ISSS WEEKLY UPDATE FOR
June 14, 2005 To June 20, 2005
NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- CHANGES IN J VISA REGULATIONS MAY AFFECT CURRENT AND FUTURE J SCHOLARS
- F–1 CURRICULAR/OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING WORKSHOP: WED, JUNE 15
- OPPORTUNITY WITH SMALL WORLD COFFEE HOUR TEAM
- NEW F & J WALK-IN SCHEDULE: JUNE & JULY
REPEATED ANNOUNCEMENTS:
These are announcements from previous ISSS Weekly Updates. They
are current and relevant to this week. To read the full text of
each repeated announcement, please refer to the dates indicated
below on the ISSS Weekly Update web page.
- CULTURE CORPS PROGRAM INFORMATION & DEADLINES (5/17/2005)
- 2005–06 FINANCIAL AID PROGRAM (4/5/2005)
- H–1B VISA CAP & THE ADDITIONAL 20,000 H–1B’s (3/15/2005)
- TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR F–1s ON POST–COMPLETION OPT ONLY (2/15/2005)
- CAREER SERVICES AT ISSS (2/1/2005)
- RULES CHANGED FOR F–1 STUDENTS APPLYING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY CARD/NUMBER (1/4/2005)
- TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR SPECIAL REGISTRATION STUDENTS (12/6/2004)
- REGISTRATION GUIDELINES FOR F–1 STUDENTS (11/23/2004)
NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. CHANGES IN J VISA REGULATIONS MAY AFFECT CURRENT AND FUTURE J SCHOLARS
Changes in J visa regulations will affect eligibility to begin and continue programs in the J Research Scholar and J Professor Categories. The changes could become effective as early as June 20, 2005. There are two major changes to report. Please call ISSS with questions.
12–Month Bar
Individuals who have been present in the US with F or J status for 6 months are “barred,” or not allowed, to begin a J Research Scholar or Professor program before living outside the US (orin some othervisa status) for 12 months. This was previously the case for people who held J–1 or J–2 status, but the new regulation adds this "12–month bar" to individuals with F–1 or F–2status. The implication is that some individuals – primarily F–1 students on Optional Practical Training – who might have changed directly from F–1 to a J–1 Research Scholar or Professor program following OPT, will no longer be able to do so once the rule goes into effect. The H–1B will be the only option for most individuals as employment authorization following the OPT. For Canadian and Mexican citizens, the TN (NAFTA) status remains an alternative. For departments or individuals currently in any F status and contemplating a change to J status for a Research Scholar or Professor program, you should start that process now – you must act before the changes are in effect.
Duration of Scholar Programs
Participants in the J Research Scholar and Professor categories will be eligible to pursue programs for 5 years, as opposed to the current 3–year limit. This will provide relief for departments and individuals who found the 3–year limitation on such programs to be too restrictive. However, there must now be a 24–month gap between the end of such a program and the beginning of another.
2. F–1 CURRICULAR/OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING WORKSHOP: WED, JUNE 15
Attend one of these workshops to find out everything you need to know about Curricular and Optional Practical Training! Obtain the forms that you need, ask questions, and learn from your fellow students' questions as well. This workshop is from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Heller Hall, room 110. CPT information begins at 1:30 p.m. and OPT at 2:30 p.m. Please see the ISSS Career Series web site for the Summer 2005 schedule and workshops details.
3. OPPORTUNITY WITH SMALL WORLD COFFEE HOUR TEAM
ISSS is looking for four enthusiastic, hard–working international students with strong communication and organizational skills toparticipatetoour Small World Coffee Hour team.Applicants must be available from the beginning of fall semester. Students available for the entire academic year are especially encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities, which will require a commitment of approximately 5–7 hours per week, include:
– meet with SWCH staff and other student organizationsevery otherweek (for about 2 hours);
– being in charge of supply management, shopping, publicity, and grants applications;
– organize and hold each SWCH event (every other Friday from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m.)
Participants will receive Culture Corps funds for their involvement in this program.
To apply, please email your letter of interest and your resume by July 24, 2005 to:
Antonella Corsi–Bunker, SWCH Program Coordinator: corsi001@umn.edu
Please visit Small World Coffee Hour, for more Information.
4. NEW F & J WALK–IN SCHEDULE: JUNE & JULY
During the summer months, ISSS will continue to offer F–1 and J–1 Walk–in services. During June and July, Walk–ins will take place Monday through Thursday only.
General F and J Advising Walk–ins:
Mondays: 9:00–11:30 a.m. and 1:30–4:00 p.m.
Tuesdays: 1:30–4:00 p.m.
Wednesdays: 9:00–11:30 a.m. and 1:30–4:00 p.m.
Thursdays: 9:00–11:30 a.m. and 1:30–4:00 p.m.
Fridays: No Walk–ins
Financial Aid Walk–Ins:
Tuesdays: 1:30–4:00 p.m.
The August Walk–ins schedule is posted on the ISSS web site, and announced in the ISSS Weekly Update.
University and ISSS Events Calendars
Visit the ISSS Event Calendar and University Events
Calendar regularly for programs, films, concerts, and celebrations
of special interest to you! Many events are free or affordable to
University Community members and the public.
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Weekly Update 2005