HOT NEWS

Immigration Updates

There were several important immigration updates from our last Foreign Exchange. Please read the "Immigration Updates" section carefully!

HAPPENINGS

The OISS office will be reduced hours between May 8 and May 20. If you need to apply for a program extension or OPT, please do so soon!

From the OISS

OISS Hours
The OISS office will have reduced hours beginning May 8 through May 20. We appreciate your understanding during this time.

OPT Applications for Spring & Summer Quarters
If you are finishing your program this spring or summer (completing your class work) and would like to apply for OPT, please do so immediately, as our office will have limited hours starting May 8. To apply for OPT, you will need the following: OPT instructions, I-765, I-765 instructions, a valid passport, I-94, 2 pictures, and a check for $340. Remember, OPT permits take approximately 90 days, so do not wait!

Graduation Invitation Letters
Graduation Ceremonies will take place June 13 - 15, 2008. If you would like to invite a direct family member to attend your graduation, we can write a letter of invitation for them to present at a US consulate to request a visa. You can request a letter on-line here. You must do one request per person.

Immigration Updates

OPT is now available for 17 months to STEM students!
STEM students (students with a bachelors or masters degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) now qualify for a 17-month OPT rather than the "normal" 12-month OPT. We are currently reviewing the new regulations and learning the process to extend those students currently on OPT that qualify for the new benefit. A separate email will be sent to those students who qualify for this extension.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) Data Validation Project
Students in OPT status are now required to report to our office, and us to the US government, their employment information. That includes employer's name and address, in addition to continuing to report the student's current address while on their OPT. Students in OPT who still have not responded to this initial request, MUST do so immediately by going to http://www.lasierra.edu/international/opt/.

H1-B Visa Cap and Gap
Not all is bad news with the H1-B visas. Although the number of visas given was reached the same day they became available, there is now a "Gap" that allows F-1 students in their OPT to remain in the country while they wait for their H1-B visas. Read more... (Source NAFSA)

US-VISIT to Collect Biometrics at Air/Sea Ports Upon Exit
On April 24, 2008, DHS published a proposed rule to establish an exit program at all air and sea ports of departure. The proposed rule would require most aliens to provide biometric information to commercial air and vessel carriers before departing from the United States. Read More... (Source NAFSA)

DHS Proposes Rule on SEVIS Fees and Re-certification
On April 11, 2008, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted an advance copy of a proposed rule with an effective date of October 1, 2008 that would raise the SEVIS I-901 fee for F-1, M-1, and most J-1 nonimmigrants from $100 to $200. (Source NAFSA)

Campus Updates

Pre I-20 Processing Has Moved!
The Pre I-20 processing Office, which used to be in Admissions has finally moved to the OISS, making it a "one-stop" for all the international student related paperwork. Their phone number continues to be 951.785.2504 and their email prei20@lasierra.edu.