Preparing for your Life after Wes as an F-1 Student

Dear F-1 Seniors,
Hope you all are doing well and are ready for the last spring break in your college career. To help you get ready for your life after Wes, please consider doing the following:

Review Life after Wes information on the OISA Website

Please visit the Life after Wes page to review your options after graduation. We have information for you about applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT), transferring your SEVIS records to a graduate school and planing your departure from the U.S. If you have questions about any of these options, you are encouraged to come to one of our drop-in hours to discuss your post-graduation plans.

Attend One or More Upcoming Workshops for F-1 Seniors 

OISA is hosting two additional workshops for F-1 seniors. Both workshops will be recorded if you are not able to attend the live sessions. Please email oisa@wesleyan.edu if you need access to the recorded sessions.
Life After Wes: Managing your Immigration Status after Graduation
Wednesday, April 7, 12:00-1:00 p.m. EDTZoom link: https://wesleyan.zoom.us/j/94761418883

OPT STEM Extension Info Session

Thursday, April 15, 12:00-1:00 p.m. EDT

Zoom link: https://wesleyan.zoom.us/j/97614649988


Check your I-20s

​Check your Major(s) on your I-20: If you do not plan to apply for OPT, please check your current I-20 to make sure that your major(s) are correctly listed on your I-20 for your records. If you plan to apply for OPT, you will receive an OPT recommendation I-20 from OISA. Check your OPT recommendation I-20 to make sure that your major(s) are correctly listed.
Check your Program End Date on your I-20: If you are on track to graduate in May 2021, please check page one of your I-20 to make sure that your program end date says May 2021. If you need an I-20 correction, please email oisa@wesleyan.edu as soon as possible.
 

Review information about Optional Practical Training (OPT)

If you are interested in working in the United States after graduation, you are encouraged to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) as soon as possible. The OPT applications are adjudicated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), not Wesleyan OISA. The process takes at least 3 months and can take much longer during the pandemic. Please review the information listed on the Post-Completion OPT page carefully prior to submitting your OPT request. There are two documents on the page you might find helpful:
OISA will proofread your Form I-765 once for you. Please submit your completed Form I-765 to oisa@wesleyan.edu. You will receive detailed written feedback in 7-10 business days. Remember, you must be physically in the United States to apply for OPT. If you are currently studying remotely outside of the U.S. and are considering coming to the U.S. to apply for OPT, please contact OISA BEFORE you book your flights.

Attending Commencement 2021

Please review the Reunion & Commencement 2021 page for the university-wide announcement about the commencement given the fluid nature of the pandemic. If you are currently outside of the United States and are considering returning to the U.S. to attend the commencement, please contact OISA BEFORE you book your flights.

As always, feel free to reach out if you have questions!
Chia-Ying

 

Chia-Ying S. Pan | Director, International Student Services

Office of International Student Affairs Wesleyan University
Room 024, North College 237 High Street, Middletown, CT 06459
Zoom Meeting Room | Schedule an Appointment | Spring 2021 Drop-In Hours