| The e-newsletter for International Students at La Sierra |
Vol. 9 Issue 2
- November 2004
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NAFSA Region XII Update
Natan Vigna, International Student Services Coordinator, attended the annual NAFSA Region XII conference this past week in Sacramento, CA. "The NAFSA conference is one of the best ways to keep up with the ever changing government regulations," says Vigna. "Our international students' immigration status is something we take seriously. We do the best we can to keep them all up to date with what's going on," he added. To learn about the latest regulations, please read the "Immigration Update."
Stahl Center Sabbath
Thank you to all the students who came to the Stahl Center Sabbath dressed in their national costumes, as well as to all the other students who helped with the flags and the artifacts.
  For more pictures, click here.
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If you do not see the upcoming events, click here. |
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Diversity Visa (green card) Lottery Now Open
On September 29, the Department of State (DOS) released a notice covering eligibility requirements and application procedures for the 50,000 immigrant visas available through the 2006 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. Applications from eligible persons will be accepted from November 5, 2004, through January 7, 2005. Only online applications will be accepted. To read the DOS notice, including instructions and the on-line application, access: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants_types_diversity3.html
REMBER: The Diversity Lottery is FREE. You do not need to pay anyone or any agency/business to do the application for you. Beware of scams and false emails/web sites that claim they guarantee your chances of winning. |
Optional Practical Training
Federal regulations require all students applying for Optional Practical Training apply for their EAD (OPT card) up to 120 days before they finish their class requirements. OPT applications cannot be made after the student finished his or her program. However, the new policy states that all those students who filed for OPT on their last quarter of studies but failed a class, need to apply for reinstatement to re-enroll or complete the class.
In addition, the local USCIS office in San Bernardino is now part of the Info Pass system, which means students will have to make an appointment prior to getting their temporary OPT card. Info Pass appointments take approximately two weeks.
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Option Allows Payment of SEVIS I-901 Fee Through Western Union
On November 1, Western Union's "Quick Pay" service became a third option for paying the SEVIS I-901 fee for F and M students and J exchange visitors. This option is available in any country where Western Union offers Quick Pay service. The Western Union office collects the SEVIS I-901 fee in local currency, along with the needed Form I-901 data, and electronically transmits the payment and data to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Western Union office then issues a receipt that serves as immediate proof of payment for a visa interview at a U.S. consulate or for admission at a U.S. port of entry. Western Union's Quick Pay form must be completed in exact detail, following instructions developed by DHS and Western Union. These detailed payment instructions, including samples of properly completed Quick Pay forms, are posted on the Web at: http://www.ice.gov/graphics/sevis/i901/wu_instr.htm . |
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Thanksgiving Break is around the corner!
Thanksgiving break is almost here. If you are an international student staying on campus, beware of the Cafeteria's holiday hours. Mostly likely, they will be closed for Thanksgiving day. International Student Nurture is trying to make a Thanksgiving meal for all students staying on campus during that day. Stay tuned for more information/posters. |
| Have you printed your insurance card? If not, take a minute to do so. You never know when you will need it. In order to help you remember to print your card, Health Services will not assist you unless you have your card. |
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What to do if the FBI or Department of Homeland Security wants to question you?
The FBI and other law enforcement agencies are increasing their attempts to question and monitor many people over the next few weeks and months. Keep the following tips in mind if this affects you. (PDF) |
REMEMBER: you have the right to have an attorney present during the interrogation. |
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Thanks for reading
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 oiss@lasierra.edu. Pictures courtesy of Corbis. © www.corbis.com |
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