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    • ISSO Newsletter: March 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
      Travel Reminders: Leaving the U.S. at Spring Break?
      Planning on working OFF-campus this summer?
      May Graduates: Discuss your Future Plans with ISSO!
      Reminder: You must update your address with the ISSO!
    2. Tax Information
      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 March/April Programs
      March 26 Humphrey Fellows presentation at Coffee Hour
      April 26 Day Trip to Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, NY
      April 27 University Reception for Graduating International Students
    4. A Peek at our Summer Trip Schedule
    5. 2009 PREPARE Volunteer Informational Meeting
    6. English for International Students and Scholars Summer Program
    7. Reminder from Gannett: Spring Tune Up
    8. Let’s Talk: CAPS off-site counseling at ISSO
    9. Have Immigration Questions?: Come to ISSO Office Hours


    Immigration News




    Travel Reminders: Leaving the U.S. at Spring 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:


    Planning to work OFF-campus this summer?
    F-1 Students: If you are planning to work OFF-campus this summer you MUST APPLY for work authorization through the ISSO. Read about F-1 work authorization here or come to one of our workshops on off-campus work authorization.

    J-1 students: If you are planning to work OFF-campus this summer you MUST APPLY for work authorization through the ISSO. If your DS-2019 form was issued by Cornell, you may read about J-1 student off-campus work authorization, known as "Academic Training," and download an application from our J-1 Academic Training web pages. If your DS-2019 is not issued by Cornell University, you must contact your sponsor (whoever issued your DS-2019) to discuss whether or not Academic Training is allowed.


    May Graduates: Discuss your Future Plans with ISSO!
    If you are graduating from Cornell this May, 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:

    Check with the ISSO advisor on duty about any of the above or any other plans you may have after you graduate.


    Reminder: You must update your address with the ISSO!
    Anyone in F-1 or J-1 status at Cornell MUST update your address with the ISSO when you move by filling in our on line address form. If you haven't updated your address with the ISSO since moving, do it now!



    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 March/April 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.


    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.


    Day Trip to Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, NY
    Sunday, April 26
    Sign-ups Monday, April 2. Details TBA


    University Reception for Graduating International Students
    Monday, April 27
    5:00 PM-6:30 PM, Details TBA

    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!



    A Peek at our Summer Trip Schedule


    July 3-5, Friday-Sunday
    Trip to Boston, Massachusetts
    Reserve a space on line Tuesday, June 9, beginning at 7 AM.

    July 25 Saturday
    Day Trip to Niagara Falls, New York
    Reserve a space on line Tuesday, July 14, beginning at 7 AM.



    2009 PREPARE Volunteer Informational Meeting


    Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2009
    Place: International Students and Scholars Office at B-50 Caldwell Hall
    Time: 5-6:00 PM

    Attention undergraduate students...Are you an international student who would like to welcome new international undergraduates to Cornell? Or are you an American student who has had experience living in another culture and knows how it feels to dive into something so different? Then use your experience to help welcome new international students to Cornell!

    The ISSO is looking for motivated and enthusiastic undergraduate volunteers for PREPARE 2009 in August!

    PREPARE is a four-day, intensive pre-orientation program for new international undergraduates, where participants and volunteers have the opportunity to meet one another and help each other acclimate to life at Cornell. Over 200 new students, plus 50 volunteers will participate in PREPARE.

    Volunteers are crucially important, and are expected to attend all events throughout the program. They may not be OCs for the university orientation, as conflicts of time and commitment often arise.

    PREPARE will run from August 17-20, with a mandatory training session for volunteers on August 15-16. Volunteers who have on-campus assignments for the fall will be allowed to move into their rooms beginning on Friday, August 14.

    We will be holding an informational meeting for all those interested in becoming a PREPARE volunteer on Tuesday, March 31 at the ISSO from 5-6:00 PM. Students who want to volunteer for PREPARE will be required to sign up on line at ISSO website, in April. Date to be announced.

    Questions? Please contact Adriana at apr6@cornell.edu.

    Get involved! Help new international students! Have fun! Sign on to the PREPARE Team!



    English for International Students and Scholars Summer Program


    English for International Students and Scholars (EISS) will be presented at Cornell from June 22-July 31. This full-time program provides intensive English instruction and cultural orientation for those interested in working and studying in an academic environment in the U.S. or in using English professionally. It may be taken for credit or not and offers instruction at all levels. The program features small class sizes to enhance students' ability to learn English and to enable instructors to provide personal attention and encouragement. Core classes are scheduled from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. weekdays, with additional afternoon electives, evening events, and field trips.

    Summer EISS participants are eligible to receive a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant [F-1] Student Status). Interested students should apply before May 1 to allow time for visa processing.

    For more information and to register for either program, please visit the program Web site, or contact the Executive Education Office at cusp@cornell.edu or 607.255.7259.



    Reminder from Gannett: Spring Tune Up


    The official start of spring is just a few days away, and with it comes the promise of warmer temperatures. It is also the time of year when prelims seem endless, projects you haven’t had time to begin are coming due, and pressure is mounting to make plans for the summer. Many of us begin to feel stressed-out, overwhelmed, or even exhausted. Now is the time to make a special effort to take care of yourself. We know it’s hard, but you’ll benefit from making an extra effort to eat well, taking time to break a sweat, and practicing other healthy stress management techniques. By balancing the negative affects you experience from the demands of each day, with the benefits you gain from caring for yourself, you will be better able to handle daily challenges, overcome frustrations and keep a positive perspective.

    Here are some additional things that can boost your physical and emotional health:

    Spend time with friends
    One of the best ways to regain your balance after a long, hard day is to spend time with a good friend. This is a person who likes you for who you are, isn’t interested in competing with you, and with whom you can share the things that matter in your life. Try spending time each day with people who renew and refresh you, and limit your time with those who increase your stress.

    Sleep
    Studies show that the brain activates more neural pathways after being well-rested (8-9 hours of quality sleep) than it does when sleep-deprived. More neural pathways help you become more effective and efficient. Setting a consistent bed time and rising time in your schedule will help you improve almost anything you want to be better at ….including your academic performance. Having a good night’s sleep will also improve your ability to make sound decisions, concentrate, and cope with stressful situations.

    Consider a medical checkup
    If you have experienced a series of health concerns like headaches, back or neck pain, stomach cramps, or nausea; or if you have an illness you just can not shake, consider making an appointment to see a clinician (call 255-5155). People often feel physically ill when experiencing high levels of stress, but it doesn’t mean you have to live with the discomfort. Getting things checked out may help you get back on track.

    For more information on managing stress visit: www.gannett.cornell.edu.

    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.