Region XI Spring Immigration Workshop
2022 Virtual Spring Immigration Workshop
March 7-11, 2022
This is new to me…What is SIW? The Spring Immigration Workshop is a professional development opportunity led by the members of GRAC, which is a sub-committee of the Region XI team focused on governmental issues and regulations. The content is focused on matters that are closely tied to the immigration aspects of international students, scholars, and employees.
As last year, SIW 2022 will be fully in a virtual format and will be free to attend. We hope that by making this event accessible in multiple ways that you will be able to get content that helps you in doing your job.
Registration Information
This year you will register for each individual event, rather than the workshop as a whole. Registration is free for everyone. Sessions are offered via Zoom.
Updated: March 11, 2022
Session recordings are available below.
Session Descriptions and Session Recordings
Today’s sessions are for beginners in the field or people looking to learn more about a new area.
F-1 For Beginners Workshop
This two-part workshop covers basics of the F-1 student status from initial status acquisition and maintenance to employment and practical training authorizations. This is not a NAFSA CEP, but offers audience members an overview of core concepts and regulations for F-1 students. Please only sign up if you will attend both parts (Monday from 9-11AM and Wednesday from 3-5PM).
- Elke Breker, Director, Office of International Student & Scholar Services, Brown University
- Caitlin Szymkowicz, Associate Dean, Office of International Students and Scholars, Smith College
- Sonja Paulson, Assistant Director, Office of International Student & Scholar Services, Brown University
Date and Time: Monday, March 7, 9:00a-11:00AM & Tuesday, March 8, 3:00-5:00PM
Zoom Session Not Recorded
H-1B for non-Practitioners
This is a session for people whose jobs don't involve filing H-1Bs to learn more about the basic eligibility for and process of filing an H-1B employment-based status. We will offer some basic tips and tools for talking about H-1Bs for audience members who work with international student populations that might eventually transition to an H-1B and to better understand the work of your colleagues who file them.
- Emma Swift, Associate Director, Office of International Education, University of Vermont
- Emma Huse, International Student and Employee Advisor, University of Vermont
Date and Time: Monday, March 7, 1:00-2:00 PM
F-1 vs. J-1 Students: What’s Similar? What’s Different?
In this session we'll explore the major regulatory and practical differences in advising F-1 versus J-1 students. This session will be especially helpful for F-1 advisors seeking to gain additional exposure to the nuances of J-1 student advising.
- Andrew Shiotani, Director , International Center, Tufts University
- Stefanie Rich, International Student and Scholar Advisor, International Center, Tufts University
- Rachel Hollabaugh,International Student and Scholar Advisor, Office of Global Services, Northeastern University
- Peter O'Meara, Advisor to International Students and Scholars, Harvard International Office, Harvard University
Date and Time: Monday, March 7, 2:00-3:00 PM
Today’s sessions are focused on working with governmental partners such as CBP, USCIS, SEVP, etc. Note: the SEVP Update session that was tentatively scheduled for 9:00-10:00 AM today has been cancelled but our other sessions will touch on current relevant SEVP hot topics.
Helping Students in Economic Crisis: TPS, Economic Hardship, and Special Student Relief
With a number of Special Student Relief (SSR) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) country designations announced in 2021, and with many countries experiencing emergent circumstances, not all students experiencing economic crises are eligible for the same benefits. Join us for a dive into TPS, Economic Hardship, and SSR: benefits, eligibility, and how to navigate each as a DSO.
- Hanna Bliss, Director, Office of Immigration Services Amherst College
- Dan Berger, Attorney, Curran, Berger, and Kludt
- Jeanne Kelley, Director, International Students and Scholars Office, Boston University
Date and Time: Tuesday, March 8, 9:00-10:00AM
I-765 Online OPT Filing
Join us to learn about USCIS's option for online OPT filing, and best approaches for supporting students through this process.
- Kate Sacco, Director, International Student Services, Rhode Island School of Design
- Kelsy Dennis, Assistant Director, Office of International Student & Scholar Services, Brown University
- Katie Ahlman, International Student and Scholar Advisor, UMass Amherst
Date and Time: Tuesday, March 8, 10:00-11:00 AM
Travel Troubles
Join us for a discussion about current travel difficulties affecting international students and scholars. Topics will include visa processing at US consulates, current issues and trends at US ports of entry, evolving Covid-related requirements and restrictions, and how we are coping with them. Government reps will not be present.
