NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. ISSS CLOSED NOVEMBER 27 & 28

In celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday, all University offices including ISSS will be closed on Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28. We thank you for planning in advance for any services you may need. Happy Thanksgiving!

2. ISSS CLOSED TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2

Due to SEVIS processing, ISSS will be closed to the public on Tuesday, December 2. Please note that this means:
• Financial Aid walk-ins are cancelled
• No document check for new students and scholars
• No document pick-up
Please plan accordingly. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We appreciate your continued patience as we continue with SEVIS compliance.

3. J-1 DOCUMENT SPECIALIST WALKINS CANCELLED 11/26/03

J-1 document specialist walk-ins will be cancelled on Wednesday, 11/26, 1:30-4:00 p.m. J-1 advising walk-ins will be held on 11/26, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

4. PERMANENT DEPARTURES (F and J visas)

F-1 Students:
SEVIS records must be terminated with an appropriate termination reason when F-1 students permanently depart the U.S. Notify ISSS of the date you intend to permanently depart and your reason for leaving. If you intend to withdraw from your program of study, please see an ISSS adviser to obtain prior approval of the withdrawal and to insure proper SEVIS notification.
J-1 Students and Scholars:
If you leave the U.S. permanently, please notify ISSS by sending an email to <sevisj@umn.edu>. Indicate your name, departure date, reason for departure (e.g., completed program, transferring, inability to complete program), and contact information.

5. F-1 TEMPORARY DEPARTURES

SEVIS requires notification when students a) participate in a study abroad program outside the U.S.; b) participate in field research outside the U.S. during one or more academic terms; c) do not enroll full time in an academic term because of a departure from the U.S. of less than 5 months. Students should discuss their plans with an ISSS adviser to insure proper SEVIS reporting and to avoid potential reentry problems. This rule DOES NOT apply to travel over the break periods or the summer vacation.

6. FIRST HALF / SECOND HALF TERM ENROLLMENT

F-1 and J-1 students who plan to split their enrollment between the first half and second half of the term must enroll for a full course of study at the beginning of the semester to insure proper enrollment notification to SEVIS. SEVIS requires an enrollment report by the third week of the term.

7. F-1 and J-1 SEVIS REMINDER

Your SEVIS record is permanent and should accurately reflect your situation. The Department of Homeland Security may refer to your SEVIS record in the future if you apply for a change in visa status, adjustment to permanent residency or apply for any type of U.S. entry visa stamp. Discrepancies found in your SEVIS record can have an adverse effect on these applications. Contacting ISSS when significant changes occur (i.e., change in major, degree program, permanent departures, less than full time enrollment, etc.) will help insure that your SEVIS record is accurate.

8. RESUME CRITIQUE APPOINTMENTS

If you have a created a resume and you would like to get advice and tips on improving it, make an appointment for a Resume Critique with an ISSS advisor. Call ISSS at 612-626-7100 and ask to schedule a Resume Critique appointment.

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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