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    • ISSO Newsletter: February 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:

    1. Immigration News and Reminders
      Visas After Graduation talk Wednesday February 25, 7pm!
      Graduating in May? Apply EARLY for F-1 OPT!
    2. Tax Information
      3. General Tax Information
      U.S. Federal Tax Forms
      Accessing the Software
      New York State Forms
      W-2 and 1042-S
      1098-T
      Warning: Identity Theft Scam disguised as tax refund!!
    3. ISSO February/March Programs
      4. Feb 12 Valentine's Day Celebration at Coffee Hour
      Feb 21 Trip to Greek Peak (full)
      Feb 26 Talk by Colombian Artist at Coffee Hour
      March 15-18 Spring Break Trip to Washington D.C.
      March 26 Humphrey Fellows presentation at Coffee Hour
    4. Spring 2009 ISSO Book Award Recipients
    5. Reminders from Gannett:
      6. Preventing and Caring for the Flu
      Need Transportation for Medical Care?
    6. Let’s Talk: CAPS off-site counseling at ISSO
    7. Have Immigration Questions?: Come to ISSO Office Hours


    Immigration News




    Visas after Graduation Talk
    Wednesday, February 25th, 7-9pm, Hollis E. Cornell Auditorium
    Presented by Carolyn Lee, JD, Immigration Attorney and ISSO Staff

    Come find out everything you will need to know about staying in the U.S. after graduation. Carolyn Lee 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.



    Graduating in May? Apply EARLY for F-1 OPT!
    If you are graduating this Spring 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 has been taking 3 months or more for most people to receive their OPT work cards. You may start applying NOW if you will graduate this Spring semester. Please read about OPT, and download an application from our OPT web pages.



    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, 2009

    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 2008 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/March 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.


    Valentine's Day Celebration at Coffee Hour
    Thursday, February 12
    3:30-5:30 PM, Big Red Barn
    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!


    Trip to Greek Peak (full)
    Saturday, February 21
    This trip is already full.


    Talk by Colombian Artist Jafeth Gomez Ledesma at Coffee Hour
    Thursday, February 26
    3:30 PM, Big Red Barn
    Enjoy art and a talk by Colombian artist Jafeth Gomez Ledesma. His presentation is entitled "Spirituality, Art and Culture: A New Dawn in Colombia." After the talk the artist will be available for questions.


    Spring Break Trip to Washington D.C.
    Sunday-Wednesday, March 15-18
    Sign up online starting at 7 AM on Thursday, February 12
    More trip information can be found here.


    Humphrey Fellows presentation at International Coffee Hour
    Thursday, March 26
    3:30-5:30 PM, Big Red Barn
    The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellows invite you to join them for a special International Coffee Hour. Enjoy a slide show presentation, special foods, and music from the Fellows' home countries and surrounding regions. For more information about the HHH Fellowship program, visit http://ip.cals.cornell.edu/professionaldev/hhhfellowships.cfm.

    Plus every Thursday while classes are in session, 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!



    Congratulations to the Spring 2009 ISSO Book Award Recipients!


    The ISSO Book Award was established in 2001 to recognize the vast contributions that the international student population adds to Cornell. It is awarded each semester to international students who have made significant contributions, through extracurricular and academic pursuits, to the international community at Cornell, and have promoted international education and communication on campus, in the Ithaca community, and beyond.

    We are delighted to announce this semester's recipients of the ISSO Book Award...Congratulations to our undergraduate student winner Seo Hyun Kim, and our graduate student winner Yiou (Scarlett) Zuo. Below is a brief sampling of their individual contributions and achievements:

    Seo Hyun Kim, from the Republic of Korea, is a third year student in the College of Arts and Sciences, majoring in China and Asia Pacific Studies. She is a resident of the Mandarin Language House and spent a semester with the Cornell in Washington program. She is a columnist and founding member of Cornell Asia Business Magazine, and has also written for Campus International newspaper. During her freshman year, she joined the a cappella group "Measureless" and was later inspired to found "Korean A cappella club".

    Yiou Zuo, of PR China, is pursuing her PhD in Regional Science. She has been an active member of the Chinese Student and Scholar Association, serving as Vice President during the 2007-08 academic year, and organizing bi-weekly Chinese movie events. She is involved with the Regional Science and Economic Research Network (RSERN), and the Social Enterprise and Microfinance Club (SEMC). Prompted by her work with these clubs and through her department, Yiou Zuo has developed a strong interest in social disparity and policy issues related to raising the welfare of economically disadvantaged societies.



