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International Services Office
Office for Global Engagement
A dancer performs a traditional dance in vibrant clothing, including a pink and purple outfit with gold accents, amid an attentive audience seated around a spacious room. The dancer's graceful pose features one arm raised and the other extended to the side.

Events and Programs

Explore upcoming programming and past events put on by ISO for our international community.

To register for International Services Office events, please visit our ISO Eventbrite.

Want event support for your student organization’s cultural event? Visit our Student Organization Support page and fill out a form to request support.

Events and programming

Upcoming events

New student programming

Visit our Orientation and Welcome Events page to learn more about the orientation process and for past event recordings. We also have a variety of new student resources to help you prepare for your time in Rochester.

Orientation events

Past events archive

Review a collection of past recorded events, broken out by audience below. If you have questions or trouble accessing these presentations, please contact our office.

For current students

F-1 Work After Graduation & OPT Application Procedures
  • Date: March 29, 2024
  • Presentation Recording
  • Overview: F-1 work permission for graduating international students requires planning and preparation! This workshop offers a detailed discussion about F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)—what it is how to apply for it, and how to use it. In addition to detailed guidance on applying for OPT, this workshop also offers information about travel during OPT, unemployment during OPT, the STEM OPT extension, and transitions to the H-1B Temporary Worker visa category. This program is open to F-1 international students from all University of Rochester academic divisions, both graduate and undergraduate. Students can apply for post-completion OPT up to 90 days before their program completion, so if you will be graduating this term, this is the time to start planning!
  • Required training: Students are required to attend an OPT workshop or have reviewed the recording before requesting a recommendation for OPT.
Academic Internships & F-1 CPT Application Procedures
  • Date: March 22, 2024
  • Presentation Recording
  • Overview: 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 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 also offers detailed guidance on applying for F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
Understanding the F-1 STEM Extension
  • Date: March 15, 2024
  • Presentation Recording
  • Overview: This workshop provides an overview of the STEM OPT Extension and is geared toward students and recent graduates of STEM-designated academic programs who may plan to apply for STEM OPT in the future. This workshop covers STEM eligibility and employer requirements, the Form I-983 training plan, required reporting, and relevant timelines.
The National Interest Waiver for International Students & Recent Graduates
  • Date: May 23, 2023
  • Presentation Recording
  • Overview: In recent years, several policy changes have made the National Interest Waiver (NIW) petition a more attractive and viable pathway for international students and graduates to pursue US permanent residence. This is especially true for those pursuing advanced degrees in a STEM field. This presentation discusses the NIW eligibility criteria and timeline, and the NIW’s benefits relative to other filing categories. This presentation also offers information on steps and strategies to position yourself for success in a future NIW filing.
Life After F-1: Immigration Planning for International Students
  • Date: May 18, 2023
  • Presentation Recording
  • Overview: This presentation explores the visa options available to international students following an F-1 program. We discuss the eligibility criteria, application process, and potential challenges for a range of temporary visa categories, including the H-1B, J-1 , L-1, O-1, and the E-2. We also discuss options for permanent residence sponsorship, including labor certifications and National Interest Waiver petitions.
Canadian Entry: Opportunities for Living and Working in Canada
  • Date: February 8, 2023
  • Presentation Recording
  • Overview: Representatives from the Immigration section of the Consulate General of Canada conducted a presentation and covered a wide range of topics, including:
    • the process to become a Canadian Permanent Resident
    • opportunities to work in Canada

For scholars, employees, and faculty

H-1B Departmental E-Form Training
J-1 Scholar E-Form Training
J Exchange Visitor Program and H-1B Specialty Occupation Worker
  • Date: October 6, 2022
  • Presentation Recording
  • Overview: A webinar providing an in-depth presentation on the J Exchange Visitor Program and the H-1B Specialty Occupation Worker. Topics include: An overview of each process; Services provided by the ISO for J Exchange Visitors and H-1B workers; a department’s responsibilities and requirements for each process and more. By the end of the session, you will have a greater understanding of these two visa categories most often used to bring international scholars and employees to the University.

For everyone

Tax Town Hall (January 19, 2024)