Skip to main content
  • Contact ISSO

    • ISSO Newsletter: February 2008

    The ISSO sends out a monthly web-based newsletter. As it contains the latest information about immigration and ISSO services, it is very important that you read it! We promise to try and keep it as short as possible. View the ISSO newsletter archive here.

    Newsletter Contents:

    1. Immigration News and Reminders
      Visas after Graduation Talk: Feb. 20th, 7-9pm
    2. Tax Information
      3. General Tax Information
      U.S. Federal Tax Forms
      Accessing the Software
      New York State Forrms
      W-2 and 1042-S
      1098-T
      Warning: Identity Theft Scam disguised as tax refund!!
    3. ISSO February Programs
      Men’s Basketball Game, Cornell Big Red vs. Princeton Finding Balance: The Key to Academic and Personal Success
      Special Valentine's Day International Coffee Hour
      Skiing, Tubing, or Snowboarding at Greek Peak
      A peek at what's coming in March...
    4. Apply Now for the ISSO Spring 2008 Book Award
    5. A Message from Gannett: The Winter Itch
    6. Let's Talk: CAPS off-site counseling (December/January Hours)
    7. Have Immigration Questions?: Come to ISSO Office Hours


    Immigration News




    Visas after Graduation Talk: Feb. 20th, 7-9pm
    Wednesday, February 20th, 7-9pm, Hollis E. Cornell Auditorium
    Presented by Hilary T. Fraser, JD, Immigration Attorney and ISSO Staff

    Come find out everything you will need to know about staying in the U.S. after graduation. Hilary T. Fraser and ISSO staff will explain the procedures for working immediately after graduating, working long-term in the U.S. and eventually becoming a permanent resident (green card holder) if you so desire. This information is particularly crucial at the present time, given the H-1B cap and new backlogs with employment-based green cards.



    Tax Information


    Read the ISSO tax information here.

    Read the tax frequently asked questions here.

    Tax season is here! The deadline to file your tax return is April 15, 2008

    If this will be your first time filing tax forms in the U.S., or if you are confused about the U.S. tax system, please click here and start by reading through our TAX FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) here.

    U.S FEDERAL TAX forms:
    The ISSO has purchased web based software for all internationals in the Cornell Community to assist with filing U.S. Federal NON-RESIDENT Tax Forms. All internationals temporarily residing in the U.S. are required to file at least one U.S. Federal Tax Form (the 8843) even if you were not employed. The tax software will help you fill out that form and will determine if you need to fill out other forms as well. To determine if you are Non-Resident for tax purposes, click here.

    TO ACCESS THE SOFTWARE:
    You only need your net id and password to access the software. Click here to get to our tax information page and to read important information about what you need before you fill in the tax forms using the software.

    NEW YORK STATE TAX forms:
    The software described above does NOT complete New York State tax forms. Click here for everything you need to file your New York State tax forms. (PLEASE NOTE: You must complete your federal tax form BEFORE you may complete your New York State tax form.)

    Questions about W-2s and 1042s's:
    Click here for any questions regarding W-2 and / or 1042s forms.

    Questions about the 1098-T:
    Click here for any questions regarding the 1098-T form. Most international students file U.S. tax forms as Non-Residents and should IGNORE the 1098-T form. The 1098-T form is a tax document that Cornell fills out to reports to the student (and the IRS) any tuition charges and financial aid for a calendar year. Starting with the 2007 calendar year Cornell University will be issuing 1098-T forms “Tuition Statement”, to all students at Cornell, including foreign nationals, when the following criteria is met; tuition charges exceed financial aid.

    The 1098-T form assists students in evaluating whether s/he is eligible for one of the following educational credits, the Hope Credit or Life Time Learning Credit. Unfortunately, any international who is filing tax returns as a Non-Resident for Tax purposes, is NOT eligible for any of these educational credits and you should ignore the 1098-T form. For more information read here.



    Tax Refund Spam Emails!

