Foreign Exchange
the e-newsletter for international students at La Sierra University             >> Vol. 11 Issue 8 - June 2007

Word from the OISS Office

Once again, a school year has come and gone. We hope that your year at LSU was an excellent one and we look forward to seeing you again next year, unless, of course, you are graduating! This is our last Foreign Exchange issue of the year. We will resume in September 2007!

Immigration Update

Filing Fees to Increase July 30, 2007!
A USCIS final rule published on May 30, 2007 substantially raised the filing fees of most applications and petitions, including many forms used by you, international students and scholars. The fee hikes become effective on July 30, 2007. Among the increases are I-765 (for OPT) from $180 to $340; I-539 (for Reinstatement/Change of Status) from $200 to $300; I-102 (to replace I-94 form) from $160 to $320; and I-129 (for H1-B application) from $190 to $320. Read more.

Campus Update

Summer On-campus Work
Summer on-campus work officially starts on June 17th. If you qualify to take a break during the summer quarter, then you can start working full-time during the summer if a) you will be returning to LSU and registering for fall quarter; b) all your paperwork is up-to date with the Office of Human Resources. Students who started their program at LSU in January or in April (Winter/Spring Quarter) cannot work full-time since they are required to be registered full-time in classes. Students whose programs ended on June 17th cannot work unless they show HR a copy of a valid OPT card. Students with expired I-20's will not be allowed to work either.

OPT Applications
Students completing their programs this Friday MUST apply for OPT by Wednesday to have their applications FedExed on Thursday. Students finishing during the summer should apply for their OPT as soon as possible. Application forms are available outside our office and online (application form, I-765). Remember to use the new form! (dated Form I-765 (Rev. 02/08/07)N).

Health Insurance Expires June 30th
The current insurance coverage will expire on June 30, 2007. For students whose programs have not expired or those renewing their I-20's, we will be renewing your insurance on July 1 through December 21, 2007. Please remember that you must print your new insurance cards and carry them with you at all times. Please do not hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions.