SCIS International Services

During the academic year, the Slutzker Center for International Services is open daily Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. An advisor on-call is available to take urgent walk-in cases from 9 a.m. until close.

If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call 315-443-2457 or email the advisor you wish to meet with directly.

If you have a general inquiry, please email lescis@syr.edu.

If Your OPT Application Has Been Pending For More Than 90 Days

The standard processing time for OPT applications at the Vermont Service Center is currently over 105 days. However, Federal regulation
(8 CFR 274a.13(d)) states that applications for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) must be processed within 90 days. If your EAD for OPT has not been processed within 90 days from the received date on your USCIS receipt notice, then you may submit a request to USCIS to expedite your case. Please use one of the following methods-- but not both-- to make your request only after 90 days have passed :

1) Call the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 to request a referral to the Service Center and a request for an expedite. When you make the request, state that you are requesting expeditious handling of an I-765 application because it is currently outside the normal processing times (ONPT) of 90 days, as required by federal regulation 8 CFR 274a.13(d) . Note the day and time of the call, the Officer's name and the referral ID number. The Service Center should respond within five business days.

2) Request an appointment through the InfoPass system: http://infopass.uscis.gov/. When you make the request, state that that you are requesting expeditious handling of an I-765 application because it is currently outside the normal processing times (ONPT) of 90 days, as required by federal regulation 8 CFR 274a.13(d). Rather than scheduling an appointment, USCIS will likely respond by sending a request to the Vermont Service Center for the file to be pulled and adjudicated.

If, after following either of these processes, no response is given within five business days after you contacted USCIS, please email us at lescis@syr.edu, providing your full name as you listed it on your OPT application, date of birth, citizenship, USCIS receipt number (starting with EAC...), USCIS receipt notice date, date and time you contacted USCIS to request expeditious handling, and the name and referral ID number of the officer with whom you spoke (if you called).

Additional information...

A Long Way Gone Resources

Jon Stewart Interview Clip

Interview Clip

The Book Show Interview Clip

Lecture

STEM Code Update

The CIP (classification of instructional programs) for Engineering Management has been changed by the University. The I-20s for current engineering management students will reflect "manufacturing engineering" (CIP 14.3601) as the program of study with a remark that the student's major is engineering management. Coursework and degree requirements will remain the same for engineering management students. There are many students effected by this change, therefore, your patience is appreciated as we issue new I-20s.

OPT Extension/ Cap Gap Rule

On April 8, 2008, DHS published the interim final rule that changes several key aspects of F-1 optional practical training (OPT). The rule is effective April 8, 2008.

The new rule published in the Federal Register will allow F-1 nonimmigrant students with certain STEM degrees (i.e., Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) to extend their OPT by 17 months if they meet the eligibility requirements and also expands cap gap relief to all F-1 students with pending H-1B petitions. More information...

Interim Rule with NAFSA Annotations

SEVIS Policy Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions

USCIS OPT Extension/Cap Gap Relief FAQ's_#1

USCIS OPT Extension/Cap Gap Relief FAQ's_#2

E-Verify

SCIS STEM Extension Webpage (w/ application process)

SCIS OPT Extension/ Cap-Gap Handout

SCIS Cap Gap Relief Webpage (W/ requesting Cap Gap I-20 instructions

USCIS to Allow F-1 Students Opportunity to Request Change of Status

USCIS Reaches FY 2009 H-1B Cap

STEM Extension Information