- Amanda Doran, Advisor to International Scholars, MIT
- Liz Goss, Attorney, Goss Associates
- Laura Kanner, Sr. Immigration Specialist, Boston Children's Hospital
Date and Time: Tuesday, March 8, 11:00-12:15 PM
Featured Keynote: State Legislative Advocacy Open Forum
Do you find advocacy daunting or confusing? Join us as we discuss the many forms advocacy can take, demystify common areas, and provide a framework with how to engage with your local representatives.
- David Emer, Legislative Director and General Counsel for Massachusetts State Senator Jamie Eldridge
- Anthony Pawelski, Senior Advisor, Office for Global Professionals and Scholars, Mass General Brigham
Date and Time: Tuesday, March 8, 1:00-2:00 PM.
Zoom Session Not Recorded
Get by with a Little Help from Your Friends: How to Work with NAFSA Colleagues on Complex Questions in Student and Scholar Advising
This is a session for those new to international student/scholar advising. Are you encountering new issues for the first time, all the time? We'll talk about how to analyze a problem; where to start your research; how NAFSA Region XI and GRAC members can help you with questions; and when it's appropriate to speak with SEVP field reps directly.
- Elizabeth Capuano,Advisor to International Students and Scholars, Harvard International Office
- Hanna Bliss, Director, Office of Immigration Services Amherst College
Date and Time: Tuesday, March 8, 2:00-3:00 PM
F-1 For Beginners Workshop Part 2
This two-part workshop covers basics of the F-1 student status from initial status acquisition and maintenance to employment and practical training authorizations. This is not a NAFSA CEP, but offers audience members an overview of core concepts and regulations for F-1 students. Please only sign up if you will attend both parts (Monday from 9-11AM and Wednesday from 3-5PM).
- Elke Breker, Director, Office of International Student & Scholar Services, Brown University
- Caitlin Szymkowicz, Associate Dean, Office of International Students and Scholars, Smith College
- Sonja Paulson, Assistant Director, Office of International Student & Scholar Services, Brown University
Date and Time: Monday, March 7, 9:00-11:00AM & Tuesday, March 8, 3:00-5:00PM (make sure you register on Zoom for both sessions)
Zoom Session Not Recorded
Today’s sessions are focused on more advanced topics, including sessions specific to international scholars and employment-based statuses.
J-1 Scholars and Institutional Policies
J-1 scholar advisors are juggling a lot! In this session, we will talk about CIP code selection, Transfer processes and policies, the out of country function, change of category, and even a check in on the contents of the J-1 annual reports.
- Jodi Hanelt, International Students and Scholars Office, Brandeis University
- Makiko Wada, Advisor to International Scholars, MIT
- Abe Schafermeyer, Director, Global Education Center, Office of International Students and Scholars, UNH (and formerly of University of Oregon)
Date and Time: Wednesday, March 9, 10:00-11:00 AM
Featured Keynote: Ira Kurzban
Attorney Kurzban will address some of the current policy/advocacy challenges in the field of immigration and share his insights.
- Ira Kurzban, Esq.
- Liz Goss, Attorney, Goss Associates Immigration Law (moderator)
Date and Time: Wednesday, March 9, 1:00-2:00 PM
Updates and Strategies for “Stalled” Immigration Benefits
A recent report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) outlined how additional layers of bureaucratic red tape slowed case adjudications and processing. The GAO revealed one of the major drivers of the immigration system's mounting caseload is U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) backlog of nearly 7 million applications and petitions. This panel will provide an overview of what cases are stuck, options on how to move matters, and a general USCIS update. Panelists will outline the latest on EAD/AP delays, I-539s, expedite requests, and the results of the EAD settlement from 2021. The panel will also explore the extensive delays facing the U.S. Department of State Waiver Review Division. Finally, panelists will share thoughts on congressional liaisons and use of litigation.
- Adrienne J. Vaughan, Esq., Law Office of Adrienne J. Vaughan LLC
- Mahsa Khanbabai, Esq., Khanbabai Immigration Law
- Anthony Pawelski, Senior Advisor, Office for Global Professionals and Scholars, Mass General Brigham
Date and Time: Wednesday, March 9, 2:00-3:00 PM
Today’s sessions focus on issues that touch on the experiences of our clients in maintaining their status in the US, but are not strictly regulatory.
