ISSS WEEKLY UPDATE FOR 11/26/ 2002

TABLE OF CONTENTS

New Items

1. IMPORTANT IMMIGRATION SESSIONS ON SEVIS: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25 AND MONDAY DECEMBER 2
2. VISA OPTIONS AFTER PRACTICAL/ACADEMIC TRAINING, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26
3. F-1 CURRICULAR/OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING WORKSHOP, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27
4. REMINDER: NOT ELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC FUNDING (MN ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM)
5. CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVNG ON NOVEMBER 28 AND 29
6. IMMEDIATE ATTENTION REQUIRED - INS SPECIAL REGISTRATION

Repeated Items


These are announcements from previous ISSS Weekly Updates. They are current and relevant to this week. Click on the title of the announcement to view it.

1. NEW MAILING ADDRESS FOR INS CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORM AR-11
2. CAREER SERVICES AVAILABLE AT ISSS
3. INTERCULTURAL INTERACTION COURSE OFFERING
4. USING THE GRAD 999 REGISTRATION OPTION
5. CPT/OPT APPLICATION FORMS
6. CAREER RESOURCE GUIDE FOR GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDENTS
   
7. F-1 SAME-DAY TRAVEL SIGNATURES
8. NEW RULE FOR ENTRY VISA APPLICANTS
9. COPY YOUR EAD FOR POST-COMPLETION OPT TO ISSS

NEW ITEMS

1. MPORTANT IMMIGRATION SESSIONS ON SEVIS: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25 AND MONDAY, DECEMBER 2

All International Students and Scholars on F and J Visas must attend an ISSS SEVIS Information Session!

On January 30, 2003 the internet-based information (tracking) system called SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) will go into effect. ALL international students and scholars on F-1, F-2, J-1, and J-2 visas need to be aware of the new immigration regulations and how it will affect them. Decisions about registration and travel are two important areas most likely to be affected.

PLEASE attend ONE of the SEVIS Information Sessions. See the ISSS web site for a complete calendar of the sessions.

The next session will be,
Monday, November 25 at 4:00 in Tate Laboratory of Physics 150 on the East Bank, and
Monday, December 2 at 3:30 in Anderson Hall 210 on the West Bank.

At the sessions, important information for your legal status in the U.S. will be presented and there will be plenty of time to ask questions. Staff and faculty members who work with international students and scholars are also welcome to attend these sessions.

2. VISA OPTIONS AFTER PRACTICAL/ACADEMIC TRAINING, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26

An immigration specialist from a local immigration law firm will give an overview of post-practical/academic training visa options, including: H-1B Temporary Worker Visas, O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visas, and permanent residency options.

Detailed information on this workshop is available at ISSS Career Web Site.

3. F-1 CURRICULAR/OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING WORKSHOP, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27

Everything you need to know about Curricular and Optional Practical Training!
For more detailed information, please visit this workshop and the whole ISSS career series on the web site:

4. REMINDER: NOT ELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC FUNDING (MN ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM)

You should not use any type of public funding during your stay in the United States as a non-immigrant. This is especially important in light of the present political climate. Examples of public funding include medical assistance, public housing, public utilities assistance (such as the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program), and community services such as day care benefits. Although state and local services may determine non-immigrants to be eligible for some form of public assistance, federal law prohibits its use. U.S. government officials may deny an entry visa request or entry into the U.S. if they determine an individual has used public funds.

5. CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVNG ON NOVEMBER 28 AND 29

ISSS will be closed November 28 and 29, this Thursday and Friday, for the Thanksgiving holiday. All University offices will also be closed. ISSS will follow regular hours again on Monday, December 2. We wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

6. IMMEDIATE ATTENTION REQUIRED - INS SPECIAL REGISTRATION

There are new Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS) requirements affecting some University of Minnesota students, scholars, staff and their families. The new requirements are part of the National Security Entry/Exit Reporting System (NSEERS). The system requires selected individuals to physically report to an INS office to be registered NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 16, 2002 and to report annually, among other requirements. People leaving the United States before December 16 will be registered upon their return. Please visit the ISSS web site for details.

Any affected person who fails to report as required, may lose immigration legal status, and have difficulty with future immigration and travel options. Also, for affected individuals, changes of address must be reported on a special form AR-11 SR, rather than the AR-11. It is extremely important that you read all of this information to see if you are affected, and how to comply with these requirements.

UNIVERSITY EVENTS CALENDAR Click

Visit the 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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