main page announcements
COVID-19 Related Travel Restrictions & National Interest Exceptions (NIE)
Global travel advisories and restrictions change frequently. Check U.S. Centers for Disease Control global travel advisories and your airline for updates. You must carry your important travel documents. Proof of in-person enrollment is required if you have an Initial Attendance …
USCIS Announces I-765 Online Filing for OPT & STEM Extension
On April 12, 2021, USCIS announced that F-1 students seeking permission for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or OPT STEM Extension can now file Form I-765 online. We are optimistic about this change, but we are …
Fall 2021 Enrollment & Summer Travel Guidance
Dear Student, We are hopeful that UW-Madison’s return to in-person study and services for Fall 2021 will happen as planned. We know that there are still many concerns about international travel, health and safety in the U.S., …
Terra Dotta Login Issues – March 17
Terra Dotta is currently experiencing technical errors. The company is investigating and actively working to resolve the issue. This impacts all Terra Dotta user’s ability to login, submit requests, and check the status of currently …
USCIS Announcement – Processing Delays and Flexibilities
USCIS announced some flexibilities for F-1 students who mailed Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization to USCIS between October 1, 2020 and May 1, 2021. Requesting 12 months post-completion OPT The regulations state that your post-completion OPT employment authorization end date …
Spring 2021 Enrollment & Winter Travel Guidance
Dear Student, We are writing with a few updates as winter break and spring semester approach. This message is long, but it is full of important information and answers the most frequent questions we receive. …
Virtual Drop-in Advising schedule change for October 26-30
For one week only virtual drop-in advising will not be available on Wednesday. Students who want to participate in virtual drop-in advising during the week of October 26 – 30th are encouraged to participate in …
ISS Update: Terra Dotta forms
Dear Students, We appreciate your commitment to communicating with us through Terra Dotta! We receive hundreds of information request each week and International Student Advisors and student Peer Advisors are working to respond to all …
Changes to Duration of Status and OPT Fee Increase
Dear Students, We’re writing with updates on the Proposed Rule to eliminate Duration of Status and the changes to the OPT fee. (Updated October 2, 2020 at 9:58 AM) Proposed Rule to Eliminate Duration of …