ISSS News

Drop Advising Required Hold (Spring 2025)

Carolyn Salter — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 13:29:52 +0000

Drop Advising Required Hold (Spring 2025) Carolyn Salter Wed, 12/18/2024 - 06:29

Immigration regulations require students in F-1 and J-1 status to be enrolled in a full-time course load each fall and spring semester to maintain nonimmigrant visa status. Full-time enrollment is only required in the summer if it is your first or last semester of enrollment.

Drop Advising Required Hold

Each fall and spring semester a hold is placed on the student records of all students in F-1 and J-1 status to prevent them from dropping a class without prior permission from ISSS and unintentionally falling below full-time enrollment, a violation of status. This hold does not affect a student's ability to add a class or drop classes related to future semester enrollment.

The hold will be placed on the student records of all students in F-1 and J-1 status on January 30, 2025. It will be viewable in the Buff Portal.

If students in F-1 or J-1 status wish to drop a class after the hold is placed on their record, they must contact an ISSS advisor to request permission to drop the class(es). If dropping the class(es) will not result in under-enrollment, then the Drop Advising Required Hold will be removed for 48 hours in order to allow students to drop the approved class(es).

Students can meet with an ISSS advisor during advising hours or email ISSS to have the hold removed temporarily.

ISSS will place the hold back on students’ records to prevent the dropping of additional courses.

Exceptions to the Full-Time Enrollment Requirement

ISSS can only authorize a drop below full-time enrollment if the required documentation is submitted to ISSS and a student is eligible for an academic reduced course load, medical reduced course load, or it is the student's final semester and less than full-time enrollment is required to complete the degree (see the Confirmation of Final Semester e-form (available in MyISSS portal).

Contact ISSS with any questions regarding the drop advising required hold and full-time enrollment requirement.

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Updated Exchange Visitor Skills List released

Carolyn Salter — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 15:04:32 +0000

Updated Exchange Visitor Skills List released Carolyn Salter Thu, 12/12/2024 - 08:04

On December 9, 2024, the U.S. Department of State released an updated Exchange Visitor Skills List.

The Skills List is one of the factors used to determine whether a J-1 exchange visitor and their dependents, if applicable, are subject to the 212(e) two-year home country physical presence requirement.

What is the Skills List?

The Skills List identifies countries that the U.S. government deems to have a critical need for individuals with specialized knowledge or skills in certain fields. If you are a citizen or legal permanent resident of a country on this list and you will be engaged in a field of specialized knowledge or skill associated with that country during your J-1 program, you may be subject to the 212(e) two-year home country physical presence requirement.

The 212(e) Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement

The 212(e) requirement mandates that certain J-1 exchange visitors must return to their home country for a minimum of two years after completing their exchange program in the U.S. This requirement is intended to ensure that countries with critical shortages of certain skills can benefit from the experience and expertise of these exchange visitors.

Key Changes in the Updated Skills List

The updated Skills List removes the 212(e) two-year home residency requirement for J-1 visa holders from several countries, including:

Brazil

China

India

Indonesia

Saudi Arabia

South Korea

Sri Lanka

United Arab Emirates

Please review the ⁠Department of State updated Skill List by Country to see which countries remain on the list.

J-1 exchange visitors who would have previously been subject to the 212(e) requirement based on the Skills List, are no longer subject to this condition if their country is no longer listed.

Retroactive release from 212(e) obligations is not available to exchange visitors when only a skill area is removed from the list, but the country itself remains on the list.

Exchange visitors can still be subject to the 212(e) requirement based on government funding or graduate medical education/training, even if their country is no longer listed.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you are a J-1 exchange visitor and your country has been removed from the Skills List, you will no longer be subject to the 212(e) requirement based on the Skills List. This provides more flexibility for exchange visitors to pursue various U.S. immigration statuses without needing to first fulfill the two-year home country physical presence obligation.

You can still be subject to the 212(e) requirement based on government funding or graduate medical education/training.

To learn more about the conditions that make an individual subject to the 212(e) requirement, its impact, and how to fulfill the requirement, review the ISSS 212(e) webpage and contact the ISSS advisor assigned to your department if you have questions.

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University closure: January 20, 2025

Carolyn Salter — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 15:24:41 +0000

University closure: January 20, 2025 Carolyn Salter Wed, 12/11/2024 - 08:24

The ��«��Ƶ, including ISSS, will be closed January 20, 2025 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. ISSS will resume normal services Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

A complete list of university holidays is available on the Human Resources website.

