ISO Student News: 05/03/2021
Table of Contents
- Targeted ISO Service Hours for May, June & July (more)
- Updates & Recent Developments in US Immigration Policies (more)
- Completing Your Degree Requirements Soon? (more)
- Tax Webinar Added for Wednesday, May 5th (more)
- Recent Message to Students from India (more)
- University Will Require COVID-19 Vaccination for Students in the Upcoming Academic Year (more)
- UHS Programming(more)
Targeted ISO Service Hours for May, June & July
In light of critical processing requirements and increased caseloads during the pandemic, ISO Student Services will adjust our office hours for May, June and July. On Wednesdays, the office will focus on internal operations for staff to invest targeted time on casework, document issuance, and related coordination with students and departments. While we are closed for phone calls, appointments, drop-ins, and routine inquiries, we will remain responsive to emergencies. Our current schedule will remain in place for Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with staff available from 8:30 am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 4:30pm. Individual advising appointments are available year-round and our schedule for Virtual Drop-In Hours is unchanged through the summer, with advisors available for brief consultations on Monday/Thursday afternoons (1pm to 4pm) and Tuesday/Friday mornings (9am to 12pm) via Zoom. We appreciate your understanding while we manage a demanding immigration climate and strive to improve efficiencies in our services and support for UR’s international student populations.
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Updates & Recent Developments in US Immigration Policies
The ISO continues to monitor various policy announcements and trends that are likely to impact members of our international student community. There have been several developments in the last couple weeks, which are worth highlighting. Our staff is working to review these changes in detail and develop new resource materials where appropriate. Some populations may receive direct communications separately. In the meantime, please contact us with specific questions or to schedule an advising appointment.
- ICE Guidance during COVID-19 retained for 2021-2022:
On April 26, 2021, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced their extension of the March 2020 guidance in place to address the challenges of the COVID-19 global health crisis (see ISO’s summary). The temporary guidance will remain in effect through the 2021-2022 school year, which allows greater flexibility for schools to manage their enrollment options and to relax F-1distance education limits, as needed. As such, ISO will be able to retain SEVIS records for students in accordance with ICE enrollment requirements. For instance, this includes the ability to issue electronic Forms I-20 with a digital signature from ISO, and to preserve the Immigration Transfer record for students who travelled home last spring/summer and have not been able to return yet. However, please note that University policy and academic options will take precedence and your enrollment requirements may look different next year in some UR schools, aside from the continuation of current ICE guidance. - Presidential Proclamation Suspending Entry from India (5/4)
At midnight on Tuesday, May 4th, a new Presidential Proclamation takes effect to suspend entry of nonimmigrants arriving from India, due to the growing prevalence of COVID-19 cases there. However, the National Interest Exception described below will still apply to international students from India with a valid F-1 or J-1 visa sticker. - Suspension of Entry to the US & National Interest Exceptions
On April 26, US Department of State announced that F-1 and J-1 students will qualify for an exception to the current Presidential Proclamations that suspend entry to the US by nonimmigrants who arrive from certain geographic regions: China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Schengen area of Europe, and India. The designated National Interest Exceptions (NIE) include students and certain academics under an exchange visitor program, provided they are arriving for a program of study that begins or resumes on August 1, 2021 or later. F-1 and J-1 students will be eligible for the NIE automatically with a valid visa, and do not need to contact their US embassy or consulate for consideration. As a result, international students currently in one of the geographic areas listed above are eligible to depart and enter the US within 14 days to enroll this August. Travel for students with a new SEVIS immigration record will still be limited to no more than 30 days before the program start date. - Online Filing of Form I-765 for F-1 OPT Applicants
On April 12, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that F-1 students applying for OPT or STEM Extension OPT can file their application online. Applicants must create a USCIS online account, which will allow them to prepare their application, upload supporting documentation, pay their fees, track the status of their case, and download notifications electronically. ISO understands that many students will be interested in this option and is working to update reference materials in light of the online processing option. The paper Form I-765 application form remains a viable option. - Special Student Relief for F-1 Students from Syria & Venezuela
On April 22, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the designation of F-1 Special Student Relief (SSR) to address severe economic hardship resulting from the current humanitarian crisis in Venezuela or the civil unrest since March 2011 in Syria. The F-1 program includes regulatory provisions for SSR when certain students may need relief from emergent circumstances abroad. In each of these announcements, ICE has designated options for eligible F-1 students from Venezuela and Syria to apply for work permission, exceed the standard limit on work hours, and reduce their course load (with academic approval). Specific criteria must be met and Form I-765 application procedures must be followed. ISO understands that eligible students may be keenly interested in these permissions and will need additional information to evaluate their options and build an academic plan. We are working on a targeted communication plan, but invite impacted students to contact us with questions in the meantime. - Phased Resumption of Routine Visa Services Continues
The Department of State continues to monitor local conditions at US Embassy and Consular posts worldwide to determine operations for visa services. If you need to apply for a US visa abroad, please check for local Nonimmigrant Visa Wait Times Changes to available services and/or appointment slots may be swift and without much formal announcement, since conditions vary widely across different areas. As demand for visas increases over the summer and pandemic conditions continue to evolve, local information from official sources should remain the most reliable guide.
