International Center Updates: February 10, 2022

International Center Updates
February 10, 2022

International Center Service Operations for Spring 2022
For Spring 2022, the International Center is operating in a hybrid fashion.  Many of the International Center’s most commonly used services can be started and completed online (or by email), without needing an in-person visit to the office. However, we also offer walk-in hours at our various office locations, as well as the ability to schedule one-on-one virtual appointments with your individual advisor. For full details, please check our updated Guide to Getting Things Done with the International Center. 

F-1 Student Visa Status Requirements for Spring 2022
Please remember that you must register a full courseload as defined by your program in order to maintain F-1 student status. If you have less than a full courseload remaining to complete your degree, you do not need to register for extra courses, but please be sure to submit a Final Semester Reduced Course Load notification on the International Center Portal.
 

CPT and OPT Workshops for Spring 2022
The International Center has scheduled several online Zoom workshops throughout the next few months for F-1 students interested in either Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). Please visit our calendar for dates, times, and links to register in advance. Students who are completing their programs in Spring 2022 are strongly encouraged to attend and to apply for OPT early, as USCIS processing times can take between 3-5 months on average. Additional information about OPT can be found at https://icenter.tufts.edu/f1/f1-employment/f1-opt.

As you plan your post-graduation employment, don’t forget to register for this Spring 2022 Virtual Career Fair, which will take place virtually via Handshake on February 11, 2022. You may also want to consider attending a session on How to Get a Job at the UN.

Filing 2021 Taxes
It’s that time of year again! All international students and scholars who are nonresidents for tax purposes and were present in the US at any time during 2021 will need to file a tax return, whether or not you earned income. For more details, please be sure to visit our dedicated tax-filing website to learn about filing requirements, an outline of forms and documents you may need to file your tax return, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Our office has arranged tax filing software through Sprintax to assist you with the tax-filing process. We encourage you to use this software to make sure your taxes are filed correctly. We have sent out information about how to use Sprintax to file your 2021 tax return earlier this week – please contact us if you have not received it.

All international students and scholars are also invited to join a live tax-filing webinar hosted for the Tufts international community by Sprintax. Sessions will be held on February 18 and March 17. Sign up for a session here.  
 

Apply now to be Global Orientation Host Advisor

Applications are open for Summer 2022 Pre-Orientation (Aug 27-30) leaders! Participating in GO as a Host Advisor is a great way to create a meaningful experience for incoming international students. GO offers incoming freshmen a chance to get to know students from all over the world, while discovering Tufts, its surroundings, and the city of Boston. If you are passionate about welcoming new students to the international Tufts community, please apply!

Connection Matters

This discussion group will be led by Dr. Xi Bi from Counseling and Mental Health Service. In this conversation space for international students, we will talk about our experiences fitting in or sticking out in groups on campus, and how we find ourselves staying connected or struggling with losing touch with our support system back home. We will explore ways to reduce stress and enhance coping skills. Open to all Tufts international students, regardless of your current location. You are welcome to attend any or all the sessions. For inquires: Xi.Bi@tufts.edu.

 
Sincerely,
Tufts International Center
https://icenter.tufts.edu
internationalcenter@tufts.edu