ISO Student News
Check out our latest issue:
ISO Student News: 11/10/2022
Table of Contents
- International Student Celebration (more)
- ISO Thanksgiving Dinner (more)
- Completing Your Degree Requirements Soon? (more)
- Travel Reminders for Thanksgiving Break (more)
- ISO Holiday Hours (more)
- Campus & Community Events (more)
- Your Event Suggestions (more)
International Student Celebration
The University of Rochester will be celebrating International Education Week from Monday, November 14 - Friday, November 18, 2022. As a part of this celebration, the International Services Office, in partnership with Simon Business School, the Greene Center, and the School of Medicine and Dentistry myHub, is proud to present speaker Nitin Agrawal, CEO and Co-Founder of Interstride, a social platform promoting networking and job opportunities designed by international students for international students.
Nitin Agrawal will be speaking about his own journey from international student to successful CEO of a U.S. startup company, and he will also talk about some common challenges and solutions to international student career advancement in the United States. Presentations each day will be followed by catered receptions open to all students.
Register to see Nitin Agrawal on Tuesday, November 15, 5-6:45 PM at Gleason Hall
Register to see Nitin Agrawal on Wednesday, November 16, 3-5 PM at School of Medicine and Dentistry
You can learn more about the Interstride platform available to all University of Rochester students by watching the video below.
View all International Education Week Events
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ISO Thanksgiving Dinner
The ISO would like to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with all of the international students still in town during Thanksgiving break. Please join us for a free catered dinner on Wednesday, November 23 at 5:00 PM where you can meet other international students from around campus. Registration is required.
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Completing Your Degree Requirements Soon?
If your answer is “yes,” or even “maybe,” now is the time to think about your post-completion plans! Every student has a different set of circumstances to consider when making immigration decisions, so you cannot assume that what works for your friends will also be the best option for you. Please note that many immigration processes require students to take action before the end of their program. Read more.
If you intend to work in the United States after graduation, you will likely need to apply for F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) or J-1 Academic Training (AT). If you are interested in applying for either of these work authorizations, please review the available information on the ISO’s website as early as possible in your final term. For OPT in particular, please watch our recorded OPT Webinars for more information. If you have questions after reviewing the materials on our website, please contact us to make an appointment with an ISO advisor.
If you will be starting a new degree program at another school in the United States after graduation, you may be eligible to transfer your SEVIS immigration record to the new institution, depending on when your new program starts. If you will be attending a new degree program at the University of Rochester, you will need to complete some paperwork to change your education level. Both of these steps must be taken within your grace period after completion.
If you will be leaving the United States within your grace period after your completion date, please complete the ISO’s Student Departure Form once you have booked your travel out of the US. Please note that you cannot re-enter the US in F-1 or J-1 status once you have left during your grace period. If you have concerns about being able to depart the US in a timely fashion, please contact ISO for further guidance.
Finally, if your I-20 or DS-2019 currently lists an incorrect program end date—if you will be finishing earlier than the date on the document or vice versa—you can correct this end date by completing the ISO’S Program Extension/Shorten Form. This should be submitted at least 1-2 weeks in advance of your current, incorrect completion date.
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Travel Reminders for Thanksgiving Break
Many international students may be traveling domestically or internationally for Thanksgiving break, Thursday, November 24th – Sunday, November 27th! If you are traveling outside of Rochester in the coming weeks, please review your travel documents in advance.
Travel Signatures
Be sure to check the latest travel validation from ISO on your F-1 I-20 (page 2) or J-1 DS-2019 (page 1). For J-1 Exchange Visitors and currently enrolled F-1 Students, travel signatures remain valid for one calendar year. For F-1 students on post-completion OPT or STEM OPT, signatures are valid for 6 months.
If you need an updated travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019, we recommend that you request a new document from ISO through URcompass. Once you have logged in, navigate to the menu for ‘F-1 & J-1 Student Services’ and complete the form for I-20 / DS-2019 Reprint Request. The new document will include the updated travel validation and is the most efficient means for processing and distribution.
Domestic Travel
For students who will be traveling within the United States, ISO recommends that you carry your original immigration documents during your trip. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are often present at travel hubs such as airports and train/bus stations, and may approach you even if you are not traveling internationally. Recommended documents for domestic travel include:
- Passport – valid at least 6 months into the future
- I-20 or DS-2019 with a travel signature within the last year
- Printed copy of your most recent I-94 record
International Travel
Before you travel internationally, be sure to check entry requirements for your country of destination. ISO cannot advise on other countries’ immigration requirements or visa application processes. In addition, please check to make sure you will have appropriate, up-to-date travel documents when you re-enter the United States. For currently enrolled students, these include:
- Passport – valid at least 6 months into the future
- Valid F-1 or J-1 visa sticker in your passport – unless you are traveling only within North America and are eligible for automatic revalidation
- I-20 or DS-2019 with a travel signature within the last year
In addition to these essential documents, you may also want to carry additional documentation in case you are questioned, such as your student ID card, evidence of full-time enrollment, financial documents, and/or your SEVIS I-901 payment receipt.
