News

International speakers needed!

International speakers needed for the annual International Fair at J.L.Newbern Middle School on Friday, May 5. All you need to do is talk about your country and maybe bring a few pictures. If you would like to participate in this event, please contact Horace Solomon at (229) 333-8566 or at home (229) 247-5057 or e-mail HERE

AND

Summer Program with Valdosta Lowndes Parks & Recreation needs a few international students to do a short talk about their countries and culture. The week of the International Camp is June 20 -June 23, between 3 and 4 pm. If interested, please contact Sirocus Barnes at (229) 333-1861 or (229) 630-8760. or e-mail HERE

This activity will be counted as part of Speaking to a class or group activity. This is the last chance to fulfill your scholarship requirement this year!

Summer Traveling!

If you are on an F-1 or J-1 visa and plan to travel outside the U.S. this Summer, please do the following:

1. Make sure your I-20 ( or DS 2019) is valid;
2. Make sure the third page of your I-20 has been signed by me less than a year ago. The signature is valid for one year. If your I-20 needs to be signed again, please, come by the CIP and I will sign your I-20. Contact David Starling if you are a J-1 student; Call our office at (229) 333-7410 or e-mail me to make an appointment.
3. Check to be sure your passport and visa will not expire before you plan to return,
   - if your passport will soon expire, contact your embassy to ask how to apply for an extension. Information about foreign embassies located in Washington, DC can be found HERE
   - if you have an expired F-1 or J-1 visa and plan to travel to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean Islands for 30 days or less, your expired visa will still be valid for your re-entry, assuming you have with you a recently endorsed travel document (form I-20 for F-1 visa holders; form DS-2019 for J-1 visa holders) and your I-94 card;
   - if you have an expired visa and plan to travel to places other than Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean Islands (or if you plan a trip to these places for more than 30 days), then prior to your return you will need to apply for a new visa at a U.S. consulate within your home country. Information about U.S. Embassies is available HERE
4. Even if you plan to travel within the United States, make sure you have with you your passport and valid I-20 form ( or DS 2019).

To learn more about travel and other international student related issues go to ISS Traveling .

Reminder OPT Application!

This is a reminder to those of you who are planning to graduate in May or July 2006. ( Do not forget to apply for Graduation at the Registrar's Office!).

OPT (Optional Practical Training) is the one year of off-campus work permission granted per each level of study obtained in the US.

If you wish to do OPT after you graduate you need to apply for Employment Authorization from the USCIS. According to the new regulations it is recommended that you apply for OPT 90 days prior to graduation.

OPT Application Instructions