HOT NEWS
2009 DV Lottery (Green Card) last call! This year's DV lottery will end on December 2nd (noon EST). If you want to apply, please come to our office to have your picture taken. There is no cost for this service.

The OISS will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday from November 21 at noon through November 25. We'll re-open on Monday.

Thanksgiving Day Feast for all international students staying on campus will be on Thursday, November 25, from 11am - 2pm. Come to Calkins Hall to get some yummy - FREE holiday food! Please RSVP to Toni Odubela at oluwatoni2003@yahoo.com.

Winter Registration will start on November 26th. To move your holds, you can call our office at (951) 785-2237 and let us know what your new address is. You can also come visit us in person. We are in the AD, Room #206.

Bonfire & S'mores! Come join us for our first ever bonfire and s'mores at Clough Park (behind the Library) on Friday night, December 7th, at 6pm. Come worship, fellowship and enjoy a delicious s'more with hot drinks!

HAPPENINGS
For the latest and up to date upcoming events, visit the OSA's web site or refer to the LSU Student Handbook.

From the OISS

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, we want to take this opportunity to thank each one of you for all the contributions you have made to the Office of International Student Services and to La Sierra University. Your presence here at La Sierra makes our campus a better place and we are blessed you to have you with us. Take a moment to thank someone in your life.

Immigration Updates

Optional Practical Training Applications
Students completing their programs in December must apply for OPT before December 5, 2007, to be able to meet the December 14th deadline. Current cost for OPT's is $340. OPT application forms and instructions are available in our web site.

I-20 Expiring in December 2007.
Some of you have I-20's that expire this December. If your I-20 falls under this category and you have not finished your program, please come see us in the OISS immediately to be able to get a program extension done in time.

Be prepared for travel this Christmas!
Remember that if you are traveling home for the Holidays, you must have your I-20 signed prior to traveling (download signature request form). The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) posted a document with information to help you avoid the issuance of Form I-515A at ports of entry. Click here to see the document.

Campus Updates

Cafeteria Meal Times for the Thanksgiving break:
Saturday Nov. 17 - Sunday Nov. 25: Eagle's Nest open from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 22 CLOSED (but we will have food for you in Calkins Hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.!)

Medical Insurance Cost Update:
Due to the overall increase in costs in our economy, our HTH Insurance premium will have a 5% increase for 2008 (January - December). The new quarterly fee of your international insurance will be $266.25.

International Students Contribute $14.5 to U.S. Economy
On November 12, NAFSA released its annual Economic Impact Statements, which estimate the financial impact international students and their dependents make on the U.S. economy. The statements reveal foreign students contributed over $14.5 billion during the 2006-2007 academic year.
Read more... (source: NAFSA)