    We want to warn you of an identity theft hoax that is targeting internationals. This one comes to you as an email notification from someone with an email address with "irs.org" in it. In the email, they say that you are eligible for a tax refund and that therefore you need to sent them information such as your SSN and the PIN # of my ATM Card. DO NOT RESPOND AND DO NOT SEND ANY INFORMATION. This is absolutely a scam.

    If you ever receive any request from an office claiming to be related to a U.S. government office, please do check with us first or with an attorney. In general, the various branches of the U.S. government do not contact you by email unless you are already in correspondence with a particular individual.

    You may find the following links helpful which are on identity theft and fraud:



    ISSO February Programs

    A note about trips: Dates and times are subject to change. Prices and other details will be announced via e-mail on the iPrograms-L and International-L e-lists. Unless otherwise indicated, trip sign ups will take place on the date specified at 9:00 AM at the ISSO (B-50 Caldwell).


    Men’s Basketball Game, Cornell Big Red vs. Princeton
    Friday, February 8
    7:00 PM, Newman Arena in Bartels Field House
    Come to a free, pre-game pizza party at 6 pm. The game starts at 7! Students can enter free if they have a Big Red Sports Pass sticker on their ID card. If students do not have a sticker on their ID, they can obtain one at the ticket office at the Bartels Field House between 10 AM-5 PM. One cannot obtain a sticker on the day of the game. Children 4 and under can enter free. Staff and all dependents must have a ticket. Tickets for students and children are available at an ISSO-subsidized price of $2.00. To purchase tickets, please come to the ISSO at B-50 Caldwell Hall. Tickets will be on sale starting 1:00 pm on Tuesday, January 29th through 12 noon on Friday, February 8.


    Finding Balance: The Key to Academic and Personal Success
    Monday, February 11
    5-6:30 PM, Carl Becker House Common Room, West Campus
    This interactive workshop will review techniques to reach your goals academically, personally, socially, and will provide short and long term approaches to respond to stress, as well as an open discussion on your university experience as undergraduate international students.


    Special Valentine's Day International Coffee Hour
    Thursday, February 14
    4-5:30 PM, Trillium Mezzanine, Kennedy Hall
    Come to International Coffee Hour and learn about the history and traditions of this popular holiday. Enjoy chocolate treats and create traditional valentine cards for your friends, family, or sweetheart!


    Skiing, Tubing, or Snowboarding at Greek Peak
    Saturday, February 23
    Sign up at the ISSO starting Tuesday, February 5
    Join the ISSO for a fun, wintery day of skiing, snow boarding or tubing at Greek Peak Mountain Resort in Virgil, NY!


    A peek at what's coming in March...

    16-19 Sunday-Wednesday
    Spring Break Trip to Washington D.C.
    Sign-ups at the ISSO starting 9:00 AM, Tuesday, February 12

    29 Saturday
    Trip to Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, NY
    Sign-ups at the ISSO starting 9:00 AM, Monday, March 10

    Click here for a complete schedule of the ISSO's spring programs.

    Plus every Thursday while classes are in session, join us for International Coffee Hour from 4-5:30 PM on the Mezzanine level of Trillium in Kennedy Hall. Meet new friends over light refreshments and world music. All are welcome!



    Those who are interested in going on an ISSO-organized trip must sign up beforehand. In most cases, minimal fees will apply. Spaces are generally limited and participants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. You may sign up for yourself and up to two friends or family members. The ISSO accepts cash or checks made out to Cornell University. The ISSO cannot accept credit cards or bursar charges.



    Apply Now for the ISSO Spring 2008 Book Award


    Each semester, the ISSO awards two Book Awards of $500 each to two international students to help defray the costs of books and supplies needed for classes. This award was established in 2001 to recognize the vast contributions that the international student population adds to Cornell.

    Deadline: Monday, February 18, 2008
    Students must submit a hard copy of their application in person or by mail to B-50 Caldwell Hall.

