ISSO Newsletter: November 2008
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
Green Card Lottery: Apply by Noon on December 1, 2008!!!
Graduating in January? Apply EARLY for F-1 OPT!
Graduating this semester? 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 Program Highlights
- Volunteers Needed for January 14th Orientation
- 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 27th, and
Friday, November 28th. To assist holiday travelers, we will, however, be open all day Wednesday, November 26th. We will resume
our normal business hours on Monday, December 1st.
Immigration News
2010 Diversity Green Card Lottery: Apply by Noon on December 1, 2008!!!
Complete information can be found on
the DV 2010 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 2010 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 in January? 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 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 after this Fall semester. Please read about OPT, and download an application from our OPT web pages.
December/January Graduates: Discuss your Future Plans with ISSO! If you are graduating from Cornell this December (degree conferral date is actually January 14, 2009) 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 Program Highlights
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).
17 Monday
Driving in Winter and Applying for a New York State Driver’s License
5:00 PM, Myron Taylor Hall Room # G90. Light refreshments will be served.
19 Wednesday
International Undergraduate Engineering Students: Obtaining a Co-op Position
4:45 PM. Hollister Hall Room B14.
For undergraduate Engineering students interested in the Engineering Co-op Program.
27 Thursday
21st Annual Traditional American Thanksgiving Feast
You are cordially invited to join other members of the Cornell community for a traditional American Thanksgiving Feast!
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 17th-26th (while supplies last) and can be purchased at the following locations:
- Hasbrouck and Maplewood Service Centers
- Holland International Living Center
- Willard Straight Hall Ticket Office
- Big Red Barn (after 2 PM through Nov. 25th, only)
- International Students and Scholars Office (B50 Caldwell Hall)
~With~
Alumni Affairs; AAP-Office for Diversity; Arts & Sciences; Athletic Department; CALS-Int’l Programs; CURW; Diversity Programs in Engineering; Fraternity & Sorority Affairs; Gannett; Gov’t & Community Relations; Hotel School; Human Ecology; Human Resources; ISPB; JGSM; Law School; Plant Breeding & Genetics; Public Service Center; The Campus Club; The Graduate School; The Mario Einaudi Center for Int’l Studies; Weill Institute for Cell & Molecular Biology
If you have questions contact Adriana Rovers at apr6@cornell.edu or 255-5243.
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!
Volunteers Needed for January 14th Orientation
Do you remember your first days as a new international student at Cornell or in another country? What do you know now that you wish you had known when you first arrived? Here is your opportunity to spread your wisdom to new international students and welcome them to Cornell!
We're looking for 10-15 student volunteers to assist with January's New International Student Orientation program which will be held:
Wednesday, January 14th, 2009
9:30 AM - 2:30 PM
International Lounge, Willard Straight Hall.
This orientation program is small, with an anticipated 30 to 50 participants in attendance. The majority of these new students will be studying at the graduate level, but there will be several undergraduates as well. Volunteers will be asked to assist with sessions by handing out information, discussing their own experiences, and making the new students feel welcome. Breakfast snacks and lunch will be served.
If you are interested in volunteering, send Adriana Rovers an e-mail containing your name, degree program and country of citizenship, and whether or not you will be able to come to the planning meeting. If you have questions, call Adriana at 255-5243.
Let's Talk: CAPS off-site counseling at ISSO
Each Thursday from 2:30-4:30 PM, a CAPS counselor 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
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.