International Students and Scholars
Announcements
17 Month OPT Extension
Interim final rule extending the period of Optional Practical Training (OPT) from 12 to 29 months for qualified F-1 non-immigrant students. The areas of eligibility will be Actuarial Science, Computer Science Applications, Engineering, Engineering Technologies, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Military Technologies, and Physical Sciences. We are still waiting for the implementation rules and will let you know as soon as we have the final procedures. For more detailed information check the following link:
http://www.ice.gov/sevis/updates_postcompletion_opt.htm#7.1.4
You can also check any future changes on www.uscis.gov
During the 17 month OPT extension period student is resopsible for:
1. While you are on your OPT Stem Extension you should validate the following information with ISS every six months:
· Your current home address, phone number(s) and email address(es) AND
· Your employer’s company name, address, phone number, AND
· Your supervisor’s name as well as your employment start date for your current employer.
2. You must report termination of your employment to ISS within 48 hours of the time you are no longer employed.
3. You may not accrue a total of more than 120 days of unemployment during the 29 month period of OPT and the STEM extension combined.
4. You must report any period of unemployment.
General
Important notice from the Bursar's office: dated-August 25, 2008
The Bursar’s Office will not accept foreign check payments for international students until after the second week of the semester. The check will not be posted to an account with a zero balance. There will be a minimum of a 6 week hold on refunds due to a foreign check payment. In many cases, funds will not be returned to the student but to the issuing bank.
Learn more about the new campus wide SIUC Id Conversion !!!
ATTENTION ALL INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Beginning February 1, 2009 International Students and Scholars will once again provide access to special web-based software to assist you with the filing of your 2008 United States Income Tax return. Remember, ALL nonresident aliens who are present in the U.S. under an F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, M-1, M-2, Q-1, or Q-2 immigration status MUST file Form 8843 "Statement for Exempt Individuals and Individuals with a Medical Condition." - Even if they received NO income during the 2008 reporting year. Many students incorrectly think that if they have not worked, there is no need to file a return. This is wrong and the IRS has been taking negative action against those who do not file! This is why it is important to stop by and get your PIN number!
Feedback from students who have used this software in the past has been very positive. Most found it to be quite "user friendly"! Please stop by ISS to obtain a personal pin number that will allow you to enter the web-based site. Ask to meet with Vicki Macaluso. She will assign the pin and provide you with additional information that you will find helpful.
Deadlines
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
USCIS Application fees:
I-765 Application for Employment Authorization are $340.00
Used for Optional Practical Training or Economic Hardship Work Permit applicants
I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status are $300.00
Used for Change of Status or Reinstatement applicants