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We wish you a good and safe Summer Break locally or internationally! If you are traveling abroad, please make sure that you have the appropriate documents with you. Review the list on the OISS Website.

Have you filed your 8843 tax form yet? If not, please be reminded that the deadline to file is June 15. Instructions on how to file Form 8843 are provided in the form and available on the OISS Finance webpage.

- The Office of International Students and Scholars

Your Options after Graduation - *OPT I-20 request deadline* 

Congratulations to all our F1 Students who completed their program this year! Now what?

Students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)  as early as 90 days prior the program completion date and no later than 60 days after the program completion date. Your program completion date is the official end date of your last term/semester.

To verify your program completion date, please review the academic calendar.
USCIS must receive your application no later than 30 days from the date your OPT I-20 was issued to you, but no later than the 60th day from your program completion date whichever is earlier. (OISS Processing time: 7-10 business days)

Online filing of Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, is now also available to F-1 students in these categories. USCIS continues to accept the latest paper version of this form by mail.

*Deadline of submission for the graduating class of spring 2025: Friday June 13, 2025*

Not interested in Optional Practical Training (OPT)? Here are your options during your 60 days of grace period:

• Apply for a new academic program at CLU or at another institution for Summer or Fall 2025? Make sure to email international@callutheran.edu BEFORE the start date of your new academic program.
• Changing your current F1 status to a different non-immigrant or immigrant status? Consult with an immigration attorney regarding changing your status. 
• Are you leaving the US after graduation? You must depart the U.S. within 60 days of completion of your academic program. Program completion for Spring 2025: May 16, 2025.

Questions? Email OISS at international@callutheran.edu or schedule an appointment.

Please remember that it is your responsibility when on Optional Practical Training to keep your records updated regarding employment. This past week the USCIS is taking action to issue warning notices to any student who is not complying with reporting and reached the 90-day limit of non-workdays. OPT provides nonimmigrant students with the opportunity to continue learning through work- based training in a position that is directly related to their major area of study. To ensure that nonimmigrant students are fully and actively engaged in practical training experiences, federal regulations limit permissible periods of unemployment to an aggregate of 90 days for the 12- month OPT period. Title 8 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(E).

You can check your record online through the OISS Portal (and through SEVIS for STEM OPT students). If you have questions about reporting and/or need guidance, you can make an appointment to meet with an OISS advisor using the OISS online appointment system or submit an email to international@CalLutheran.edu. You can also contact the SEVP Response Center via email at SEVP@ice.dhs.gov or by telephone at (703) 603-3400 or (800) 892-4829. 

Forgot to submit your travel intention form (Summer 2025)? 

Are you traveling internationally during the summer and you were not able to submit your travel intention on time?

1. Review the information from the Travel Advisory webpage.

2. Make sure to have verified that all your travel documents are valid (passport, visa, I-94, I-20, EAD card -if applicable-) before exiting the US.

3. Please submit your travel intention form and we will send you your I-20 via email (if applicable). You will have to make sure that you are able to print it before your return. 

Please be mindful that the processing time of any requests is 7-10 business days. 

Questions? international@callutheran.edu

- Safe travels!

SEVP Scam and Fraud Advisory

SEVP is reminding international students to beware of a scam involving individuals using the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Response Center (SRC) phone numbers (703-603-3400 and 800-892-4829) and claiming to be SRC representatives. See this advisory on Study in the States as well as this list of common scams from USCIS.

Wondering where to report? Report the scam to law enforcement and appropriate authorities.

Missed last week's OISS Weekly? Here is our #ICYMI section.

OISS Office Hours: 
M-F: 8am / 5pm
international@callutheran.edu

Questions? 
Check out our OISS Website
Schedule an advising appointment. 

Any request? Submit it from your OISS Student Portal and
allow 7-10 business days for processing

Note from OISS: Some topics in this newsletter may involve immigration or legal considerations. This information is for general purposes only and is not intended to serve as formal legal advice. Please consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.

Contact Us:
international@callutheran.edu
+1 (805) 493-3750

Mail To:
60 West Olsen Road #6400
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

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