IMMIGRATION UPDATE

INS REGULATORY NOTICES
The latest INS regulations affecting international students were passed on December 11, 2002.
These regulations have changed significantly the way international students must do things while attending school in the USA.

To read the complete regulations, please click here.

However, a small summary of the regulations is below. This summary is not complete and you should not base all your decisions on this summary. Please contact us if you have a specific question:

• A student that drops below the full amount of required units without prior DSO's approval will be automatically out-of-status. You must enroll full-time each quarter (12 units undergrads/ESL, 8 units grads).
• A student previously authorized to drop below a full course of study due to academic difficulties is not eligible for a second authorization by the DSO due to academic difficulties while pursuing a course of study at the current program level. In other words, you can only "drop" a class for academic reasons only once during your program of studies.
• When a DSO authorizes a student for total withdrawal, the student has a 15-day grace period to leave the country. If a student withdrawals w/o DSO’s approval, there is no grace period. He or she must leave the USA immediately.
• Students can enter the US only 30 days prior to their program start date.
• The rule does restrict students in the US in F1 status from being able to consider more than three credits per semester/quarter towards his or her full course of study requirements.
• Students may be authorized a second 12-month period of Optional Practical Training (OPT) after each academic level completed. ESL students do not qualify for OPT.
• Delays caused by academic probation or suspension are not acceptable reasons for program extensions. A DSO may not grant an extension if the student did not apply for an extension until after the program end date noted on the I20. A F1 student who is unable to complete the educational program within the time listed on I20 and who is ineligible for program extension pursuant to this paragraph is considered out of status.
• Students have 10 days to report a change of address to La Sierra's Office of International Student Services and INS.
  

OTHER STUFF

CLASS REGISTRATION
Classes started on January 6 and the last day to add a class was on January 13, 2003. Remember, the new regulations are very strict, and we cannot help you if you did not enroll full-time after the last day to add a class. Remember, undergraduates (that includes ESL and Certificate Students) must take at least 12 units while graduates need at least 8 units.

bmwfilms.com
Like BMW's and the feel of adrenaline pumping through your veins? BMW now has films on the web that showcase their vehicles and give you a good dose of adrenaline.

<< Go to the Web site>>

  ins.gov (check your INS application status)
Did you apply for an OPT/EAD/I539 and want to know what that status of a pending INS application is? Now you can find out by visiting the INS On-line Case Status finder.

<< Go to the Web site>>

Almost anything goes: Jan. 12. Gym @ 8pm.

Monday Mania-table tennis: Jan. 13. Student Center @ 8pm.

Assembly: Jan. 21. LSU Church @ 11am.

Super Bowl Party: Jan. 26. Sierra Towers @ 1pm.

Mission Emphasis Week: Jan. 27- Feb. 1.

DO YOU KNOW THIS PERSON?


Jessica Bearden
Jessica is the new SEVIS coordinator in the Office of International Student Services.

She will be making sure that all of you are SEVIS complaint, and that you get a new I-20 soon.

Besides working for OISS, Jessica is a vice presidet for La Sierra's SIFE Team, a Pathfinder leader at the Corona SDA Church, and an entrepreneur!

She's a theology major, but she also enjoys running programs, preaching, and helping people.

Sorry guys, she's got a boyfriend already! E-mail Jessica!

LAST MINUTE ISSUES
SEVIS Biosheets:
If you have not filled out a SEVIS Biosheet yet, please do as soon as possible. We need to issue you a new I-20 and need that information in order to do so. Stop by the OISS anytime from 8am-5am to pick up a form.

Bear Mountain/Snow Summit Tickets:
If you'd like to go skiing or snowboarding, you can avoid the lines and save some money by buying your tickets in the office of Student Life. Tickets are good in both mountains and are only $38 ea. for an all-day pass.

Disclaimer: You have received this email because you submitted your email address to the La Sierra University Office of International Student Services when you registered. If you are no longer a student at La Sierra University, you may be removed from this list by sending an email to nvigna@lasierra.edu.