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OPT and CPT Drop Off Hours, Windstar Tax Software Reminder, and Employment Workshops

Feb. 28, 2012

1 - IMPORTANT DEADLINES & DATES

OPT/CPT Spring 2012 Drop Off Hours

If you are planning to drop off your OPT or CPT application, the Spring 2012 times are:

Mondays 10am-1pm

Tuesdays 1pm-4pm

Thursdays 1pm-4pm

Fridays 10am-1pm

OPT Information: http://www.brandeis.edu/acserv/isso/current/employment/opt/index.html

Check List for OPT Drop-Offs: http://www.brandeis.edu/acserv/isso/current/employment/opt/opt_app.pdf

CPT Information: http://www.brandeis.edu/acserv/isso/current/employment/cpt/index.html

Check List for CPT Drop-Offs: http://www.brandeis.edu/acserv/isso/current/employment/cpt/cpt_application_check_list.pdf

If you have not attended an employment workshop, we would strongly encourage you to join us for one before you apply for CPT or OPT. See the schedule below for upcoming employment workshops.

2 - ANNOUNCEMENTS

For Brandeis IBS Students: Interested in international news from Brandeis IBS?

Brandeis International Business School is one of the world's premier globally-focused business schools, with four highly-regarded degree programs and a vibrant calendar of events featuring some of the most influential leaders in business, government and academia across the globe. Click here to learn more about signing up for the school's monthly e-newsletter, which includes slideshows, videos, profiles and other campus news.

 3- REMINDERS

Windstar access codes are available for purchase now! 

Read ISSO's full tax email here: http://www.brandeis.edu/acserv/isso/news/january2012/taxes.html

Check out ISSO's Tax Information page here: http://www.brandeis.edu/acserv/isso/tax/index.html

This year, we have purchased the tax software program called Windstar, which helps international students and scholars file
their U.S. Federal Income Tax Returns and Massachusetts State Tax Returns.

What is Windstar?

You can use Windstar if you are on an F-1 or J-1 visa, and have been enrolled as a student in the U.S. for less than five calendar years, or working in J-1 Research Scholar, Short-Term Scholar, or Professor categories in the U.S. for no more than two calendar years. The ISSO has purchased 500 licenses with individual access codes for Brandeis international students and scholars to access the software.

How much does Windstar cost?

The cost to you is only $5.00. (Purchasing tax filing software programs on your own can be costly, averaging $35 and up).

When and where can I purchase Windstar?

Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm in the ISSO

In order to obtain an access code, you need to come by the ISSO in person to fill out a waiver form and pay $5.00. It would be very helpful if you can bring the exact amount in cash (we are unable to accept personal checks or credit cards). Once you complete the waiver form, the ISSO will send an email to with your Windstar access code and instructions on logging on to Windstar. 

U.S. Federal Income Tax Returns are due at the Internal Revenue Service by Friday, April 15, 2011. If you use Windstar to file your return, you will need to print out your tax return form(s), attach the appropriate tax document(s), and mail it to the Internal Revenue Service by the deadline.

February 2012: What was your first impression of Brandeis/the U.S.?

Submissions due by 2/29/12

Email isso@brandeis.edu by end of the month with your submissions.

Feel free to include a photo!

In your email, indicate if you would like your submission to be anonymous or not!

Past submissions: http://www.brandeis.edu/acserv/isso/openmic/index.html

5-WORKSHOPS: UPCOMING EMPLOYMENT WORKSHOPS

CPT/AT Employment Workshop for IBS Students: March 2, 12:30

Location: Lee Hall, IBS

Employment Options Beyond Practical Training with Attorney Richard Costa

March 14, 4pm

Location: International Lounge

Mr. Costa will speak on various visa options after F-1 OPT and J-1 Academic Training. He will provide an overview of the H-1B Specialty Worker Visa and an overview of permanent residency. He makes himself available for questions after the session, so it's a good opportunity for you to ask questions. Attorney Costa asked us to refer you to his website at www.rcosta.com to print out and bring along any particular information you are interested in.

All other Spring 2012 ISSO Employment Workshops will cover:

Curricular Practical Training (CPT, for F-1 Visa holders), 3pm-3:30pm

Optional Practical Training (OPT, for F-1 Visa holders), 3:30pm-4:30pm

Academic Training (AT, for J-1 Visa holders), 4:30pm-5pm

Wednesday, February 29

Wednesday, March 7

Friday, March 16

Tuesday, March 20

Wednesday, March 28

Location: Kutz 215