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

• Saturday, July 4, 2015 is Independence Day. Independence Day is a U.S. Federal holiday. Locally, banks and post offices are usually closed. OISS will close at noon (12 p.m.) on Friday, July 3, 2015 and we will re-open at 8 a.m. on Monday, July 6, 2015.

• Redesigned I-20 and DS-2019

Please note that the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has recently released a redesigned Form I-20 and DS-2019. All F-1 and F-2 I-20s and J1 and J2 DS-2019s printed after June 26, 2015 will have a new design. Students are not required to have the new I-20 or DS-2019 format until July 1, 2016 so you can still use the previous I-20 or DS-2019 until then. OISS will be updating and distributing the new I-20 and DS-2019 format throughout the next 12 months.

• New F-2 Regulation

Effective May 29, 2015 F-2 dependents may enroll in part time study at any SEVP-certified school. If you have a dependent who would like to study part time, please contact Mr. Jorge Franco International Admissions Coordinator at jfranco@uno.edu . His office is located in the International Center room 108.

• Are You Graduating In Summer 2015 and Plan to Apply for Optional Practical Training?

Students in F-1 status who will be graduating in Summer 2015 and plan to apply for Optional Practical Training after graduation are reminded to file their practical training applications well in advance of the date they would like practical training to begin. Currently, the USCIS Texas Service Center is taking approximately twelve weeks to process EAD cards for practical training.

In general, OISS recommends that practical training applications be filed 90 days in advance of the requested starting date. So, if you would like your practical training to begin in August to October, now is the time to start the application process!

Your application must be received by the USCIS Texas Service Center no later than 60 days following your degree completion date, which is August 11, 2015 for Summer 2015 graduates.

Please come in during walk-in hours to meet with an advisor about the application process.

• Departing the U.S. and not returning to UNO? UNO students who will not be returning to the University for the fall 2015 semester are reminded to email OISS at oiss@uno.edu to let us know your plans.

Students in F-1 status who are graduating and are not going to pursue Optional Practical Training (OPT) or transfer to a new U.S. school or begin a new degree program in the United States are required to depart the United States within 60 days of their degree completion date. Students in J-1 status are required to depart the United States within 30 days of their degree completion date, or the end of their programs.

• Insurance Information for Fall— Please take a look at the Insurance Coverage Evaluation Form for the fall 2015 semester: http://oiss.uno.edu/InsForms/F1Fall15.pdf . Please note that it is possible to turn in an insurance form in the fall that covers the entire academic year. This will allow us to waive the insurance charge from your UNO fee bill for each semester that your policy covers you through summer 2016. Dates for coverage are listed on the form. Insurance forms for fall must be turned in by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25.

For more information on insurance, please see: http://oiss.uno.edu/UNOinsurancereq2.cfm .

• Free Summer Concerts —Wednesdays on the Point is a free summer concert series in Algiers Point. Concerts are scheduled each Wednesday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., starting June 10 and running through July 29. For the lineup check out the website: http://www.wednesdaysonthepoint.com/ . You can take the New Orleans Ferry at the foot of Canal Street – right next to the Aquarium of the Americas. The ride is for pedestrians and bikers only and costs $2. On Wednesday's the final trip from Algiers Point is at 9:30 p.m.

• Essence Festival - This Festival will take place July 2 – July 5, featuring artists: Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, Usher, Missy Elliott and others, as well as local and regional bands. Hours vary. Admission varies. Various locations in New Orleans. For more information please see: www.essence.com

• Summer Semester 2015 University Calendar— To view the official university calendar for Summer 2015, please go to the following link: http://www.uno.edu/registrar/bulletin/important-dates.aspx#Summer .

- Important July Dates —

July 1-4: Independence Day Break

July 17: Final date for holding defenses for those graduating with thesis and dissertation requirements
in Summer

July 24: Last day of classes.

July 27-28: Final exams

*Please note that walk-in hours for July will be limited.*

OISS July Walk-In Hours Reminder —

Monday & Thursday      2:00 pm-4:00 pm

Tuesday & Friday            9:00 am-12:30 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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