| The e-newsletter for International Students at La Sierra |
Vol. 9 Issue 5
- February 2005 |
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We can't believe that February is here! It still feels like we started winter quarter last week, but midterms are already around the corner.
With President Bush's 2nd inaguration, 2005 has already brought many changes to international education. The Department of Homeland Security has a new secretary,
Michael Chertoff (not yet confirmed), as does the Department of State with Condeleezza Rice as the Secretary of State. Although there are positive changes, such as positive statements on international students from the new Secretary of State (read more below), some of the new changes implemented this year will make the lives of international students in the U.S. a bit more challenging.
Among the new regulations, students in OPT who leave the U.S. without a secured job or a job offer in writing will be denied re-entry. Please take a minute to read this newsletter carefully and specifically all the new regulations listed under the Immigration Update section.
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If you do not see the upcoming events, click here. |
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Don't Leave the Country Without a Job!
New DHS interpretations of travel while on post-completion OPT discusses the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) office's recent operating instruction that states a student traveling with a post-completion OPT EAD card must have a job or job offer to be readmitted to the United States after a temporary absence abroad.
Click here for read this important document. |
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Condoleezza Rice, new Department of State Secretary
On January 26, Condoleezza Rice was confirmed as U.S. Secretary of State. In her confirmation hearings before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,
Rice promised to increase exchanges and said that the United States "must remain open to visitors and workers and students from around the world." In her testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rice spoke about the importance of Americans making a serious effort to understand foreign cultures and languages and said that our interaction with the rest of the world "must be a conversation, not a monologue." She added that the United States would benefit from "a renewed commitment to training Americans in critical languages, like Arabic and Farsi, and cultures." Rice also indicated her support for more exchanges with the Muslim world. In response to questions from committee members who underscored the value of foreign students to the United States, Rice said "I am a big proponent of student exchanges. It is the best policy we can have."
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DOS Announces Change in Visa Validity for Chinese Tourist, Business Travelers
DOS (Department of State) announced that beginning January 15, eligible Chinese nationals who wish to visit the United States temporarily for business or tourism will be issued visas that are valid for 12 months and multiple entries. In turn, U.S. citizens visiting China temporarily for business or tourism are also eligible for visas valid for 12 months and multiple entries. The previous maximum validity for U.S. visas issued for these purposes was six months and for multiple entries. DOS reports that it is continuing to negotiate with China to increase visa validity for Chinese and U.S. students.
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TAX Returns Due April 15
If you worked on campus during 2004 you are required by law to file a tax return. The U.S. tax system can be very challenging and you may need help making sure you receive the tax refund you deserve. OISS has found a company, IE Taxes, that will provide exclusive tax services to all international students at La Sierra University.
Once you provide the company with your basic information they will calculate your taxes and arrange to have your refund direct deposited into your bank account or have the refund check mailed to you.
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IE Taxes will prepare both your federal and California tax return for only $30. Their tax preparation service is certified and bonded with the state of California. Disclaimer: OISS does not benefit from IE Taxes nor is it responsible or guarantees its actions/filings/accuracy/refunds amounts.
REMBER: you must file your taxes before or no later than April 15, 2005 by midnight!
What do you need to file your taxes?
To file your taxes, you will need several forms, including but not limited to:
- W2 (sample) form from La Sierra University or other employer. (you should only have had worked for LSU!)
- 1040NR-EZ from the IRS (1040 EZ if you filed taxes in the U.S. for more than five years).
- 540NR-EZ from the California Tax Board (540 EZ if you filed taxes in California for more than five years).
- 1099-INT from any financial institution you get interest paid from.
- 1099-DVI & 1099-G if applicable.
- Other forms as needed. Consult with your accountant/tax preparer.
Don't worry. No need to panic. To make your life easier, IE Taxes has prepared a little check list with all the documents you will need to file your taxes. You can get your "tax package" from our office during normal business hours. Once you have all the documents needed, you can leave the "package" in our office and IE Taxes will return your filed taxes in approximately one week's time. |
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New Social Security Procedures
Starting this week, there is a new procedure to apply for a Social Security Number. OISS will ONLY take students to the Social Security office on WEDNESDAYS, and we will go to the Riverside office, not Corona. We will depart from our office at 2:30pm and return after all the appointments for that day are done. OISS would like to thank Dell Jean Van Fossen Director of Human Resources, for all her hard work in helping internationals students obtain SS #'s. |
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International Connections of Homebase
by Kelly Durward
Hey there, just a reminder that on behalf of International Connections of Homebase, we would like to
invite you to Vespers every Friday in Angwin Chapel at 6
pm. You can come to meet people from different parts
of the world. Our goal is to help you feel
like home, and that's why "International Worship" has
been designed just for you, where you can get
involved, make more friends and worship God, our
Creator. It is open to everyone, not just
international students, so come check it out and
invite your friends!
We are decorating a booth for Festival of Nations and the theme is "Once Upon A Time". If you have any fairy tales or legends from your country that you would like to share, we need to get some ideas on what story to decorate the booth with, and what to sell. You can e-mail these to kellydurward@yahoo.com. You can also e-mail there if you want to get involved in helping us set up, or making items to sell.
We will be keeping you posted about events on and off campus. There is a bowling night coming up, so keep your eyes peeled for posters! Have a great month, and we'll see you soon!
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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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Festival of Nations
Sunday , February 13, 2005 will be Festival of Nations. Come dressed on your national costume and enjoy a variety of international foods! |
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Got Your W2?
The Office of Human Resources has mailed all the W2 forms yesterday. If you worked on campus during 2004, you should get one to file your taxes. If you do not get this form by Friday next week (2/11/05), contact the HR Office at 951-785-2088. |
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Did you know that about 12.3 million U.S. citizens were admitted at DHS ports of entry during November 2004, compared to approximately 21.2 million aliens admitted during the same month in 2003? Click here to see some interesting statistics from DHS. |
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Need Dental Work?
The Loma Linda University School of Dentistry is looking for patients (you) who are willing to receive low cost treatment in exchange for having students do the treatment/work. If you are interested in receiving this low cost treatment, contact Barbara Samuel at (909) 558-7038.
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Educational allowances
of up to $5,000 are available to help undergraduate students from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand continue their studies in the United States.
The Institute of International Education (IIE) and the Freeman Foundation have created an emergency assistance program to help students from Southeast Asia whose ability to pursue their Spring 2005 studies in the US has been seriously affected by the December 2004 earthquake and tsunami. Contact Natan Vigna for more information.
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Cafeteria Hours for President's Day Holiday Weekend
Feb. 19 - Regular Hours
Feb. 20 - Regular Hours
Feb. 21 - Regular Hours
Yes, there are classes on
President's Day!
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