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Prepare for winter break travel– Students return to the U.S. before semester starts on Jan. 13, 2025

Carolyn Salter — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 17:00:40 +0000

Prepare for winter break travel– Students return to the U.S. before semester starts on Jan. 13, 2025 Carolyn Salter Mon, 12/02/2024 - 10:00

If you plan to travel internationally for winter break, make sure you plan ahead to avoid any complications with re-entry to the United States. One of the most important steps is ensuring that your I-20 (for students in F-1 status) or DS-2019 (for students in J-1 status) has a valid travel signature from our office.

You do NOT need a travel signature to leave the U.S., but you must have one to re-enter.

Consequences of Traveling Without a Valid Travel Signature

If you travel without a valid travel signature, you risk being:

Denied re-entry to the U.S. or
Issued an I-515A, granting temporary status in the U.S. for only 30 days.
- If you are issued an I-515A, you must meet with an ISSS advisor immediately to extend your admission beyond the 30-day period.

Return Date for Students

The spring 2025 semester begins on January 13, 2025, and we’re excited to welcome you back! To set yourself up for success, arrive in the U.S. before the semester starts so you’re ready for the first day of in-person classes. ISSS is here to support you, answer your questions, and provide a current travel signature.

Permission for late arrival is granted by your faculty, and entry into the U.S. is decided by the port of entry officer.

Reminder: Travel Signatures are Valid for One Year!

Travel signatures are valid for up to one year from the most recent signature date or until the end of your I-20/DS-2019 program, whichever comes first.
Exception: If you are on Post-Completion Optional Practical Training a travel signature is valid only for 6 months from the date of the signature.

If you already have a valid travel signature, you do not need to request a new one every time you travel outside the U.S.

F-1 /F-2 Status: Travel signatures are provided at the bottom of page 2 of your I-20 under “Travel Endorsement.”
J-1/ J-2 Status: Travel signatures are provided in the lower right-hand corner of your DS-2019.

Travel Signature Request Timeline

Plan ahead! ISSS will be closed for winter break, and it is best practice to request a travel signature before leaving the U.S.

All I-20 and DS-2019 travel signatures are issued electronically.
ISSS processing time is 2-5 business days.
ISSS cannot expedite requests. We must process requests in the order they are received.

If you request a travel signature after Spring semester enrollment opens, ISSS will need to confirm you are eligible to enroll in the next term before issuing the travel signature. Be sure to resolve any holds on your account that may limit your future enrollment.

The Drop Advising Required ISSS hold will not prevent you from registering for coursework in a future term.

How Do I Request a Travel Signature from ISSS?

F-1 Visa Holders: Complete the I-20 Reprint Request e-form (available in MyISSS portal.)
- ISSS will email you an I-20 with a new travel signature.
  - Print the I-20, sign it in ink in the "Student Attestation" section at the bottom of p.1 and carry it with you when you travel to the United States.
J-1 Visa Holders: Complete the DS-2019 Reprint Request e-form (available in MyISSS portal).
- ISSS will email you a DS-2019 with a new travel signature.
  - Print the DS-2019, sign it in ink in the "Exchange Visitor Certification" section at the bottom of p.1 and carry it with you when you travel to the United States.

What Else Do I Need to Know Before I Travel?

Before you travel, review the Student Travel Handout or Scholar Travel Handout for a complete list of documents you’ll need. These handouts also provide additional travel considerations and instructions on downloading your I-94 upon return.

After re-entering the U.S., ISSS highly recommends checking your I-94 to ensure Customs and Border Protection (CBP) admitted you in the correct status for the correct duration of time.

Additional Resources

Resource Tip

This information is referenced on the ISSS Student Travel webpage and Scholar International Travel & Temporary Absence/ Out of Country webpage.

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Supporting CU ��«��Ƶ's international community through times of change

Mitchell Brooks Wolfe — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 22:25:24 +0000

Supporting CU ��«��Ƶ's international community through times of change Mitchell Brook… Tue, 11/26/2024 - 15:25

As we approach the transition in U.S. presidential administration and Congress on January 20, 2025, we understand that this time of change may bring feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. While changes to U.S. immigration laws and policies may occur in the future, ISSS does not have information about what those changes might be.

We want to reassure you that you are a valued and integral part of our CU ��«��Ƶ community. If you are feeling worried or overwhelmed—whether about this transition or any other challenges—you are not alone. We encourage you to prioritize your well-being and take advantage of the many resources available on campus to support you.

Please know that ISSS is always here to provide guidance and support. Together, we can navigate this time of transition.

