Court grants 90-day extension of current STEM OPT rule while new STEM OPT rule is finalized
We are pleased to report positive progress in the court case brought against U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by the Washington Alliance of Technology Workers (WashTech) related to STEM OPT. On January 23, 2016, the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia granted a motion that had been requested... More
BU ISSO and students await court decision on the STEM OPT program
Boston University continues to closely follow the court case brought against U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by the Washington Alliance of Technology Workers (WashTech), which could eliminate or expand the STEM OPT program. At the current time, no decision has been made on whether to grant a temporary extension of... More
ISSO Advisory for Travel
Are you travelling outside the U.S. over Thanksgiving or Winter Intersession?
Redesigned Form I-20 Reflects SEVIS Updates
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) was upgraded in June of 2015 to revise the look and data contained on the redesigned Form I-20 for F-1 students. All students in continuing F-1 status will be required to have an updated version I-20 before July 1, 2016. Changes were also made... More
DHS publishes new proposed STEM OPT Rule
On Monday, October 19, 2015, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a new proposed regulation on F-1 STEM OPT. This new proposed regulation addresses the recent court ruling to invalidate the current STEM OPT program. DHS is currently accepting public comments on the new proposed rule for a 30-day period, More
F-1 Optional Practical Training Workshops
The ISSO offers two workshops for students interested in learning more about F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) – “Application Basics” for students preparing to apply, and “Transitions” for students already approved for OPT and planning the next step. Pre-registration for these workshops in not required, but space is limited. F-1 Optional Practical Training: Application... More
Interviewing in the USA: A Career Workshop
Come join us for a program designed to help international students understand the job search process in the U.S. The workshop will be offered twice. Thursday, October 15th, 2015 3:00 – 4:30 pm Wednesday, November 4th, 2015 3:00-4:30 pm Both Sessions will be held at International Students & Scholars Office 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor (Entrance at back of building) Sharpen... More
Academic Success Workshop Series For International Students
Keys to Academic Success in the U.S. Classroom (Sept 22, 23) Tuesday 4:00-5:00 at ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor Wednesday 6:00-7:00 at 100 Bay State Road, 5th Floor, Room 545 Offered by: International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) Avoiding Plagiarism (ERC) (Sept 29, 30) Tuesday 3:00-4:00 at ISSO, 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor Wednesday 6:00-7:00... More
Recent Court Ruling Puts F-1 STEM OPT Extensions in Jeopardy
On August 12, 2015, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled to invalidate the 17-month OPT extension available to students in certain Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) majors. This decision was made in response to a suit filed by the Washington Alliance of Technology Workers, claiming... More
U.S. Department of State experiences technical problems with visa issuance
The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, has been experiencing technological system problems since June 9, 2015, that have affected their ability to issue U.S. visas for students, tourists and other travelers to the U.S. Fortunately, consulates have continued to interview visa applicants during the system difficulties. As of... More
Welcome, New Students!
Riho Imada (from left) and Akari Noguchi, both students at the Center for English Language and Orientation Programs, and Andrew Burwash (CAS'18) at the International Student Reception, held September 4 at the Trustee Ballroom. Photo by Jackie Riccardi
