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IMMIGRATION SPOTLIGHT

In this week's edition:

Announcements: Final Newsletter of the Year, Apply to be an Orientation Peer Mentor
Checklist Items & Updates: Information on Permission for a Reduced Course Load, US Work Authorization, Things to Keep in Mind for the Summer, Protect Yourself from Scams
Workshops: OPT and Visa Workshops

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Congratulations on another great year!

Everyone at OGS wishes you all the best for a safe and happy summer ahead!

This email marks the final OGS newsletter for the 2021-2022 academic year. We’ll resume our regular newsletters again in late August. If any immigration updates or fun events come up through the summer, we’ll be sure to reach out to you.

Our office remains open throughout the summer, so contact us if anything comes up!

Apply to be a Peer Mentor

OGS is looking for an enthusiastic group of international students to help welcome incoming students to the 2022-2023 school year. If you will be continuing on in your NYU program next year and want to meet and help new students while leading and developing fun and informative events, go to Handshake (search Job #6411357) to apply today. Positions are open for graduate and undergraduate students!

CHECKLIST ITEMS & UPDATES

Graduating next semester and think you might need to register part-time for classes?

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

Special note for graduate students: check with your academic 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 permission to be registered for a reduced course load.

Want to work in the US over the summer?

Remember, the only way you can work is if you have authorization to do so.

Review the different types of work options and NEVER start employment without first having the right authorization.

Things to keep in mind for the summer:

Make sure your travel signature is up to date before traveling!
If you’re an undergraduate student graduating in May, you must have OPT (for F-1 students) or AT (for J-1 students) if you intend to work on campus after May 18. Only undergraduate students can work after May 17 as a regular student employee but the work must be directly related to your major. If you're a graduate student and have questions contact us regarding your ability to work as an employee at NYU after your graduation.
If you’re graduating in the fall, you must be registered full-time unless you have permission from OGS to register for a reduced course load.
If you are moving from one degree program to another (such as Bachelors to Masters), you are required to obtain a new, updated I-20.
Read about how keep your F-1/J-1 visa and status in the US active if you're studying or researching abroad next semester.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us or book an advising appointment. We’re open all summer!

Protect Yourself from Scams

NYU Campus Safety has reported to us that phone scammers are targeting international students now more than ever. If you’ve received calls from someone saying they're from the government, law enforcement, or similar organization asking for personal info, money, or gift cards, don't engage. These entities will not call you. Scammers 'spoof' real numbers to steal data and money. You can find more information from the Federal Communications Commission and the NYU website on resources to avoid scams and fraud.

WORKSHOPS

OPT Live Q&A

May 18th | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET

May 25th | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET

After you've received your new OPT I-20, you should attend this OPT application Q&A session where an OGS advisor will go over the OPT application documents so you can make sure your application meets all the guidelines, and you can ask any final questions you have before you submit your application to USCIS! If you're just starting to familiarize yourself with OPT and need more introductory information, get started by reviewing the information on our Post-Completion OPT web page.

The Student Visa Application and Interview: What to Expect

May 19th l 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM ET

Learn about the process to get a US student visa, what to expect for the day of your visa interview, possible outcomes of your student visa application, and resources to turn to if your application is delayed or denied.

STEM OPT Webinar

May 27th l 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM ET

The STEM OPT extension is an additional 24 months of OPT work authorization for students with a US degree in certain majors of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. During this webinar, we will review eligibility for the extension, the application process, reporting responsibilities, travel, and how Cap Gap extension often overlaps with the STEM extension.