F-1 students who applied for OPT are facing unprecedented delays in receiving their EADs (employment authorization documents). These delays not only affect our recent graduates and HU hiring departments, but those across the U.S. Without EADs, students have no income and are not permitted to begin working until they get their EADs. They cannot travel outside the U.S. and reenter the U.S. without the EAD. In previous years, OPT applications have taken 60-100 days to be processed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), but the processing time this year is much longer than previous years. Recent estimates are that OPT processing could take as long as 5.5 months. These delays are part of a bigger problem within USCIS. The General Accountability Office (GAO) will undertake a study in the fall at the urging of Congress to investigate USCIS processing times which have increased by up to 46 percent since Fiscal Year 2016. We are working with various offices across the University and professional organizations to advocate for our students. Please feel free to contact your HIO advisor if you have any questions.
The 2026 Diversity Visa Lottery (DV-2026), also known as the "Green Card Lottery," is open for registration. This U.S. government-instituted program offers over 50,000 immigrant visas to individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the United States. Applications are accepted electronically and the process is free. Any site charging a fee is not affiliated with the U.S. government.
Ask questions! I cannot overstate the importance of asking questions. This simple practice will make your life so much better! Also, a question might not only lead you to an answer but to so much more. You might find your best friends, strongest supporters, and wisest mentors at the end of a question.
The chance to represent Harvard women’s varsity tennis team was one of the most fulfilling experiences at Harvard so far. Not only I had a second family here, but I felt that I was paying back to the community by representing Harvard College.
The prospects of learning in a diverse community of practice and having an opportunity to learn from professors whose work I have been following for a long time attracted me to Harvard.
The professors that I was fortunate to learn from this semester were all prominent scholars in the field and some of the humblest people I have ever met in my life. Interacting with them in class, office hours, and through emails taught me so much about impactful leadership and mentorship.
Jamaica - Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Try to be open-minded and open to new experiences and trying new things: some you might like, some you might not. See your time here as not only for the main priority of doing well and getting your degree but use it also as an opportunity to educate yourself and grow more socially and culturally.
Brazil/Australia - Harvard School of Public Health
One of the best things Harvard brings, in the form of colleagues and faculty, is expanding my thinking and horizons. With each mountain, a new elevation, myriad perspectives, and the knowledge of so many other, even greater mountains exist. For me, it’s a place for high-level, stimulating conversations where questioning the status quo is a daily practice.
The best experience was networking with research lovers, or I may call them truth finders. I loved the safe environment and in-classes discussions and the passion to make a difference. I enjoyed working with a supportive, enthusiastic mentor. I really appreciate being able to meet and learn from extraordinary scientists.
