This session will help international students understand how to navigate U.S. immigration status during and after graduate school.

Thursday, October 8, 2026
1: 00 pm – 2:00 pm

Join the Futures Initiative of CUNY for our first webinar of the semester on October 8, 2026 at 1pm for a discussion facilitated by Violetta Soboleva. You don’t want to miss this event! 

Navigating the U.S. immigration system during and after graduate school can feel overwhelming. With complex regulations and constantly shifting news, waiting until graduation or OPT expiration to plan your next steps is a major risk. 

This session is designed to clear the confusion. You will learn how to strategically manage your current student visa, evaluate immigration policy news, and plan a realistic roadmap for long-term career success.  

Here’s what we will discuss:  

• Immediate Work Authorization: Best practices for maintaining your F-1 or J-1 status, plus maximizing OPT and STEM OPT extensions. 

• Employment Visa Pathways: An overview of specialized work visas like the H-1B and the O-1A (Extraordinary Ability). 

• Permanent Residency (Green Cards): Self-petitioned pathways including the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) and EB-1A, as well as family-based immigration. 

• Decoding the News: How to distinguish breaking policy announcements from rules actually in effect, and where to find reliable legal sources.