ISSS Workshops

ISSS sponsors a series of workshops on a variety of topics throughout the year which are designed specifically to inform international students and scholars of matters related to their immigration status, as well as other topics and issues of importance.

All workshops and are designed to help students and scholars in meeting their academic, administrative and personal needs throughout their stay at Florida Tech. Topics include immigration rules and regulations, on-campus and off-campus employment, working in the United States, travel and re-entry and filing income tax returns.

Spring 2013 Off-Campus Employment and Tax Prep Workshop Schedule                                                                                                                                                                                                         Pertinent to F1 visa holders, the off-campus employment workshop covers the rules and procedures for obtaining off-campus work authorization both prior to completion of study and post completion of study, including curricular practical training (CPT) and optional practical training (OPT).  

All F, M and J nonimmigrants (including their dependents) are required to file certain federal tax forms for each year they have been present in the U.S.-- even if they did not earn any income during that year.  The tax prep workshop will help students to understand the process of preparing their taxes.

ISSS 101 --  Orientation (PDF File)
Covers regulations and procedures for complying with INS's Student/Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS.) For F1 and F2 visa holders.  Also covers subjects such as cultural adjustment, classroom expectations, taxes and finances, etc.  This workshop is particularly pertinent to new students and scholars on campus and is a required part of orientation.

Expectations of a U.S. Classroom (PDF File)
Provides an overview of the academic atmosphere and expectations of American university, and offers guidelines for a healthy academic learning experience.

ISSS J1 Orientation (PDF File)
Covers rules, regulations and procedures for complying with the US Department of State and the Student/Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) as a “J” visa holder.  Covers subjects such as working, living, activities, cultural adjustment, taking classes, insurance, etc.  This workshop is particularly pertinent to new scholars on campus and is a required part of orientation.

Off-Campus Employment (PDF File) 
Pertinent to F1 visa holders, this workshop covers the rules and procedures for obtaining off campus work authorization both prior to completion of study and post completion of study, including curricular practical training (CPT) and optional practical training (OPT.)  You must be in legal F-1 Status for one academic year pior to applying for OPT or CPT.   Note, you are required to attend an off campus employment workshop prior to applying for either OPT or CPT.  Sign up for a workshop here.

Travel and Re-entry to the U.S. (PDF File)
ISSS will review the visa application process and issues surrounding re-entry into the U.S. such as security clearance, special registration procedures, legislation affecting visa application, travel to Canada and Mexico.  Important if you will be travelling out of the U.S., especially if you will need to apply for a U.S. entry visa.  Travel signatures may also be obtained at this workshop.

Filing Non Resident Income Taxes & GLACIER Tax Prep Overview
Pertinent to H, F & J visa holders, this session provides an overview of the requirements and procedures for filing a non-resident U.S. Income Tax return utilizing CINTAX Complete International Tax Preparation Software. 

Post Graduation Employment Options (powerpoint)                                                                                                     Presentation by immigration attorney, David Ware, covering post graduation employment, visa alternatives, and permanent resident options.

Diplomats' Orientation Presentation                                                                                                                               This presentation is given by the diplomats at international student orientation.  It includes a lot of useful information about safety and security, transporation with and without a car, driver's licenses, technology, school forums, cell phones, bank accounts, and more.


Check your Florida Tech e-mail account for regular updates on workshop presentations.