Announcements from the OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENT & SCHOLAR SERVICES (OISSS)

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Immigration Attorney Presentation on Tuesday, Nov 19

Immigration attorney Elizabeth Goss will present virtually on Tuesday, November 19th from 3-5pm. The focus of this informational session, geared toward students and scholars, will be on nonimmigrant employment with special emphasis on visa options after the completion of studies, practical training or research program. Ms. Goss will discuss various types of working visas and applicable filing requirements, and update participants on current H-1B provisions and the petition process for H-1B visas. Other work visas and employment-based permanent residency (green card) will be introduced as well. 

RSVP required to register and submit questions prior to Monday, November 18th at 12 noon. Zoom link will be provided to registrants by email in advance of presentation.

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“CPT 101” Session for F-1 Undergraduates *TOMORROW (October 30, 2024)*

OISSS and The College International Student Advising team are offering two sessions to introduce undergraduate students to Professional Track and Non-Professional Track Curricular Practical Training (CPT) work authorization for off-campus employment:

• Wednesday, October 30, 12 – 1pm in Petteruti Lounge

• Wednesday, November 6, 2 - 3pm (Zoom)

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Check Your Travel Signature

If you will be traveling outside the U.S. over Thanksgiving and/or Winter Break, please check the travel signature on page 2 of your I-20 (J-1 students can find their travel signature on page 1 of their DS-2019). Travel signatures are valid for 1 year (6 months on post-completion OPT) and can be used multiple times before they expire. 

Request a travel signature through your OISSS Gateway Portal account if the travel signature has expired. Click on the “Requests & Documents” tab and submit the Reprint/Travel Signature Request to have a new I-20 or DS-2019 with travel signature issued. For further information about travel, please review this webpage: https://oisss.brown.edu/traveling/what-bring-when-traveling  

When entering the U.S., you must present a printed I-20/DS-2019, along with a valid passport with unexpired F-1/J-1 visa to a U.S. customs officer to be admitted to the U.S. in F-1/J-1 status. DO NOT use a nexus or global entry self-check kiosk to enter the U.S. Upon re-entry to the U.S., check your most recent I-94 arrival record to confirm that you have been re-admitted in F-1/J-1 status. 

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Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Designated for Lebanese Nationals

On October 17th, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Lebanese nationals currently in the U.S. More detailed information can be found here.

If you have any questions about TPS, please schedule an appointment with your OISSS advisor.