    Qualifications
    To be eligible for the ISSO Book Award, the student must meet the following criteria:

    • Has completed at least one semester of study at Cornell University and is currently registered as a full-time student
    • Entered the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa and currently holds valid non-immigrant status (i.e. F-1, J-1)
    • Is not currently receiving scholarship money from the ISSO
    • Has contributed to the international community on campus
    • Has not previously received the ISSO Book Award

    Application Process
    On a separate piece of paper, please provide the following information and return to the ISSO at B-50 Caldwell Hall. All of the information you submit will be considered during the decision process:

    1) Biographical Information:

    • Name
    • Local Address and phone number
    • Email
    • Country of citizenship
    • College (Undergraduates) or field (Graduates)
    • Current non-immigrant status (F-1/J-1) & degree sought (Bachelor/Master/PhD)
    • Copy of most recent Transcript from University Registrar (available at Registrar's Office in Day Hall, or on-line at www.transcript.cornell.edu ).

    2) Please provide answers to the following questions:

    a) How have you contributed to international life at Cornell University (i.e. participation in orientation, student organizations, etc.)? How have these experiences enhanced your life at Cornell and the life of your peers?

    b) What has been your greatest accomplishment (personal, academic, research, etc.) since coming to Cornell University?

    c) Describe your financial needs and circumstances. How will this award assist you in meeting your needs?

    DEADLINE Please provide your application in hard copy by Monday, February 18, 2008 to:

    International Students and Scholars Office
    Book Award
    B50 Caldwell Hall
    Ithaca, NY 14853



    The Winter Itch: A Message from: Gannett, Cornell University Health Services


    Just as you have made adjustments to your wardrobe to ward off the cold temperatures during the winter months, you also may need to make changes in your daily routine to protect your skin and nasal passages. This time of the year, the combination of cold temperatures, low humidity (outdoors and indoors) and steady wind can dry out your skin, making it look scaly or cracked; and feeling tight, itchy or irritated. While it’s tempting to take long hot showers or soaks in a tub to warm up, it’s important to remember that excessive exposure to water can further dry skin. Deodorant soaps also can strip away natural oils on the skin that seal in moisture.

    To stay comfortable in your own skin and prevent skin problems here are some inexpensive things you can do to help remedy the situation:

    • Take short showers and baths (less than 10 minutes), using a gentle, non-deodorant soap, and warm rather than hot water.
    • Wash only those parts of the body that sweat or need cleaning and/or shower every other day instead of daily.
    • Pat, rather than rub the skin dry and apply a good moisturizer while your skin is still damp.
    • Use lotions and creams that have emollients (mineral oil, shea butter, petroleum) to soften dry skin and provide a protective layer to seal in moisture.
    • Moisturizers with humectants (hyaluronic acid, glycerin, urea and sorbitol) can be used on normal or oily skin to absorb moisture.
    • Creams work well on lips, hands other parts of the body that can become very dry or chapped.
    • Protect your hands, face and lips from the drying effects of wind and cold temperatures by using moisturizers, lip balm and protective layers of clothing (hats, gloves).
    • Use an over-the-counter saline nasal spray to add moisture to dry nasal membranes.

    In cold temperatures, it’s easy to forget that even though we aren’t sweating, our bodies are still losing water through evaporation. Drinking several glasses of water daily will help keep your body functioning optimally, even though it will not prevent dry skin.

    Most pharmacies, including Gannett’s, offer several products to prevent dry, chapped skin.


    Submitted by:
    Janis Talbot (jit1@cornell.edu) 255-4782
    Health Educator, International Student Health Advocate http://www.gannett.cornell.edu



    Let's Talk: CAPS off-site counseling (December/January hours)


    Each Thursday from 2:30-4:30 PM, counselor Meera Murthi, Ph.D. 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 him 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
    Remember! We will be closing at 3:30 P.M. on Fridays, from June 2nd-August 14th!

    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.