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ISSS website upgrade: Impacts anticipated

Anonymous — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 14:42:26 +0000

ISSS website upgrade: Impacts anticipated Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 09/17/2024 - 08:42

The ISSS website will be upgraded to a newer version at the end of October/beginning of November. This will result in issues accessing ISSS webpages and files hosted on our website.

ISSS will have to manually re-link all files currently hosted on our website. It will take a considerable amount of time for us to identify files, re-link them, and determine all the places we referenced the files (e.g., handouts, webpages, forms, email templates etc.).

If you are unable to access an ISSS webpage or file, email ISSS@colorado.edu with “Website Issue” in the subject line.

Include information about 1) the name of the webpage or file you were trying to access and 2) how you were trying to access it (e.g., through a link in an email; from a webpage, from a specific handout). Provide relevant details as applicable.
- ISSS will work to resolve the issue with the webpage/file and provide you access to it.

ISSS appreciates your patience and help as we work on the updates associated with this upgrade.

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ISSS fall advising hours begin August 12

Anonymous — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 14:15:06 +0000

ISSS fall advising hours begin August 12 Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 08/01/2024 - 08:15

ISSS fall advising hours begin August 12, 2024. All advising times listed below are in the Mountain Time Zone. Any future changes to advising hours will be announced on our website.

ISSS will be closed for all university holidays.

General Advising Hours

In-Person Advising at ISSS (C4C, S355)

Monday, Wednesday, & Friday: 12:30 to 3 p.m.
- No in-person walk-in advising hours on Tuesdays or Thursdays.

Scheduled Remote Advising Appointments

Monday: 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1 to 3:30 p.m. & 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m & 2:30 to 5 p.m.
Thursday: 7 to 9 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., & 2 to 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m

Student Advising: Schedule Remote Advising Appointment

Select Remote General ISSS Advising Appointment; appointments are only available six days in advance.

Scholar Advising: Search for ISSS Advisor By Department, Research Institute, or CU Campus

Contact your assigned ISSS advisor directly to schedule an advising appointment.

Third-Party Sponsored Student Advising Hours

(for students sponsored by Aramco Services, the Kuwait Cultural Office, Embassy of Oman, SABIC, SACM, SCO, or Fulbright)

In-Person Advising at ISSS (C4C, S355)

Monday, Wednesday, & Friday: 12:30 to 3 p.m.
- No in-person sponsored student walk-in advising hours on Tuesdays or Thursdays.
- No in-person sponsored student walk-in advising on Monday, August 19, 2024.

Scheduled Remote Advising Appointments

Tuesday: 9 to 11 a.m.
Thursday: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Student Advising: Schedule Remote Advising Appointment

Select Remote Sponsored Student Advising Appointment; appointments are only available six days in advance.

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Scam alert: Employer job scam

Anonymous — Tue, 07 May 2024 13:06:08 +0000

Scam alert: Employer job scam Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 05/07/2024 - 07:06

A graduating international student reported the following fake job offer scam--

The student was approached and interviewed by a person who represented himself from the company's recruiting team. After the interview, the student was offered a job and sent an appointment letter to sign. After a discussion with the Hiring Manager, the student signed the offer letter and was asked to provide their passport. They were also sent a digital check and asked to deposit the money in their bank account to purchase work equipment.

How To Avoid a Job Scam

Before you accept a job offer, take these steps to avoid common job scams:

Search online. Look up the name of the company or the person who’s hiring you, plus the words “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.” See if others say they’ve been scammed by that company or person. No complaints? It doesn’t guarantee that a company is honest, but complaints can tip you off to possible problems.
Talk to someone you trust. Describe the offer to them. What do they think? This also helps give you vital time to think about the offer.
Don't pay for the promise of a job. Honest employers, including the federal government, will never ask you to pay to get a job. Anyone who does is a scammer.
Never bank on a “cleared” check. No honest potential employer will ever send you a check to deposit and then tell you to send on part of the money, or buy gift cards with it. That’s a fake check scam. The check will bounce, and the bank will want you to repay the amount of the fake check.

What To Do if You Paid a Scammer

No matter how you paid — debit or credit card, mobile payment app or wire transfer, gift card, cash reload card, or cryptocurrency — immediately contact the company you used to send the money, report the fraud, and ask to have the transaction reversed, if possible. For specific advice on how to reverse different types of payments, read What To Do If You Were Scammed.

Additional Resources

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Nonresident international employees and students have access to free tax preparation software

Anonymous — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 15:39:41 +0000

Nonresident international employees and students have access to free tax preparation software Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 01/30/2024 - 08:39

As the new year begins, CU faculty, staff and students will begin receiving critical documents needed to file their annual income tax returns. For certain international employees and students, this means receiving Forms W-2 and/or 1042-S from CU over the month of January.

