Office of International Services

International Update
February 17, 2014

Tax Season Is Here

Have you received forms from your employer regarding your earnings in 2013? Are you unsure if you have to file tax returns? Click here to learn more about U.S. taxes and to use the free tax preparation software provided by OIS.

Workshop: Tax Filing Resources for International Students - State of CA

Tuesday, Mar. 11, 2014, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in THH 101 and; Monday, Mar. 31, 2014, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in THH 101 Students must complete federal forms using GLACIER Tax Prep before attending the session and must bring copies of these forms. Please visit the Taxes section of the OIS website for more information on State of California and Federal Taxes. Register here

OPT Applications for Fall 2014 Graduates Now Accepted

All OPT applicants must complete the OPT Online Workshop. Students must complete the workshops prior to submitting their OPT request to OIS. Important reminders about OPT:

Copy of diploma or transcript from Registrar not required. Job offer is not required to apply. Processing time is approximately 3 months. OIS recommends graduates apply for OPT as soon as possible. There is no expedite process.

Like OIS on Facebook and Win a Gift Card!

If you love us, then "like" us! The OIS Facebook page is a great way to stay up to date on alumni events and benefits, see photos from events, and win fun prizes.

Address Update
Federal immigration regulations require all current and recently graduated international students to report any change to their local U.S. address within 10 days of moving. To change or correct a permanent or local address, log in to OASIS and click on 'Change Of Address.

Job Search Strategies for International Students

Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014 and Monday, Feb. 24, 2014, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM TCC Room 350-52 (Franklin Room Suite) Are you looking for an internship or full-time employment in the U.S.? Come learn about resources and techniques when searching for a job, as well as work authorization requirements for international students. More information about the workshop series available here.

Dining Like a Diplomat - USC Career Center

Monday, Mar. 10, 2014, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM TPR (Student Union Building) Learn how impress a potential employer with poise and grace during a breakfast, lunch, or dinner interview. Register for this event with the USC Career Center.

Maintaining International Student Status

All F-1 and J-1 international students are responsible for maintaining their immigration status while at USC. These requirements include enrolling in a full course of study, working with the proper employment authorization, updating OIS of address changes and more. Please review the specifics of these guidelines on the OIS website and make an appointment to meet with an OIS advisor if there are any concerns. Appointments can be made by calling the OIS front desk at (213) 740-2666.

Cultural Drop-in Hour

Tuesdays 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM STU 413 The Student Counseling Center is offering a great opportunity for students to speak with a professional counselor about anything (e.g., difficulties, challenges and/or struggles). No appointment needed. Stop by the 4th floor conference room and "drop in" to meet with a counselor.

1st Tuesdays: Yong Park, PhD 2nd Tuesdays: Broderick Leaks, PhD 3rd Tuesdays: Cristina Prez, LCSW 4th Tuesdays: Yoey Cheng, PsyD

Grammar, Style, and Skill Workshops

THH 271 Do you need help with your writing skills? The USC Writing Center offers weekly small-group workshops on a wide range of writing related topics. Click here for the current schedule.

International Tea Time

USC Engemann Student Heath Center 3rd Floor Monday afternoons Share your experiences in the U.S. with other international students. This informal gathering is a great way to practice English, ask questions, or simply discuss anything that may be confusing, difficult, or amusing about being new to the U.S. Tea and cookies provided. Call 213-740-7711 for meeting time.

Study Safety Tips

Remember, when studying at the library:

Never leave your personal property (backpack/lap top/cell phone etc.) unattended whether in a library or in a classroom on campus. Utilize the lap top locks provided by the Library to safely secure your lap top. Do not ask the person sitting next to you to watch your personal property unless they are your good friend.

For more safety tips, check out the Department of Public Safety website.

The Office of International Services is happy to provide the International Update (IU), a weekly e-newsletter for international students and scholars at USC. This newsletter provides information about programs and events of interest to the international community, as well as updates on immigration and visa requirements.

Quick Links...
OIS Website

Student Address Update OPT Employment Update Maintaining Full-Time Status Apply for OPT Free Legal Counsel International Connection Magazine