The University of New Orleans - Office of International Students and Scholars

• Optional Practical Training (OPT) Information Session —If you missed the OPT information session in February, the second session for the spring semester will be on Thursday, March 15 at 12:30 p.m. in ED 208 . Advisors will give a general overview of OPT and explain the application process. If you are graduating in May, you should plan on applying for OPT in March and attending this information session. Current USCIS average processing times for the OPT application is three months, so make sure to contact an advisor as early as possible in March to make your application appointment. If you are unable to attend the session on March 15, you will need to schedule an appointment with an OISS advisor for an overview. Information sessions are open to all F-1 students and we encourage you to attend, especially if you will be graduating in May 2012.

• Income Tax Information —International students who work are not exempt from filing income tax forms – even if the U.S. has a tax treaty with the country of origin. If you are an international student who needs help filling out your tax forms, come to one of the volunteer income tax assistance (VITA) sessions. These VITA sessions will be scheduled throughout March. Dates, times and locations will be announced soon. Make sure that you are signed up for the OISS Listserv so that you receive this important information: http://www.oiss.uno.edu/subscription.cfm

• Travelling for Spring Break?— Be sure to have your I-20 or DS-2019 when you travel, as well as the other recommended documents listed on our Travel Instructions Handout at http://oiss.uno.edu/forms/Travel%20Instructions.pdf . Also, make sure that you have a valid travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019. The travel signature should be less than six months old as of the date you will return to the United States. Remember, you need a travel signature even if you are going on a cruise that will make stops in ports outside of the U.S. If you need a travel signature for a spring break trip please bring your I-20 or DS-2019 to OISS for processing as soon as possible.

Keep in mind that travel to other countries often requires students to obtain visas. Make sure to contact the embassy for the country you are visiting to determine if you need a visa in advance of travelling. If you are going on a cruise s ome ports of call may require visas, be sure to research that information with the cruise line or by contacting the embassy or consulate of that country in the United States: http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/dpl/32122.htm

• Students Cautioned About Travel to Mexico— The Department of State has issued a Travel Warning to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and living in Mexico of concerns about the security situation there. The complete Travel Warning can be found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_5665.html Increased violence in Mexico has prompted the warning, which specifically urges U.S. citizens to delay unnecessary travel to parts of Durango, Coahuila and Chihuahua states. The warning includes detailed information on staying safe in Mexico at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html and provides a link to the publication, “Spring Break in Mexico – Know Before You Go!” at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/spring_break_mexico/spring_break_mexico_5014.html

• International Night 2012—“Around the World in One Night”— The International Student Organization will present International Night 2012 on Saturday, March 10 from 6:00-9:30 p.m. in the Human Performance Center. Tickets are on sale now through March 9 at the University Center, Monday-Friday from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door. If you are interested in participating in the event or for more information, please contact ISO at iso@uno.edu .

• Volunteer at Jazz Fest— Each year The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival needs volunteers to contribute time and energy to the event. Volunteering at Jazz Fest allows you to be a part of a unique cultural and musical event in New Orleans. PLUS! Volunteers who work a shift on a Festival day get free admission to the Festival for the entire day of their shift! Take a look at their website for more information and the volunteer application: http://www.nojazzfest.com/info/volunteering.php . Volunteer applications are due on March 2, so act quickly if you are interested.

For a listing of the lineup for Jazz Fest 2012 see: http://lineup.nojazzfest.com/ .

• Spring Semester Campus Events— For a calendar of events taking place on campus this month, check out UNO's Event Calendar at: http://events.uno.edu/public/index.cfm?action=month&month=3&year=2012.

And Student Involvement and Leadership's Calendar at: http://sil.uno.edu/currentevents/ .

• Spring Semester 2012 University Calendar— To view the official university calendar for Spring 2012, please go to the following link: http://registrar.uno.edu/bulletin/importantdates/#spring12 .

Important March Dates —

March 5-9: Midsemester exam period

March 6: Final date to resign and receive 25% refund*

* You must consult with an advisor from OISS before dropping any classes

March 10: International Night 2012

OISS Spring Walk-In Hours Reminder —

Monday & Thursday       8:00 am -12:00 pm
                                           2:00 pm-4:00 pm

Tuesday & Friday            9:00 am-12:30 pm
                                          1:30 pm-4:00 pm

Wednesday                     1:30 pm-4:00 pm

Walk-in consultations are for quick 10-15 minute discussions. You will receive assistance on a first-come, first-served basis.

Appointments are at specific times and with specific advisors. If your discussion involves changing status, an OPT or CPT application, or any other complex situation, please make an appointment. Please call 504-280-6021 to schedule an appointment or send an email to oiss@uno.edu .

Please note: For past issues of OISS News please check our website under the heading “OISS News” http://oiss.uno.edu .


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