F-1: Optional Practical Training (OPT), STEM OPT, Transitioning to H-1Bs:

Ducis Viard & Kathleen McCarthy

Learn how to apply for OPT, STEM extensions, and prepare for H-1B status.
(Sessions will not be recorded.)

• Virtual: Monday, February 2 at 3:30p.m. via Zoom meeting, Password: 138358

J-1: Academic Training Information Session

Kathleen McCarthy & Ducis Viard

For J-1 visa holders: learn about Academic Training, STEM extension, 212(e) waiver basics, and visa renewal timing.
(Sessions will not be recorded.)

• Virtual: Monday, January 26 at 3:30p.m. via Zoom meeting

HBS at HIO Pop-Up Hours:

 Ducis Viard and Kathleen McCarthy will alternate hosting each week. You’re welcome to stop by on any week, no matter who your assigned advisor is.

3:00p.m.- 4:30p.m. in Spangler Lounge, near the coffee bar.

February 9th: Ducis & Kathleen

February 23rd: Kathleen

March 2nd: Ducis

March 9th: Kathleen

Additional Pop-up days will be scheduled as needed.

Summer Work Experience, Curricular Practical Training: F-1 students

HIO Advisors & HBS Registrar’s Office Staff; session will be recorded and posted to MyHBS.

F-1 visa holders in their RC year will get instructions on how and when to proceed with your CPT and Social Security Number (SSN) application. You do not need to have an internship offer in order to attend this session.   

• Virtual: Thusday, March 9, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. via Zoom, Password: 180871

Sprintax Webinar

 Sprintax Returns staff

Monday, March 9 at 5:00 p.m.- Register here

Additional sessions to be announced. Sprintax Returns hosts a series of free open tax webinars to provide helpful information around nonresident tax filing obligations.

Daily, Virtual Drop-in Hours with the HIO (Monday- Friday, excluding holidays):

Various HIO staff members
An HIO Advisor-on-Call will be available via Zoom during the following dates/times:

• Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
• Monday – Friday from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Extended OPT/ STEM OPT advising hours:
February 9- May 1, 2026
Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 3:00p.m.- 4:00p.m.

Please note that all times are Eastern Time, and exclude holidays. This service is offered via Zoom on a first-come, first-serve basis, and is intended for multiple international students and scholars with quick questions about standard advising topics, including travel, OPT, STEM OPT, Social Security Numbers, etc. To access the Advisor-on-Call waiting room during these times, please use the meeting link below:

Meeting Link

Individual Appointments

Kathleen McCarthy (Family name beginning with A-L): Calendly Link

Ducis Viard (Family name beginning with M-Z): Calendly Link

If there is a lengthy wait for an appointment, please consider using the resources above such as Drop-in Hours or the HIO Pop-up at HBS.