Congratulations, Graduates!
From Your ISP Team
Fumiyo, Laura, Ani, Udval, Jennifer, and Brenda
Keep In Touch! Let Us Know Where You Go!
Even though classes are ending, don't forget to keep checking your CalArts e-mail for important updates and information. We are still working all summer to support you!
Please also keep us informed of your address if you move apartments, go to your country for the summer, or wherever you go to live. As part of maintaining your student status, you need to give us your new address within 10 days of moving. We are required to keep your current address in SEVIS so if you leave where you are now, PLEASE update your address here.
Digital Travel Signatures are Officially Valid!
We have official notification that digital travel signatures are good for one year for current students!
1. Can DSOs electronically send signed Forms I-20 to students instead of physically mailing the forms?
Yes, due to COVID-19, DSOs may electronically send Forms I-20 to student email addresses listed in SEVIS.
2. What methods can DSOs use to sign and send Forms I-20?
Email a digitally signed Form I-20 that contains a digitally reproduced copy of a physical signature.
3. Will schools need to provide students with their original Form I-20 (ink-signed copies) when schools reopen?
Forms I-20 issued electronically or with electronic signatures—as permitted during the COVID-19 emergency—will remain valid until students have a need for an updated Form I-20.
4. How long is an electronic or digital travel signature valid on the Form I-20? Is it valid for the same amount of time as an ink signature?
An electronic or digital travel signature will be valid for the same duration as an ink signature (12 months for F students).
Details on Electric Form I-20 Issuance
Will You Graduate On Time?
If you think you are not going to graduate on time and need an extension of your I-20, let us know immediately. The deadline to extend your I-20 to the summer or fall semester is Friday, May 15th. That is a firm SEVIS deadline and there will not be any deadline extension.
More Financial Resources For Students
The CalArts Alumnx & Family team has created a Google Sheet with lists of links focusing on several topics to help CalArtians during this critical time.
The Rowe fund for students from Latin American and Caribbean OAS member countries has added a relief scholarship for international students who also have been approved for their loans.
Other Resources
For OPT Applicants - NEW Updates and Reminders
NEW! Students on OPT may now (temporarily) work less than 20 hours/week and don't have to count it as "unemployment".
NEW! Graduating students' CalArts health insurance is valid until August 31. OPT students will receive more information on health insurance later in the summer.
NEW! Students applying for OPT will soon start to receive a regular OPT newsletter with information about freelancing, reporting employment, types of work available, and more!
REMINDER: You cannot start working until the start date on your EAD card.
REMINDER: On or after the OPT start date, you will receive an e-mail from SEVP with a link to your SEVP portal login. This is where you will enter your employment information.
PREVIOUS REMINDERS:
Some OPT applications are already being approved. Please check your OPT case status regularly.
Applications are not approved in order of receipt.
Track OPT Cases to see a breakdown of OPT case status by your receipt date. (scroll down to the graphs after clicking the link and find your receipt date to see how many applications are still pending.)
Please send us a copy or photo of your EAD card when you receive it.
You can change the mailing address to a trusted friend's U.S. address. (On the online form, choose I-765, Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student C 3.)
FAQ on OPT (scroll down the page after clicking the link)
CPT Summer Internship
The time is here to register for CPT for summer. CPT is work authorization that allows F-1 international students to take part in paid or unpaid off-campus internships while they are in school. CPT is for academic purposes, not just for employment. The internship must be considered to be a necessary part of the student’s academic program. See here for information and how to apply.
Stay Informed!
CalArts Educational Continuity Page
NAFSA Coronavirus Update Page Current Information about Visa Status, Travel, Consulate Closure, Policy, etc.
Coming Soon...
STEM OPT Zoom (Repeat) Q&A Workshop - Tuesday May 12, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Want to help new students as International Ambassadors? Application coming soon!