In this week's edition:

Announcements: Spring 2021 Registration and US Government Proposed Rule to End Duration of Status (D/S)
Checklists Items & Updates (Employment and Post Graduation Reminders)
Workshops Happening the Week of October 11 and Beyond

Spring 2021 Registration

As students begin to think ahead for Spring 2021 registration, we want to highlight that as of today, the US government has not yet issued updated guidance for international students in F-1 or J-1 status for the Spring 2021 semester. Until the government releases updated guidance, we must continue to rely on their guidance for the Fall 2020 semester but there is no guarantee that their guidance for the Fall 2020 semester will remain consistent for the Spring 2021 semester.

The Fall 2020 government guidance states that students who have had active SEVIS records (active/legal F-1 status) since at least March 9, 2020 can continue to count online classes towards a full course of study. Regardless of whether you are currently inside or outside of the United States, as long as you are a full-time enrolled student and have an active SEVIS record as of March 9, 2020, NYU will continue to maintain your student status.

The guidance also indicates that nonimmigrant students in "new" or "initial" status after March 9, 2020 will not be able to enter the US to enroll in a US school if the course of study is 100 percent online. Therefore students who did not have an active SEVIS record as of March 9, 2020 must continue to be enrolled in at least one in-person or blended course until the government releases updated guidance that states otherwise. As soon as we have updated guidance for the Spring 2021 semester, we will notify you.

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

We’ve added further information (including what you can do now and answers to common questions we’ve received) regarding this proposed rule to our website at Advocacy on Behalf of International Students and Scholars. Remember that this rule is only proposed and not final, so nothing has thus far changed. As soon as we have more definitive information, we will share it with you.

Do you know the end date of your I-20 or DS-2019?

Take a look at your I-20 or DS-2019 listed end date. For students with an I-20, the end date is in the “program of study” section. It’s the third box down on page 1 of your I-20. For students with a DS-2019, your end date is in section 3, “form covers period” on the left side of page 1. Keep in mind that if it is unrealistic for you to finish your academic program by the end date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019, we encourage you to apply for an extension as soon as possible.

Graduating in the US and want to know your options afterward?

Familiarize yourself with your options if you haven't already:

If you're an F-1 student and want to work, you must apply for OPT as soon as possible, if you haven't already.
If you're a J-1 student and want to work, you must apply for Academic Training before you complete your studies.
If you are staying on at NYU to do another academic program, apply for a new I-20 or DS-2019 on our Change Major or Degree page.
If you are starting an academic program at another school within the US, learn how to Transfer out of NYU.

The programs listed below are highlights for the week of October 11th, 2020 and beyond. Check out the NYU Events Calendar for a comprehensive list of upcoming OGS events.

Full Listing of Upcoming OGS Events

Ready to send your OPT Application?

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. We've got daily sessions available. Check out our full listing of review sessions and sign up soon.

Understanding US Governance

October 16th | 12:00 - 1:30 PM | Zoom Webinar

Join us in a conversation with Wagner Professor John Gershman, to discuss the nuances of the United States political system. Professor Gershman will provide a context of US democracy, the differences between the two major political parties and highlight how US politics impacts international students. Moderated by an international student, you will have the chance to ask questions and learn things that US citizens might not even know!

Understanding US Elections

October 19th | 12:00 - 1:30 PM | Zoom Webinar

Join us in conversation with presidential historian and Wagner professor Tim Naftali, to discuss voting in the United States. From a brief history of voting in the US, to a summary of the branches of US government and political parties, Professor Naftali will provide a context of the US election system and process.

Ballots and Borders: Election 2020 and What’s at Stake for International Students and Scholars

October 19th | 12:00 - 1:00PM | Zoom Webinar

Immigration and border security are signature policy areas for the Trump administration and central to the upcoming US election. From immigration enforcement to the public charge rule, to F-1 duration of status—find out where the candidates stand and what may be at stake for you.

Professor Stephen Yale-Loehr of Cornell Law School will discuss the presidential candidates’ immigration platforms and the implications for international students and other immigrants, both in the short term and over the next four years.

Know Your Rights: Encounters with Law Enforcement

October 20th | 10:30 - 11:30 AM | Zoom Webinar

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. This session is open to all in the NYU community with a focus on information and resources specifically for international students.

Australia Global Talent Program Info Session

October 20th | 12:00 - 1:00PM | Zoom Webinar

Australia’s Global Talent Program seeks to support the international mobility of highly talented individuals, innovators and entrepreneurs. The program is designed to accelerate growth in seven future focused target sectors within Australia: AgTech, FinTech, MedTech, Cyber Security, Space & Advanced Manufacturing, Quantum Info/Advanced Digital/Data Science/ICT, and Energy & Mining Technology.

Come to this session to learn about what the Global Talent Program offers (hint: a streamlined Australian visa pathway with permanent residency on grant of visa). The program is open to recent (within 3 years) high performing master’s & PhD graduates, as well as PhD students who will be submitting their thesis within 6 months.