ISSS WEEKLY UPDATE FOR 12/3/2002

TABLE OF CONTENTS

New Items

1. IMPORTANT IMMIGRATION SESSIONS ON SEVIS: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10 AND THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12
2. NEW SPECIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION
3. MAINTAINING YOUR LEGAL STATUS IS VERY IMPORTANT!
4. ACADEMIC TRAINING FOR J-1 VISA HOLDERS, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3
5. F-1 CURRICULAR/OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING WORKSHOP, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5
6. SMALL WORLD COFFEE HOUR THIS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
7. FINANCIAL AID WALK-INS ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10
8. OFFICE HOURS ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13

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. REMINDER: NOT ELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC FUNDING (MN ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM)
2. NEW MAILING ADDRESS FOR INS CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORM AR-11
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. IMPORTANT IMMIGRATION SESSIONS ON SEVIS: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10 AND THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12

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,
Tuesday, December 10 at 3:30 in Willey Hall 125 on the West Bank, and
Thursday, December 12 at 4:30 in Smith Hall 100 on the East 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. NEW SPECIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION

For more details on special registration information, please see the "INS Personal Registration & Reporting Requirement" on the ISSS web site:

A new group of individuals has become subject to the "specials registration" reporting requirement. The new group includes males born on or before December 2, 1986 who are citizens or nationals of Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Eritrea, Lebanon, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Qatar, Somalia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates or Yemen. The registration requirement applies only to those who entered the U.S. as non-immigrants on or before September 30, 2002 and who plan to remain in the U.S. until at least January 10, 2003. Affected individuals must report the District Office of the Immigration & Naturalization Service by January 10, 2003 for registration. If an affected individual plans to leave the United States before January 10, 2003, there is no need to go to the INS office.

Earlier we reported that certain males aged 16 or older, who are citizens or nationals of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan or Syria must report for registration. This is still the case. These include individuals who entered the U.S. as non-immigrants on or before September 10, 2002 and will remain in the U.S. until at least December 16, 2002. These individuals must report to the District Office of the Immigration & Naturalization Service by December 16, 2002 for registration. If an affected individual plans to leave the United States before December 16, 2002, there is no need to go to the INS of

3. MAINTAINING YOUR LEGAL STATUS IS VERY IMPORTANT!

With recent and upcoming changes in U.S. laws regarding international students and scholars on F and J visas, it is absolutely critical that you maintain your legal status. If you have questions about how to maintain your status, please go to the ISSS web sites below. Please see an ISSS adviser during advising walk-in hours if you have any concerns. (See the ISSS for Walk-in hours)

F-1 students J-1 students J-1 scholars All F and J visa holders

4. ACADEMIC TRAINING FOR J-1 VISA HOLDERS, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3

ISSS advisers will discuss J-1 Academic Training. You will find out about the eligibility requirements, application process, and timeline needed.

For more detailed information, please visit this workshop and the whole ISSS career series on the web site:

5. F-1 CURRICULAR/OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING WORKSHOP, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5

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:

6.SMALL WORLD COFFEE HOUR THIS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6

Take a break from your studies. Come drink great coffee and tea, enjoy assorted desserts, hear music from countries around the world, and meet some interesting people like yourself. Come join us in 110 Heller Hall, the Study Lounge near ISSS, from 4 - 6 p.m.

7. FINANCIAL AID WALK-INS ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10

On Tuesday, December 10, financial aid walk-in hours will begin after 2:30 p.m. as financial aid staff will attend an off-campus event. We apologize for the inconvenience.

8. OFFICE HOURS ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13

ISSS will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. only on Friday, December 13 due to meetings with all staff. We apologize for the inconvenience, but hope that you'll be all to plan in advance. ISSS will be open for regular hours the following Monday. Please see the ISSS web site for details on hours and services.

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.

SUBSCRIBING TO THE INTL-L LISTSERVE