May 2023 | Updates for Alumni and Students on Post-Completion Training | |
Premium Processing for F-1 Students Seeking OPT and STEM OPT Extensions | | |
Beginning March 6, 2023, USCIS began phasing in premium processing for F-1 students seeking optional practical training (OPT) and STEM OPT extensions. Premium processing is submitted through Online Filing of USCIS Form I-907, available to F-1 students in categories (c)(3)(A), (c)(3)(B), and (c)(3)(C). Starting March 6, 2023, only students who have a pending I-765 application with USCIS may submit an online Form I-907 for premium processing to follow. However, starting April 3, 2023, students may begin to file Form I-765 concurrently with Form I-907. Premium processing provides expedited processing for certain USCIS Applications. Form I-765 applications may be processed within 30 calendar days with premium processing. NOTE: Before you seek out this option, check USCIS's current standard processing times, as they may be similar to the expedited timeline. | |
H1B and Cap Gap Extension | | |
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U.S. immigration regulations specify that the duration of status (D/S), and any post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization, will be automatically extended for an F-1 student who is in a valid period of OPT, has timely-filed an H-1B petition requesting change of status, and has an employment start date of October 1 of the current year. The student must be in a valid period of OPT with an end date of April 1 or later and have filed an H-1B petition that:
- has been timely filed.
- requests an employment start date of October 1 of the current year.
- requests a change of status, not consular processing.
Additionally:
- The student must not have violated the terms or conditions of his or her F-1 status.
- If an H 1B cap-subject petition is filed for a F-1 student who has entered the 60-day grace period, the student will receive the automatic extension of his or her F-1 status, but will not be authorized to work since the student was not authorized to work at the time H-1B petition was filed.
For more information regarding applying for Cap Gap Extension and requesting your Cap Gap I-20 please visit our Cap Gap Extension webpage.
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Are you getting ready to apply for STEM OPT Extension? To help you through the application process, ISPO has broken down the process into 4 stages:
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Stage 1: Requesting STEM OPT I-20 - Make sure you check out our comprehensive I-983 Guide! Be prepared by reviewing the Form I-983, ISPO's guide, and ensure you and your employer fill out this required document accurately.
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International Graduates Virtual Recognition Website | | |
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The International Students & Programs Office (ISPO) wants to congratulate all of our graduating international Tritons! As a way to honor and celebrate your achievements, ISPO is asking international students who graduated during the 2022-2023 academic year to submit a graduation recognition profile to be featured on our website. This is an opportunity for you to not only reflect on your time at UC San Diego but also to share this amazing milestone with friends, families, and loved ones around the world!
If you have any questions, please email iprograms@ucsd.edu.
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Stay in Touch with ISPO Via LinkedIn! | | |
ISPO is now on LinkedIn! This is great and easy way to stay connected to the international community at UC San Diego, receive important information and updates, and contact ISPO as you start on your professional journey! | | |
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International students are a common target of financial scams. If you receive unusual calls, emails, or texts asking to make payments or provide confidential information for employment, or immigration purposes, it could be a scam!
DON'T PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION; government officials will NEVER ask for money or payment to be made over the phone. Visit iSafety.ucsd.edu to learn how to identify and protect yourself from common threats and scams.
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Traveling Internationally? | | |
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Be prepared when making plans to travel outside the U.S. Review all information below to understand what documentation you will need to carry with you when you travel outside the U.S., what documents you need to enter or re-enter the U.S., and how your travels may affect your visa status. See our iTravel.ucsd.edu page here for a complete list of required documents needed for travel.
Check your Travel Signature
F-1 OPT and STEM OPT Extension Students:
Check page 2 of your current Form I-20, and if the travel signature is more than 6 months old, then it is expired. Renew your travel signature by following instructions on our Travel Signature page.
J-1 Students:
Check page 1 of your current Form DS-2019, and if the travel signature is more than one year old, then it is expired. Renew your travel signature by following instructions on our Travel Signature page.
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F-1/J-1 OPT and Academic Training (AT)
Reporting Requirements Reminders
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STEM OPT Extension Reporting Requirements (Validation Reports)
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For changes to your personal address or phone number, use the SEVP Portal.
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For changes to your employment information, use the Updated I-20/DS-2019 Request at iportal.ucsd.edu, and an ISPO advisor will update your record for you.
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To fulfill your validation report requirement that is due every 6 months while on STEM OPT, use the F-1 STEM OPT Reporting Form at iportal.ucsd.edu, and an ISPO advisor will validate your record for you. The F-1 STEM OPT Reporting form must be submitted within 10 days of the validation report due date.
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If you experience a change in your employment information at the same time that you have a validation report due, then you must submit BOTH the Updated I-20/DS-2019 Request and the F-1 STEM OPT Reporting Form on iPortal.
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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been scrutinizing the F-1 OPT program for fraudulent employers and fraudulent use of the program through a DHS law enforcement operation called, Operation Optical Illusion. Review the types of employment that may be reported for OPT purposes. If you are unpaid or volunteering, review information here for what qualifies as volunteering or unpaid.
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Reporting Reminders for Students on Standard 12-Month OPT
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Keep employment, personal address, and phone number up to date at all times using the SEVP Portal. If you experience a change in any of these areas, log into the SEVP Portal to update your information within 10 calendar days of the change. You do not need to report these changes to ISPO, only to the SEVP Portal. If you are unable to report your employment to the SEVP Portal, submit the SEVP Portal Assistance Request at iportal.ucsd.edu.
- If you are unable to add an employer within 10 calendar days of the start date, enter the next day as your employment start date in the SEVP Portal. Then submit the iPortal, “SEVP Portal Assistance Request”. ISPO will then be able to enter your correct employment start date in SEVIS and it will reflect in your SEVP Portal within 48 hours.
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If you would like your I-20 to reflect your changes, request an updated I-20 from ISPO by submitting the Updated I-20/DS-2019 Request at iportal.ucsd.edu.
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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been scrutinizing the F-1 OPT program for fraudulent employers and fraudulent use of the program through a DHS law enforcement operation called, Operation Optical Illusion. Review the types of employment that may be reported for OPT purposes. If you are unpaid or volunteering, review information here for what qualifies as volunteering or unpaid. Contact iemployment@ucsd.edu with any concerns or questions.
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J-1 Academic Training (AT) Reporting Reminders | | |
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Are you a J-1 student on post-degree completion Academic Training? Make sure to complete the following checklist to maintain your status.
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UC San Diego Career Center and
Career Advisors for International Students
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The Career Center can coach you on how to find that ideal job, internship, or experiential outcome. Boost your skillset and become better prepared now.
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Need Additional Assistance? | | |
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Check out all the additional ways you can access ISPO advising services!
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WHY AM I RECEIVING THIS NEWSLETTER? All international students studying at UC San Diego are automatically subscribed to the iStudents Newsletter to ensure they receive proper immigration updates from our office. The information sent in this Newsletter is available on ISPO's website, iStudents.ucsd.edu, or may direct students to other external resources. You have the right to unsubscribe from receiving updates from our office at anytime. You can do this by emailing istudents@ucsd.edu . Note, all international students at UC San Diego are responsible for staying up to date with immigration regulations that may affect them. To learn more, visit our website at iStudents.ucsd.edu
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