ISSO Newsletter: November 2005
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:
- ISSO News: New and Improved web site!
- Immigration News and Reminders
Diversity Lottery for Green Cards! Deadline December 4, 2005
January Graduates: Working after Graduation!
January Graduates: Discuss your Future Plans with ISSO!
Travel Reminders: Leaving the U.S. at Winter Break? - Leaving Town Over Break? Police can provide security check
- Upcoming ISSO Programs (Newly Updated!)
- Counseling hours at the ISSO every Thursday, 3-6pm
- Have Immigration Questions?: Come to ISSO Office Hours
ISSO News: New and Improved web site!
We have renovated the ISSO web site! Take a look when you have time. The home page link is the same:
But most for all of the pages on the site, the suffix has changed from "html" to "php". Please update any pages you have bookmarked. Email Sarah Hilsman (sw57@cornell.edu) with any questions or comments about the web site.
Immigration News
The 2007 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV-2007)
Complete information can be found on
the DV 2007 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. The deadline to apply this year is December 4, 2005. Applicants for Diversity Visas are chosen by a computer-generated random lottery drawing. Go to the DV 2007 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.
January Graduates: Working after Graduation! F-1 Students: If you are graduating in January you MUST APPLY for your Optional Practical Training (OPT) NO LATER THAN January 17, 2006 or (if you are an advanced graduate student), the day before your last day as a registered student. Read about OPT and download an application from our OPT web pages.
J-1 students: If you are graduating in January you MUST APPLY for your Academic Training no later than graduation. If your DS-2019 form was issued by Cornell, you may read about 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.
January Graduates: Discuss your Future Plans with ISSO! If you are graduating from Cornell this January 2005, 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.
Upcoming ISSO Programs
upcoming ISSO Trips, Workshops, and Special Events
to be held during the rest of the Fall semester
November
24th (Thursday)
Traditional U.S. Thanksgiving Feast
Robert Purcell Union, noon-2pm
Sold Out (sorry)
30th (Wednesday)
"Winter Road Safety and Obtaining a New York State License"
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
4:30PM to 6:00PM
G90 Myron Taylor Hall (Law School)
A must for all drivers new to driving in snowy, icy conditions! Cornell Police Officer George Sutfin will present tips on driving safely in 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.
~Open to the public. Light refreshments provided.~
Sponsored by:
Cornell Law School Graduate Legal Studies Program
Cornell Police Department
International Students & Scholars Office
Questions? Please contact Mary Schlarb, 255-5243, mhs13@cornell.edu
December
1st December (Thursday), 3:30-5:30 pm, Big Red Barn
"A Taste of Culture" at International Coffee Hour
Sample desserts from around the world and flex your language skills as you learn to ask for each dessert in the language of its native country!
Co-sponsored by the Public Service Center's Translator Interpreter Program
Plus, every Thursday while classes are in session: International Coffee Hour at the Big Red Barn 3:30-5:30pm. Complimentary coffee, tea and light refreshments! All are welcome!
Counseling Hours at the ISSO
Every Thursday, 3-6pm
Counseling hours with Mahnaz Mousavi every Thursday, 3-6pm, at the ISSO (B-50 Caldwell Hall). International students, staff, faculty, or family members are welcome.
Feeling stressed out? Need to talk to someone? You don't have to struggle alone.
Free and confidential consultations with a counselor are available to all students at sites around campus. No appointment is necessary. Just drop in. Visit their website for more information.
Come talk about:
Hours and locations:
You also might benefit from talking to other students with similar concerns in a confidential setting. Feel free to check out their discussion groups.
Have Immigration Questions?
Come to ISSO Office 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 12-1pm 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.