Nov. 9, 2023 Immigration Advisory

1. Check your I-20/DS-2019. Do you need a program extension?
2. Plan ahead! OPT processing times can range from 90 to 100 days
3. Get ready for spring registration – enrollment reminders
4. Academic deficiency and reinstatement
5. Snow! Fun and safety for the winter months ahead

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1. Check your I-20/DS-2019. Do you need a program extension?

• F-1 students: Program end date is listed in the box titled “Program of Study” on the first page of your I-20.  
• J-1 students: Program end date is listed in box 3 on the first page of your DS-2019.  

Is the end date in 2023? If yes, are you graduating in December? If not, then you MUST request an extension of your I-20 or DS-2019 BEFORE it ends. Failure to do this will put you out of your legal F-1 or J-1 status. 

Log in to mypassport.wsu.edu and go to F-1 or J-1 Student Services (depending on your visa category) and complete the form called “I-20 Extension Request form” if you are an F-1 student or “DS-2019 Extension Request form” if you are a J-1 student.  

Please do not wait until the last minute to do this! 

2. Plan ahead! OPT processing times can range from 90 to 100 days

Are you graduating in December 2023 and interested in participating in a post-completion internship in your field in the United States? If so, then you may want to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a benefit of your F-1 status that allows you to work off campus after you graduate as long as you work in a field related to your major.  

This benefit is requested through USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), and they are currently taking approximately 90-100 days to review requests. So, if you are interested, do not wait to apply! In addition, you do not need a job offer to apply so there is no reason to wait if you know you wish to pursue OPT. 

The application process starts in myPassport: 

1. Log in to myPassport.wsu.edu. 
2. Under Employment/Internships, choose Optional Practical Training application. 
3. See the online tutorial and complete all forms. 
4. After providing the requested information click on “submit.” 

We will contact you in about 5 business days to give you the I-20 needed for the OPT submission to USCIS. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our office. 

For STEM extension applicants only: After 1 year, a copy of your diploma or official transcript for your earned degree will be required. For graduate students who have not yet earned their degree by the time of STEM extension application, you will be required to maintain enrollment in at least 2 defense credits for the entire initial 12-month OPT time to be eligible for a STEM extension recommendation from our office.  

3. Get ready for spring registration – enrollment reminders

With spring registration coming up, please remember these IMPORTANT enrollment notes. This information will help you maintain your F-1/J-1 status. 

• Undergraduate students: You must enroll in AT LEAST 12 credits (9 of those in in-person classes). 
• Graduate students: You must enroll in AT LEAST 10 credits (7 of those in in-person classes). 

Will spring 2024 be your final semester and you need less than 12 (or 10) credits to complete your program? Then you need to apply for a Reduced Course Load (RCL) for your last semester. This is a request for our office to authorize you to be enrolled less than full-time for your last semester. Please note you must be enrolled in in-person credits to be approved for an RCL. 

To request a Reduced Course Load please log in to mypassport.wsu.edu and complete the appropriate “Reduced Course Load Request” (Graduate or Undergraduate).  

4. Academic deficiency and reinstatement

Degree-seeking students whose semester and/or cumulative GPA is below 2.0 after fall 2023 may become academically deficient. Make sure to check your myWSU account when the final grades are posted after finals week.  

If you become deficient, visit the Academic Success and Career Center (ASCC) page. 

5. Snow! Fun and safety for the winter months ahead

Snow in the winter months brings new opportunities for new outdoor activities and sports such as sledding, snowball fights, and building snowmen! We encourage you to get outside and have fun and remind you to keep these safety tips in mind. 

• Sign up for WSU emergency text and email alerts. 
• Wear layers! 
  • It is chilly outside, but warm inside. Make sure you wear layers of clothing (undershirt, shirt, sweater, coat, gloves, hat, scarf, etc.) to stay insulated in the cold outdoor air, but so you can easily take off layers to stay comfortable inside.  
• Minimize driving 
  • If you must drive somewhere, plan to travel during the daylight hours. 
  • Do not travel alone. 
  • Make sure people know when you are traveling and an estimated time you plan to arrive. 
• Walk carefully
  • The roads and sidewalks should be shoveled and plowed, but there is often a buildup of ice on sidewalks. Sometimes, there is ice that you cannot see well, known as “black ice.” Step carefully. Wear waterproof snow boots. 
  • When it is icy, wear extra traction over your boots, such as “Yak Traks.” 
• Make sure you keep your windows closed during winter advisories so they do not break in storms!