ISSO Newsletter: November 2009
The ISSO sends out a monthly web-based newsletter. It contains the latest information about immigration and ISSO services, as well as important reminders about work authorization, visa applications, and more. Please read it! View the ISSO newsletter archive here.
Newsletter Contents:
- ISSO Thanksgiving Holiday Hours
- Immigration News and Reminders
2009 Green Card Lottery: Apply by Noon on Nov. 30!!!
Graduating this semester? Apply EARLY for F-1 OPT!
Graduating soon? Discuss Future Plans with ISSO!
Travel Reminders: Leaving the U.S. at Winter Break? - Leaving Town Over Break? Police can provide security check
- ISSO November Programs
Winter Driving/NYS Driver's License workshop
22nd Annual Traditional American Thanksgiving Feast
Weekly International Coffee Hour - Let’s Talk: CAPS off-site counseling at ISSO
- Have Immigration Questions?: Come to ISSO Office Hours
ISSO Thanksgiving Holiday Hours
Thanksgiving Holiday Hours
In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, the ISSO will be closed on Thursday, November 26th, and
Friday, November 27th. To assist holiday travelers, we will, however, be open all day Wednesday, November 25th. We will resume
our normal business hours on Monday, November 30th.
Immigration News
The 2011 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV-2011) is open now and ends at noon (EST) on Monday, November 30, 2009!
Complete information can be found on
the DV 2011 web page.
The annual Diversity Visa program makes 50,000 permanent residence visas available to persons from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States who meet the simple, but strict, eligibility requirements. Applicants for Diversity Visas are chosen by a computer-generated random lottery drawing. Go to the DV 2011 web page for all the details and how to apply.
Please Note: A few internationals have received spam emails from a group pretending to be the Diversity Lottery Office, supposedly notifying recipients that they have won the diversity lottery. These emails are definitely fake! If you are selected for a green card by the diversity lottery, the diversity lottery office will notify you by regular mail NOT by email.
Graduating after this semester? Apply EARLY for F-1 OPT! If you are graduating this fall semester, and you want to work on F-1 OPT after graduating, APPLY EARLY for your F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization. The application does go to the immigration service centers and these applications have slowed down a great deal in recent months. It can take 3 months to receive their OPT work cards. You may start applying NOW if you will graduate after this Fall semester. Please read about OPT, and download an application from our OPT web pages.
Fall 2009 Graduates: Discuss your Future Plans with ISSO! If you are graduating from Cornell this December (your immigration end date is January 20th, 2010) and you plan to stay in the U.S. to either work or to pursue another degree, please come to the ISSO to discuss your plans. In order to maintain your valid immigration status in the U.S., there are specific procedures you will need to complete in order to do any of the following:
- to work while in F-1 status after you graduate
- to work while in J-1 student status after you graduate
- to go on to another degree at a Cornell
- to go on to another degree at a different school
Check with the ISSO advisor on duty about any of the above or any other plans you may have after you graduate.
Travel Reminders: Leaving the U.S. at Winter Break?
Make sure you have the correct Re-Entry Documents!!!
If you will be leaving and re-entering the U.S., PLEASE be sure that you have all
the documents for re-entry as described on these web pages:
- Documents you need to have to re-enter the U.S.
- If you need to apply for a new visa stamp, please read this web page.
Leaving Town Over Break? Police can provide security check
The Ithaca Police would like off-campus students who leave town for any length of time to let them know if they'd like their house/apartment building checked in their absence. A substantial number of burglaries take place over the breaks. Download the application form here.
ISSO November Programs
Winter Driving/NYS Driver's License workshop
Monday, November 16
5:00 PM, 290 Myron Taylor Hall
A must for all drivers new to driving in snowy, icy conditions! Cornell Police Officer Ray Price will present tips on driving safely this winter on Ithaca's hilly streets.
Afterwards, international and non-New York State drivers can learn how to obtain a New York State Drivers license.
Sponsored by the Cornell Law School Graduate Legal Studies Program, the Cornell Police Department, and the International Students and Scholars Office.
22nd Annual Traditional American Thanksgiving Feast
You are cordially invited to join other members of the Cornell community for a traditional American Thanksgiving Feast!
Thursday, November 26
12:00-3:00 PM
(with seatings at Noon and 1:30)
Robert Purcell Marketplace
$10 Adults, $8 Children 6-12 years old
Children 5 & younger eat for FREE!
TICKETS ARE LIMITED AND WILL NOT BE SOLD AT THE DOOR!
What's on the Menu?
Roast turkey with giblet gravy, poached salmon with a citrus hollandaise, baked marinated tofu, mashed potatoes, vegetarian chestnut
stuffing, sausage stuffing, candied yams, rice pilaf, green bean casserole, fresh herbed carrots, New England clam chowder, salad bar, fruit
salad, fresh baked breads, a decadent dessert display, assorted beverages and some surprises from the chef!
TICKETS ARE ON SALE November 16th-25th (while supplies last) and can be purchased at the following locations:
- Hasbrouck and Maplewood Service Centers
- Holland International Living Center (M, W, & F, 9 AM-3 PM only)
- Willard Straight Hall Ticket Office
- Big Red Barn (M-F, 2-10 PM, thru 11/23 only)
- International Students and Scholars Office (B50 Caldwell Hall)
If you have questions, or would like to volunteer in exchange for a free meal, contact Mariah Sawyer at mjs51@cornell.edu or 255-5243.
~With~
Alumni Affairs and Reunion; AAP Multicultural Affairs; CALS International Programs; College of Engineering; College of Human Ecology; Cornell University Athletics; Cornell Law School; Gannett Health Services; Gov’t & Community Relations; Int'l Students Programming Board; Johnson Graduate School of Mgmt; Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs; Office of the Vice President for Human Resources; Plant Breeding and Genetics; Public Service Center; School of Hotel Administration; The Graduate School; The Mario Einaudi Center for Int’l Studies; Vice President for Student and Academic Services; Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology
Weekly International Coffee Hour
Every Thursday, through May 2nd, join us for International Coffee Hour from 3:30-5:30 PM in the Big Red Barn. Meet new friends over light refreshments and world music. All are welcome!
Let's Talk: CAPS off-site counseling at ISSO
Each Thursday, from 2:30-4:30 PM, counselor Carrie Cragun from Gannett Health Services will be available at the ISSO for free and confidential counselling and consultation. No appointment is necessary! Graduate students, undergraduate students, and family members are welcome to come talk to her about:
- personal growth and challenges
- depression, anxiety and stress
- relationship issues
- family issues
- cultural, racial and ethnic issues
- sexual health concerns
- negotiating academic environment
- any other issues of concern
- referral and information
For more information about Counselling and Psychological Services and a schedule of available times for off-site, walk-in consultations visit: http://www.gannett.cornell.edu/CAPS/offsiteSupport.html.
Have Immigration Questions?
Come to ISSO Office Hours
ISSO Advising Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 9-12:00; 1:00-4:30
Wednesday 1:00-4:30
Advisors are available on a walk-in basis except from 12-1 P.M. daily, or by appointment. You may stop by to see us during office hours, check out our website, email us at isso@cornell.edu, or call us at 255-5243.