Your Nonresident Tax Guide – managing taxes from a school perspective
This session will give an overview of state and federal tax reporting requirements for non-resident international students and scholars. Discussion items will include: Who must file a 2021 U.S. tax return, what income forms students/scholars may receive, which forms need to be completed and sent to the IRS, what happens if students don't file or misfile and IRS stimulus payments. Important terms such as FICA, ITIN and 1098-T will be covered as well as time for your questions. We will also be providing information on how some students may be able to e-file their federal returns.
- Susan Shea, Associate Director, Office of International Students and Scholars, Boston College
- Neil Duffy, Associate Vice President, Sprintax
- Colleen Callahan-Pandey, Director, International Student Life, WPI
Date and Time: Thursday, March 10, 10:00-11:00 AM
Zoom Session Not Recorded
A Level Playing Field? Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) Considerations for F-1 Student-Athletes
International students are an increasingly important part of the dynamic and lucrative field of NCAA intercollegiate sports competition. However, there can be significant limitations and challenges that are unique to international student-athletes’ F-1 status. This session will specifically discuss the recent monumental changes that have occurred in intercollegiate athletics as a result of the “Name, Image & Likeness” (N.I.L.) movement and how this movement can impact international student-athletes. Additional discussion will cover how to foster good working relationships with college athletics departments and international student-athletes alike, and how to navigate such considerations as professional try-outs and signing professional contracts.
- Kenneth Reade, Director, International Student and Scholar Services, UMass Amherst
- Robert Seiger, Esq., Archer & Greiner P.C., Philadelphia, PA
Date and Time: Thursday, March 10, 11:00-12:00 PM
Featured Keynote: Journal of International Students- What the data tells us about international students in the US today
- Chris Glass, Ph.D., Editor-in-Chief, Journal of International Students and and Director of Executive EdD. in Higher Education at Boston College. Hear from Chris Glass, Ph.D., Editor-in-Chief, Journal of International Students, and Director of Executive EdD. in Higher Education at Boston College. Dr. Glass will discuss major trends and topical areas in international student research and highlight resources for DSOs and international education practitioners. Participants will have the opportunity to share resources and engage in Q&A.
- Andrea Popa, Director of the Office of International Student Affairs, Emerson College (moderator)
Speaker bio: https://chrisrglass.com/
Date and Time: Thursday, March 10, 1:00-2:00 PM
Managing Immigration Compliance in a Small Office
From pre-arrival to post-completion, immigration advising, and SEVIS regulatory compliance, a small office must handle the same level of complexity and subtleties present in a large office. This session will evaluate specific challenges and solutions adopted in small international offices to maintain institutional compliance, provide immigration advising and manage SEVIS reporting requirements.
- Maria Polyanskaya, International Student Advisor, Boston Architectural College
- David W. J. Restrick, Director of Student Success & Retention & International Student Advisor, Eastern Nazarene College
- Maggie Shirland, International Student Advisor, Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Date and Time: Thursday, March 10, 2:00-3:00 PM
Today is a time to connect in a less structured way with others around certain interest areas. These roundtables will be hosted by a GRAC member and are a time to come with outstanding questions and current issues.
Beginners Roundtable
Join a lightly-facilitated discussion on issues relevant to Beginners in this work. Bring questions and current issues, or follow-up thoughts from sessions this week to discuss with peers.
Hosts:
- Jodi Hanelt, International Students and Scholars Office, Brandeis University
- Caitlin Szymkowicz, Associate Dean, Office of International Students and Scholars, Smith College
Date and Time: Friday, March 11, 11:00-12:00 PM
Zoom Session Not Recorded
Scholars Roundtable
Join a lightly-facilitated discussion on issues relevant to Scholars. Bring questions and current issues, or follow-up thoughts from sessions this week to discuss with peers.
Hosts:
- Elizabeth Capuano, Advisor to International Students and Scholars, Harvard International Office
- Amanda Doran, Advisor to International Scholars, MIT
Date and Time: Friday, March 11, 1:00-2:00 PM
Zoom Session Not Recorded
K-12 Schools Roundtable
Join a lightly-facilitated discussion on issues relevant to K-12 schools. Bring questions and current issues, or follow-up thoughts from sessions this week to discuss with peers.
Hosts:
-
Jennifer O'Connor, Director, International Student Programs, Lawrence Academy
Date and Time: Friday, March 11, 1:00-2:00 PM
Zoom Session Not Recorded