    Reminders from Gannett:



    Preventing and Caring for the Flu

    Question: What do Gannett, Miso Soup, Cinnamon sticks, and Peppermint Tea Have in Common?
    Answer: People often turn to each of these for help with the flu or other respiratory infections.

    While a few cases of influenza along with several other types of respiratory infections have been diagnosed at Gannett, students, faculty and staff still have some time to receive a flu shot for protection. Just stop by Gannet with your Cornell ID and ask for a free flu immunization.

    This is also a good time to double your efforts to prevent infection by washing your hands often with soap and warm water; and boosting your immune system by getting quality sleep, eating healthy foods, and staying active.

    How to Care for the Flu
    If you experience sudden illness with fever, chills, headache, and general muscle aches, you may have the flu (influenza). Here are a few things you can do to care for yourself:

    The best remedies to relieve symptoms and help your body’s immune system fight off the infection include:

    • Sleep, sleep, and more sleep. Get as much as you can to help your body heal. When you can’t sleep stay in bed and watch a movie, read a book, play video games, or browse the Web. But do yourself and everyone else a favor by staying out of circulation for a few days when you are most contagious to others.
    • Fever reducers: Take two tablets of acetaminophen (Tylenol, Datril, etc.) every four hours to reduce fever, relieve head and muscle aches. Treatment with antibiotics is NOT effective since the flu is caused by a virus.
    • Fluids: Drink 6-8 glasses of fluids daily, including soups (miso, chicken, or other), herbal teas (peppermint, cinnamon, or other non-caffeinated variety), fruit or vegetable juices, and water to avoid dehydration.

    Be sure to call Gannett (255-5155, any time day or night) for health advice and if any of the following symptoms appear during the course of your illness:

    • Fever of over 101.5 degrees lasting for more than three days
    • Severe sore throat accompanied by swollen glands in your neck
    • Change in level of consciousness
    • Cough that brings up colored sputum (phlegm)
    • Shortness of breath
    • Persistent vomiting
    • Unidentified rash



    Need Transportation for Medical Care?

    Transportation to Gannett or other health care facilities

    An ambulance should only be used when emergency medical procedures may be required en route to the hospital. The fee charged for an ambulance can start at several hundred dollars, and will only be covered by health insurance when the person has a very serious (life-threatening) health problem. Life-threatening health problems include such things as heart attack, serious traumatic injuries, breathing problems, high fever, serious burns, or alcohol poisoning. For urgent, but non-life-threatening health problems, there are less expensive forms of transportation that can be arranged by Gannett. Please call 255-5155.

    People who are ill or injured have a number of options when they need transportation to Gannett or other health care facility. Gannett provides information about transportation and parking here.

    • Ambulance: In an emergency, call 911 or the Cornell University Police (607 255-1111). An ambulance will take you to the Cayuga Medical Center Emergency Department.
    • Bus: Current bus schedules are posted on the TCAT website. Bus routes that go by Gannett include:
      Cornell Campus Routes: 83, 84, 85, 86, 92, 93
      TCAT Routes: 10, 12, 20, 21, 31, 37, 43, 52, 53, 65
    • Taxi: If you need a taxi, call 607 277-7777. Gannett has arrangements with Ithaca taxi companies to allow students to charge to their bursar bills the fare for a ride to Gannett or other health care facility (e.g., a doctor's office, the Convenient Care Center or Cayuga Medical Center). Just tell the driver you are going for health care services and show your student ID.
    • Car/Parking: If you want to drive, patient parking is available in the lower lot next to Gannett (off Campus Road). The patient parking spaces are well-marked. Sign the patient log inside the back door of Gannett if you use one of these spaces. Additional parking is available in the metered lot behind Willard Straight Hall. Maps to Cayuga Medical Center and the Convenient Care Center are posted on the Gannett website.

    Gannett will provide advice to anyone who needs to arrange transportation to Gannett, to a Gannett-referred provider, or to Cayuga Medical Center for emergency care. Students can call Gannett at 255-5155; whenever Gannett is closed, the same number can be used to talk with the health care provider on call.

    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 at ISSO


    Fiat Payakkakom, a counselor from Gannett Health Services, is available at the ISSO each Thursday during the semester. Come to the ISSO from 2:30-4:30 PM for free and confidential counseling 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 Counseling 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.