UR ISO STUDENT NEWS

February 23, 2023

ISO Trip to Destiny USA: Shopping, Dining, & Entertainment Complex

Destiny USA is the biggest mall in NY and the 8th largest in the U.S.! Shop at stores you can't find in Rochester like Nordstrom and Kate Spade. Ride go-carts, play laser tag, climb the largest indoor suspended ropes course, and the list goes on! Plus there are plenty of places to eat! Click here to reserve your spot.

Follow ISO's Instagram for Event Photos

Pictured above: ISO Trip to Radio Social on 2/10/23

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International Student Photo Contest: March 5 Deadline

If you are a current international student on an F-1 or J-1 visa who studied at the U of R between 2020-2023, you are eligible to enter your photos in the International Student Photo Contest! Open to both undergraduate and graduate students, the contest features five categories with prizes awarded in each category! Click here to learn more & enter your photos.

Employment Workshop: Academic Internships & F-1 CPT Application Procedures

Friday, March 17 - 11:00AM-1:00PM Eastern

If you are a current F-1 international student who is interested in pursuing an internship, then this employment workshop is for you! This workshop provides a detailed overview of the factors F-1 students should consider before pursuing an employment opportunity in the United States during their academic program. This workshop explores what is considered employment, paid versus unpaid activities, and the various types of on- and off-campus work authorizations F-1 students may be eligible for during their academic program. This workshop will also offer detailed guidance on applying for F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

Register Here.

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File Your Taxes with Sprintax by April 18

Follow this link to get started filing your non-resident alien federal taxes for the 2022 year. Filing is free with use of this link and no code is needed. If you have questions about filing, contact hello@sprintax.com for 24/7 live chat help. We also encourage you to attend one of Sprintax's live virtual workshops:

Tuesday, March 21st @ 10am EST – Register here
Wednesday, April 5th @ 2pm EST – Register here
Tuesday, April 11th @ 12pm EST – Register here
Friday, April 14th @ 12pm EST – Register here

Inviting Friends & Family to the United States

If you are expecting to invite family or friends to visit you in the United States, please take a moment to review the ISO's webpage on Inviting Family & Friends. When applying for a visa or entering the country, visitors should be prepared to show that they can afford to support themselves during the trip and have plans to return home again. A short letter inviting your family member or friend can be helpful to demonstrate the reason for their visit, although it is not required for the visa application. This letter should come from you and be addressed to the individual, so they can use it during the visa interview, at the US Port of Entry, or elsewhere as needed. As a template, you may consider editing the sample letter posted on our website and updating the content to reflect your personal details or other information, as needed. Each visitor should receive a separate letter. Please understand that the letter provided is only a sample and does not include language that can guarantee a visa approval at the US consulate. The letter does not need to be printed on University letterhead. Additionally, if you are inviting friends and/or family to your graduation ceremony, please check with your school about obtaining an invitation to graduation that you can share with your friends and family.

Campus & Community Events

The African Company Presents Richard III by Carlyle Brown: February 23 - March 4

This play asks provocative questions about the nature of existence and performance, ownership and identity, & culture and appropriation.

DeStress Fest: Tuesday, February 28, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Give yourself a well deserved break from all of the hard work you’ve been doing this semester. This Health Promotion Office event will have hot cocoa, arts and crafts, and puzzles along with other relaxing activities!

CCC Workshop: Advisor Relations & Interpersonal Effectiveness Part II: Thursday, March 2

This virtual workshop will highlight interpersonal effectiveness skills which emphasize how you can get what you need from others more often while considering objective effectiveness, relationship effectiveness, and self-respect effectiveness.