Form W-2 is issued to any employee who receives taxable wages from CU.

Form 1042-S is issued to resident and nonresident alien employees to report tax treaty exempt wages. Nonresident alien scholarship and stipend recipients with taxable or tax treaty exempt income of this type will also receive form 1042-S. Employees and students with more than one type of 1042-S reportable income should expect to receive more than one 1042-S.

Recipients should use these form(s) when preparing their personal income tax return forms this year. If you haven’t received one or both of these forms, visit the Get Your Tax Forms page to find instructions on how to access each form.

It’s also important to remember that even if they did not earn U.S. income, nonresident F and J students and scholars are required to file IRS Form 8843.

This year, CU is again partnering with Sprintax to support nonresident alien employees and students in their personal tax filing obligation. The International Tax Office will offer a discount code to access Sprintax Returns online tax preparation tool free of charge.

The discount code will enable nonresident alien employees and students in F or J status to file their 2023 federal tax return and other required forms. Sprintax can also help with state tax filing. However, if you elect to file a state tax return using Sprintax, you’ll need to pay an additional fee.

This software is a user-friendly and reliable resource to help international employees:

Determine resident or nonresident U.S. tax residency status and filing requirements.
Prepare necessary tax return documents including forms 1040-NR and 8843 which can then be printed, signed and mailed for filing. (Some users may be able to file electronically, instead.)
Ensure all applicable tax treaties are applied.
Find assistance and information with an available FAQ, blog, YouTube channel and email access to Sprintax tax professionals.

To take advantage of this resource, watch for emails from the International Tax Office in February and March. This email will contain your discount code for Sprintax.

Visit the International Tax website anytime throughout the year to learn more about your filing obligations including two video courses to help familiarize you with the U.S. tax system and its many forms.

Finally, Sprintax will host regular tax webinars throughout the spring where you can learn more about your U.S. tax filing obligations and how Sprintax can help you meet them.

Sprintax Open Webinar dates, times and registration links:

Thursday, Feb. 8 at 11 a.m. MT – Register here
Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 10 a.m. MT – Register here
Tuesday, March 5 at 2 p.m. MT – Register here
Thursday, March 20 at noon MT – Register here
Wednesday, March 27 at 11 a.m. MT – Register here
Thursday, April 4 at 1 p.m. MT – Register here
Wednesday, April 10 at 10 a.m. MT – Register here
Monday, April 15 at 11 a.m. MT – Register here

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Free undergraduate academic culture and English language tutoring

Anonymous — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 20:19:24 +0000

Free undergraduate academic culture and English language tutoring Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 01/19/2024 - 13:19

Is it challenging for you to speak up in class or finish writing your papers? Do you feel nervous about talking to your professors during office hours? Are you not sure what is appropriate to say around your classmates? If you’re an undergraduate who speaks English as an additional language, you can now receive free tutoring on campus or online. Tutors can work with you on anything from writing and grammar to pronunciation, presentation skills, or navigating U.S. university classroom, to help you reach your academic goals.

For additional information, visit the International English Center’s website.

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ISSS News

Drop Advising Required Hold (Spring 2025)

Drop Advising Required Hold

Exceptions to the Full-Time Enrollment Requirement

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Updated Exchange Visitor Skills List released

What is the Skills List?

The 212(e) Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement

Key Changes in the Updated Skills List

What Does This Mean for You?

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University closure: January 20, 2025

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Prepare for winter break travel– Students return to the U.S. before semester starts on Jan. 13, 2025

Consequences of Traveling Without a Valid Travel Signature

Return Date for Students

Travel Signature Request Timeline

How Do I Request a Travel Signature from ISSS?

What Else Do I Need to Know Before I Travel?

Additional Resources

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Supporting CU ��«����Ƶ's international community through times of change

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ISSS website upgrade: Impacts anticipated

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ISSS fall advising hours begin August 12

General Advising Hours

In-Person Advising at ISSS (C4C, S355)

Scheduled Remote Advising Appointments

Third-Party Sponsored Student Advising Hours

In-Person Advising at ISSS (C4C, S355)

Scheduled Remote Advising Appointments

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Scam alert: Employer job scam

How To Avoid a Job Scam

What To Do if You Paid a Scammer

Additional Resources

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Nonresident international employees and students have access to free tax preparation software

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Free undergraduate academic culture and English language tutoring

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Supporting CU ��«��Ƶ's international community through times of change