Information Sessions
Find information about ISS virtual information sessions for students and members of the UB community.
On this page:
F-1 Immigration Session
This session explains how you are responsible for following US immigration regulations to maintain your visa status. All newly arrived international students, students changing their status to F-1, students who failed to maintain their F-1 status, and those returning to UB after being away for one year or more must watch an Immigration Session.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Information Sessions
F-1 students who are interested in working off campus to fulfill internship requirements in their major field of study should attend this session to learn about Curricular Practical Training (CPT) eligibility requirements and the CPT application process. Registration is required to recieve information about joining a session.
| Date | Time (EST) | Location | Register |
| Thursday, February 11 | 3:30-5:00 pm | Zoom | Click here |
| Wednesday, March 24 | 3:00-4:30 pm | Zoom | Click here |
| Tuesday, April 13 | 3:30-5:00 pm | Zoom | Click here |
| Monday, May 10 | 3:00-4:30 pm | Zoom | Click here |
The above links require UBIT login. When logging into Zoom, use the SSO sign in feature.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) Information Sessions
Are you an F-1 student who is planning to work off-campus after finishing your degree requirements? Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization is required for F-1 students to work in the U.S. after graduation/completion of their degree program requirements. Attend this information session to learn about OPT eligibility requirements and the application process. Registration is required to recieve information about joining a session.
| Date | Time (EST) | Location | Register |
| Friday, February 26 | 3:00-4:30 pm | Zoom | Click here |
| Wednesday, March 3 | 3:00-4:30 pm | Zoom | Click here |
| Monday, March 15 | 3:30-5:00 pm | Zoom | Click here |
| Thursday, April 1 | 3:30-5:00 pm | Zoom | Click here |
| Tuesday, May 4 | 3:30-5:00 pm | Zoom | Click here |
The above links require UBIT login. When logging into Zoom, use the SSO sign in feature.
OPT Group Advising
Applying for OPT
Have you got a quick question about applying for OPT that you need answered fast? Join us for OPT Group Advising from 2:00- 3:00 pm EST, Friday February 19, March 5 (starts at 3:00 pm instead of 2:00 pm), March 12, & March 26.
Session Focus: Applying for OPT!
Where: Zoom (details provided upon registration)
How it works:
- Read our OPT webpage and/or first attend one of our OPT information sessions
- Still have questions about applying for OPT? Register for a group advising session.
- Join the Zoom room at 2:00 pm EST (on 3/5/21, join the Zoom room at 3:00 pm). Following a brief presentation, you may ask your questions in the chat. Two ISS advisors will provide answers, then and there.
No appointment, no queuing, no email.
Already on OPT and looking for advising?
Get details on OPT drop-in advising here.
OPT Extension: STEM and Cap Gap Information Session
Attend this information session to learn about the 24 Month OPT STEM Extension and Cap Gap OPT periods. Registration is required to recieve information about joining the session.
| Date | Time (EST) | Location | Register |
| Thursday, April 8 | 12:00-1:30 pm | Zoom | Click here |
Post-OPT Employment: H-1B and Other Visa Options Information Session
What options are available to allow you to live and work in the U.S. after completion of OPT? How do you decide which works for you? Attend this information session to learn about non-immigrant and immigrant visa options. Registration is required to recieve information about joining the session.
| Date | Time (EST) | Location | Register |
| Friday, March 26 | 12:00-1:30 pm | Zoom | Click here |
Presentation recorded 7/16/2020. Please be advised that the information in this presentation may change due to updates to regulations and policies. Please always consult the ISS website for the most up-to-date information.
Returning from a Leave of Absence Information Session
Attend this information session to learn what to do if you are currently on a leave of absence and plan to return to UB in the near future. Registration is required to recieve information about joining the session.
| Date | Time (EST) | Location | Register |
| Thursday, February 18 | 9:00-10:30 am | Zoom | Click here |
ISS Hot Topics
Join ISS for a discussion of the current hot topics impacting international students. Information relevant for semester planning, international travel, off campus work authorizations, important reminders and resources will be provided
ISS advisors will be available to answer your questions via chat.
| Date | Time (EST) | Location |
| TBA | TBA | TBA |
The above link requires UBIT login.
Working Off Campus in a Global Pandemic
Get answers to the most common questions about how the COVID pandemic is impacting off-campus work authorizations.
Recommended for:
- Current students applying for Summer/Fall 2020 CPT
- June/September 2020 graduates planning to apply for OPT
- Alumni on OPT/STEM Extension with questions about reporting unemployment, remote work, what to do if you've lost your job, etc.
Presentation recorded 4/23/2020. Please be advised that the information in this presentation may change due to updates to regulations and policies. Please always consult the ISS website for the most up-to-date information.
J-1 Student Employment: On-Campus & Academic Training
Are you a J-1 student interested in working on campus or off-campus in your field of study? This session will explore two work authorization options for J-1 students, on-campus employment and Academic Training.
This session is only for J-1 students who have a DS-2019 issued by UB.
| Date | Time (EST) | Location |
| Coming Soon | TBA | TBA |
