

In order to maintain legal status in the US, students in F-1 and J-1 status are required to register full-time, which is a minimum of 12 credits per semester for most NYU programs, including NYU CUSP. Make sure you register full-time or gain approval from the OGS to be approved for a reduced course load.

Graduate Students:

Check with your department on what they consider full-time enrollment to be. If for any reason you won't be registered full time, you must have OGS approval to be registered for a reduced course load.

Add/Drop Deadline

Wednesday, February 10 (at 11:59 pm EST) is the last day to add or drop a class for the Spring 2021 term without receiving a W grade. Before taking any action to your class schedule, remember to speak with your academic advisor and review the refund schedule.

Full Listing of Upcoming OGS Events

Sprintax Tax Webinars

Get an overview of tax for nonresident students and scholars, including who must file a 2020 US tax return, what income forms students/scholars may receive, and forms that need to be completed and sent to the IRS. Learn terms like FICA, ITIN and Form 1098-T, what happens if students don’t file, or misfile, details on state tax returns, IRS stimulus payments and how to use Sprintax to file your nonresident tax paperwork.

OPT Application Review Sessions

Once you've received your new OPT I-20 and your application is ready to send, you should attend this OPT application review session where an OGS advisor will go over all OPT application documents in detail, and you can make sure your documents meet the application guidelines. Check out the listing of review sessions and sign up soon. We've also got a recorded session to sit in on if the timings don't work for your schedule (be sure to sign into Zoom using NYU SSO to access the recording).

Know Your Rights: Encounters with Law Enforcement

February 12 l 10:00AM - 11:30 AM ET l Zoom

What are your rights if you are stopped by the police in public? What are your rights if ICE knocks on your door? Can your free speech be restricted because of what you say? Wondering if you have a right to protest? If you do participate in a protest, rally, or demonstration, what are some things to consider? Wondering what your rights are in these situations and what to do if your rights have been violated? Join us to learn about your rights in situations involving law enforcement both in public and private spaces. Check our Know Your Rights page for further presentations and resources connected to this topic.

New International Student Meeting

February 12 | 2:00PM - 4:00 PM ET

Calling all newly admitted students starting their first semester at NYU in the United States! Join in meet other students and discuss topics like work, travel, and adjusting to life at NYU with Office of Global Services staff!

And remember, newly admitted international students must complete both the US Immigration Requirements Training and the New International Student Welcome to NYU Meeting to fulfill the orientation requirement. You only have to attend one New International Student Meeting, so if you've already attended and done the training then you're set!

Post-Completion OPT Webinar

February 16 l 12:00PM - 1:30 PM ET l Zoom

Are you an F-1 international student getting ready to graduate? This workshop is designed to give you a firm understanding of what OPT is (it's a form of work authorization for students in F-1 status), how to apply for it, the processing timeline, what documents you’ll need, travel advice, and reporting requirements. We also briefly cover tax, health insurance, and OPT extensions.

Due to processing times with USCIS, we highly encourage attending this workshop to prepare yourself to apply as early as possible (90 days before your graduation date)!

Transferred to NYU?

Don’t forget: Monday, February 10 is the deadline for students transferring their SEVIS record for the start of the Spring 2020 semester. If you still need a transfer I-20 from NYU, apply via our website!