If your F-1 or J-1 visa is currently expired and you would need to renew your visa while abroad, we advise that you contact ISO about your plans as soon as possible. Attempting to apply for a new F-1 or J-1 visa during a short break is not usually recommended, given that any unexpected visa processing delays can impact your ability to return to Rochester and resume your program.
Since travel restrictions are subject to change, we also recommend that you access updated information directly from relevant government agencies, including, but not limited to the CDC travel guidance on air travel to the US for noncitizens & nonimmigrants, Department of State, and New York State’s travel advisory. Please also monitor UR's COVID-19 Resource Center.
Need More Info?
If you have any questions about your travel plans, please review our travel resources online. You can also contact ISO by phone, by appointment, or during our Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours. When ISO is closed, should you experience an immigration emergency (such as being arrested, detained, or refused entry to the United States), you may call Public Safety at +1 585-275-3333 to be connected with an ISO staff member.
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ISO Holiday Hours
The ISO will be holding adjusted office hours around upcoming University holidays in November and December. We will continue to monitor inquiries and provide advising support to our international populations throughout the academic break. Please see our ISO Holiday Hours flyer for our modified service schedules and closures around Thanksgiving, winter holidays, and upcoming staff meetings. Please note that service schedules may vary for phone coverage, ISO Service Desk hours in College Town, and Virtual Drop-In Advising for students. Otherwise, we will follow our standard service hours. If you will require ISO services around the holidays, please review the posted schedule and coordinate with our office in advance. For urgent immigration emergencies when ISO is closed, UR Public Safety remains available to connect students and scholars with our staff (+1-585-275-3333).
The International Services Office will be closed on Monday, November 21 for an all-staff retreat.
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Campus & Community Events
Friday, November 11, 12:00 PM: 'Let's Stand with Iranians': CSB601 or Zoom
In solidarity with Iranians, learn more about the latest movement led by Iranian people, especially the Iranian women who are fighting for their basic rights. Refreshments will be provided. View the zoom link here.
Join internationally-acclaimed, mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter and one of today's most notable and exciting keyboard artists, Kristian Bezuidenhout, for an enchanting evening of Lieder and piano pieces. This concert will feature the music of Schubert, Mozart, and Lindblad.
Saturday, November 12, 4:30 PM: Warner Friendsgiving Game Night
Students, staff, faculty, adjuncts and community partners are invited to fellowship with your peers & students across other graduate schools via community games, music, and food.
Sunday, November 13, 12:00 PM: Native American Heritage Celebration Day
Join us for Native American Heritage Celebration Day at MAG in collaboration with Friends of Ganondagan Program Director Jeanette Jemison (Mohawk, Snipe Clan)! Enjoy free museum admission, live dances and demonstrations with Bill Crouse (Seneca, Hawk Clan), storytelling with Perry Ground (Turtle Clan member of the Onondaga Nation), display tables, history, culture, celebration, and more.
Monday, November 14, 6:00 PM: Well-Being Listening Session for First-Year International Students
The Health Promotion Office wants to hear from first-year international students! In this Well-being Listening Session, we will have a discussion to hear your opinions and experiences regarding mental well-being, academic and career readiness, and resource utilizations on campus. Sign-up required. Can't attend or want to participate in our survey as well? You can feel free to share your experiences in our survey here.
Monday, November 14, 6:30 PM: Global Exchange: Exploring Intercultural Topics
Celebrate International Education Week with this Pop-up Library Event. Participants will engage in interactive discussions exploring intercultural topics.
Jo Franco is a well-known Travel & Language Content Creator, Polyglot, Writer, and TV Host. Jo has been an influencer for more than a decade, and with over 1.3 million subscribers, she works to inspire a global community to improve themselves through learning languages, cultures, financial literacy, adventure and inclusion.
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We would love to hear your ideas for future ISO events! We encourage you to submit them to our staff.
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Prepared by: ISO Support and Engagement
Previous Issues from 2021 - 2022:
3/15/2022 |
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3/1/2022 |
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2/15/2022 |
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2/1/2022 |
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1/14/2022 |
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12/15/2021 |
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12/1/2022 |
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11/15/2022 |
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11/1/2022 |
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10/15/2021 |
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10/1/2021 |
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9/15/2021 |
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8/30/2021 |
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