Welcome, Jennifer!
 

The OISSS team recently welcomed Jennifer Dressen as Assistant Director, International Student Services. This is a new position with a special focus on advising international Master’s students.

Jennifer comes to Brown as an experienced international educator, who most recently joined us from RISD.

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Immigration Attorney Presentation: Employment and Visa Options for International Students and Scholars

Tuesday, November 1st, 4:00 - 5:30 PM

Presenter: Immigration Attorney Liz Goss

Please RSVP to submit questions and receive the Zoom link.

Questions should be submitted by noon on Monday, Oct 31st

The focus of this informational session, geared toward international  students and scholars, will be on nonimmigrant employment with special emphasis on visa options after optional practical training (F-1),  academic training (J-1)* or post-doc positions. 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 and other nonimmigrant visa options. Paths to employment-based lawful permanent residency (green card) will be introduced as well.

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Check Your Travel Signature

If you will be traveling outside the U.S., please check the travel signature on page 2 of your I-20 or in the lower right corner of your DS-2019. Travel signatures are valid for 1 year (6 months on post-completion OPT) and can be used multiple times before they expire. 

You can request a travel signature through your OISSS Gateway account (brown.edu/go/oisssgateway). Click on the Requests and Documents tab and submit the Reprint/Travel Signature Request to have a new I-20/DS-2019 with travel signature issued. For further information about travel, please visit https://oisss.brown.edu/traveling/what-bring-when-traveling

When entering the U.S., you must present your I-20 or DS-2019 certificate, along with a valid passport with F-1 or J-1 visa to a U.S. customs officer to be admitted to the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status. 

Important: DO NOT use a 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 (http://www.cbp.gov/I94) to confirm that you have been re-admitted in F-1 or J-1 status.

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Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Designated for Ethiopia

On October 21st, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the designation of Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months: 

https://www.dhs.gov/news/2022/10/21/dhs-designates-ethiopia-temporary-protected-status-18-months

Please note that only individuals who are already residing in the United States as of October 20, 2022 may be eligible for TPS.

“The United States recognizes the ongoing armed conflict and the extraordinary and temporary conditions engulfing Ethiopia, and DHS is committed to providing temporary protection to those in need,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Ethiopian nationals currently residing in the U.S. who cannot safely return due to conflict-related violence and a humanitarian crisis involving severe food shortages, flooding, drought, and displacement, will be able to remain and work in the United States until conditions in their home country improve.”

TPS for Afghanistan (Release Date 03/16/2022)

TPS for Ukraine (Release Date 03/03/2022)

For all recent TPS Designations/Extensions

USCIS General information about TPS

For TPS related questions please email oisss@brown.edu 

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Scam Alert Reminder

For information on common Scam/Fraud related alerts: Be aware of Scams