News
CPT/OPT Drop-Off Hours, Check-In Reminder, and Social Security Number Information
Aug. 21, 2012
1 – Important Dates: CPT Application Drop-Off Hours
2 – Reminder: ISSO Online Check-In - Fall 2012
3 - Announcements: Social Security Number Information
1- IMPORTANT DATES
CPT Application Drop-Off Hours
For F-1 students thinking about pursuing an internship or other type of work experience off-campus during the Fall 2012 semester, you may apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) without an appointment during ISSO CPT Drop Off Hours:
Mondays 10am-1pm
Tuesdays 1pm-4pm
Thursdays 10am-1pm
Fridays 1pm-4pm
Fall Internship Deadlines: As stated in our employment information on our web site, the ISSO requires at least 2 WEEKS to process authorizations. PLAN AHEAD! Your end date must be no later than December 21, 2012.
Reminder: Any student who will be enrolling in an Experiential Learning (EL) component will need to consult with the ISSO to confirm if employment authorization is required for that activity.
Helpful links:
Employment (general info page): http://www.brandeis.edu/acserv/isso/current/employment/index.html
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F-1 visa holders: http://www.brandeis.edu/acserv/isso/current/employment/cpt/index.html. All the information you need to know about CPT is here.
Sample CPT offer letter: http://www.brandeis.edu/acserv/isso/current/employment/cpt/sample_cpt_offer_letter1.pdf. You need to have an offer letter signed by your employer and on company letterhead for CPT. Employers do not necessarily know what information to include in an offer letter. To save you and your employer time, show them our sample offer letter so that they know what information needs to be included in the letter they provide to you.
Academic Advisor's Recommendation Form: http://www.brandeis.edu/acserv/isso/current/employment/cpt/cpt_advisor_rec.pdf You need to have the appropriate person sign the academic advisor's recommendation for CPT.
Academic Training (AT) for J-1 Students: http://www.brandeis.edu/acserv/isso/current/employment/at/index.html. J-1 Academic Training has different variables depending on your program sponsor, so it is best to review the information on our web site for clarification. If you are not in J-1 status sponsored by Brandeis University (Brandeis did not issue you the Form DS-2019), then you should contact your J-1 visa sponsor (for example, Fulbright) as soon as possible to confirm eligibility and application procedures.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY INTERNSHIP OR WORK EXPERIENCE OFF CAMPUS, PAID OR UNPAID, NEEDS EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION BEFORE YOU BEGIN.
2 – REMINDER
ISSO Online Check-In - Fall 2012
All international students, both new and returning, are required to complete the ISSO Online Check-In for Fall 2012! When you arrive on campus, please complete your ISSO Online Check-In (you cannot check in if you are not in the U.S., unless you are conducting research or studying abroad in which case you still need to check in). As an international student, you are required to complete check-in at the beginning of every semester until you graduate.
Helpful links are available on the ISSO website, such as ISSO Check-In Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Troubleshooting: ISSO Online Check-In, so take a look if you have any questions about filling out the form. Also, you can always contact the ISSO at isso@brandeis.edu.
3 – ANNOUNCEMENTS: SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER INFORMATION
ONLY international students who have an on campus job; or PhD candidates with a fellowship; or students with paid positions on authorized CPT/OPT or Academic Training; or J-1 sponsored students with a letter from their sponsor stating they are eligible for an Social Security Number are eligible to apply for an SSN.
If you meet any of the above criteria, follow these steps:
1. Turn in one of the following to the ISSO:
a. International Student Employment Form (from Student Employment Office) filled out and signed by your supervisor confirming on campus employment; or
b. Fellowship letter for PhD students;or
c. Official offer letter for students with paid positions on OPT/CPT or Academic Training; or
d. For J-1 sponsored students, letter from your sponsor stating you are eligible for an SSN.
2. Make sure you have completed the ISSO Online Check-In Form
Once you have turned in the appropriate documents to the ISSO and completed Check-In, ISSO will email students within 7-10 business days when their Social Security Letter is ready to be picked up from the ISSO. This letter will be used to apply for an SSN at the Social Security Administration Office. To apply, bring your item from #1 above, your ISSO letter, passport, and I-20 or DS-2019. While the ISSO may issue you an SSN letter earlier, you cannot apply for an SSN until you have been in the U.S. for at least 14 days. If you try to apply earlier than that, your SSN application will be delayed up to 3 months.