Announcements for the week of April 22- 29, 2010

TRAVELING OUTSIDE OF THE U.S. THIS SUMMER?
If you are traveling outside of the U.S. you will need a signature from an International Student Advisor, on pg. 3 of your I-20. The signature on the I-20 indicates to immigration officer at the Port of Entry that you are authorized to return to the U.S. in order to resume your studies. We are trying to facilitate an efficient process for both you and the advisors, during this busy time of the year.

Starting this spring semester, all students traveling outside of the U.S. are STRONGLY advised to complete a “travel signature request” on-line at http://www.uah.edu/ISSO/webforms/travsignature/form.html

An International Student Advisor will send you and email AFTER they have had time to review your request to let you will know that you can come to the UC 116 during walk-in advising hours with your I-20 and get it signed on-the spot.

Students who submit the form on-line by April 28th or at least a minimum of 1 week prior to the anticipated date of travel, whichever is earlier will be given priority on processing time.

By completing a travel signature request on-line, you are allowing us to do all of the research and preparations necessary to process the signature BEFORE you actually come to the office with your I-20. This should result in VERY LITTLE OR NO WAITING to get your I-20 signed when you come to the office during our normal walk-in advising hours.

In addition, ISSO advisors are planning special “travel preparation days” in our office (UC 116) the last week of classes through end of final exams, May 3- May 14th. We will have some special incentives for students who choose to come to get their I-20 signed and/or speak with an advisor about travel related needs during walk-in hours May 3-14th.

Students who choose not to complete a “travel signature request” on-line at http://www.uah.edu/ISSO/webforms/travsignature/form.html will be required to fill out a request form in the UC 116 and leave their I-20 in the UC 116. The I-20 will be signed and returned to you prior to travel. Once an advisor has reviewed the request and signed the I-20 we will email you.

** BE AWARE** Travel signature requests dropped off in the office instead of on-line will take longer to process.


OFF-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT

F-1 students must have specific permission from immigration to work off campus. Off-campus employment includes internships, Cooperative Education or other practical training. We offer employment workshops to help ensure you understand the options available. Students MUST attend a workshop before an advisor will meet with you to discuss your individual questions. Email visahelp@uah.edu to reserve a space in a workshop (space is limited to 10 students).

ALL workshops will be held in the UC room 132 (small room on the back hallway of the UC BEHIND the lobby)

April 30, 3:00-4:30 (Friday)

May 10, 1:30-3:00 (Monday) LAST WORKSHOP UNTIL JUNE!!