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

Optional Practical Training (OPT) Information Session—The second OPT information session for the fall semester will be on Thursday, November 4 at 12:30 p.m. in ED 202. Advisors will give a general overview of OPT and explain the application process. If you are graduating in December, you should plan on applying for OPT this month. Please take note that new USCIS fees are effective on November 23, 2010 and the I-765 application fee for OPT will go up from $340 to $380. Make sure to get your application in early to avoid the increased cost! Information sessions are open to all F-1 students and we encourage you to attend, especially if you will be graduating in December 2010.

Students in F-1 status who will be graduating in December and plan to apply for optional practical training (OPT) post graduation are reminded that it can take three months or more to obtain the Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Service Center. If you plan to begin employment as of January 2011, you should be submitting your paperwork as soon as possible.

Employment can not begin until you receive your EAD card, even if the requested start date has passed.

International Education Week 2010—International Education Week (IEW) is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education created as an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This year IEW takes place from November 15-19. The Division of International Education will present an International Opportunities Fair and the International Photo Contest Awards Ceremony. More information on IEW events and activities will be posted soon in the Driftwood. Please see the official IEW website at http://iew.state.gov/index.cfm.

World Cup Champions—Congratulations to Team Hondusaguador for their first place finish in the International Student Organization’s World Cup Soccer Tournament 2010! They played an exciting match against the runners up, Team Wolfpack. Thanks to all of the teams, players, spectators, and sponsors for making the ISO World Cup Soccer Tournament a successful event once again!

Thanksgiving Dinner—The Baptist Collegiate Ministry will host an International Thanksgiving dinner for students on November 22 at 6:00 p.m. Please contact Kimberly Meyers for details at kimberly-icm@cox.net.

Travel Plans for Thanksgiving holiday?—Read over our Travel Instructions for international students at http://oiss.uno.edu/forms/Travel%20Instructions.pdf. It is essential that you have your passport, I-94 card, Form I-20 or DS-2019 and UNO ID card with you even when travelling within the U.S. or the state of Louisiana.

Passport Renewal—Remember! Check your passport expiration date. Your passport must be valid at least six months into the future in order to maintain immigration status. If you need to renew your passport, please consult with the consulate or embassy of your home country.

Important November Dates—

November 8: Final date to drop courses or resign from the University*

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

November 20: Last day of Saturday classes

November 25-28: Thankgiving Holiday, no classes

OISS Fall 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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