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Completing Your Degree Requirements Soon?
If your answer is “yes,” or even “maybe,” now is the time to think about your post-completion plans! Every student has a different set of circumstances to consider when making immigration decisions, so you cannot assume that what works for your friends will also be the best option for you. Please note that many immigration processes require students to take action before the end of their program.
If you intend to work in the United States after graduation, you will likely need to apply for F-1 Optional Practical Training or J-1 Academic Training. If you are interested in applying for either of these work authorizations, please plan to make an appointment with an ISO advisor and/or look at available information on the ISO’s website as early as possible in your final term. You can also visit ISO's Event Archive page to access the recordings from our Spring 2021 F-1 Employment Authorization Workshop series.
If you will be starting a new degree program at another school in the United States after graduation, you may be eligible to transfer your SEVIS immigration record to the new institution, depending on when your new program starts. If you will be attending a new degree program at the University of Rochester, you will need to complete some processing to change your education level.
If you will be leaving the United States within your grace period after your completion date, please complete the ISO’s Student Departure Form once you have booked your travel out of the US. Please note that you cannot re-enter the US in F-1 or J-1 status once you have left during your grace period.
Finally, if your I-20 or DS-2019 currently lists an incorrect program end date — if you will be finishing earlier than the date on the document or vice versa — you can correct this end date by completing the ISO’S Program Extension/Shorten Form.
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Tax Webinar Added for Wednesday May 5th
ISO will be hosting an additional tax webinar this semester on Wednesday, May 5th, 2021 from 6:00 – 7:30pm Eastern. Just like the earlier webinars, this one will be hosted by a licensed tax preparer who has expertise in nonresident and resident tax filing. All webinars can be accessed at this Zoom Link. A recording of an earlier webinar can also be viewed on ISO’s Event Archives page.
You can refer to ISO’s website for additional information regarding filing your income tax forms for 2020, the GLACIER software system (to help determine your tax filing category), and information on further tax resources and support.
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Recent Message to Students from India
In a recent message from Vice Provost for Global Engagement, Dr. Jane Gatewood, and Assistant Vice Provost & Director of ISO, Ravi Shankar, multiple University resources are identified to support students from India during the current realities of the pandemic.
As COVID 19 surges in India, we wanted to offer our support and consolation to you. These past few weeks have been particularly difficult as the pandemic exacts a stark toll on you, your families, and your friends back home. It is indeed a very challenging time as you deal with the pressures of academic life and grave concerns for everyone at home.
Please know that there are many resources to help you through this difficult time. We are strongest when we support one another, and none of us are alone at the University of Rochester. The following resources are available to all students across the University.
- Basic Needs Hub
The Hub provides temporary financial assistance for unanticipated critical needs, such as housing, food, clothing, medical expenses, computers, or textbooks. - Bias-Related Incident Reporting
Please report an incident if you or someone you know was discriminated against based on age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Someone will follow up and help coordinate a response. Even if an incident broke COVID-19 protocols, please report it. You will NOT be held responsible for a violation. - CARE Network | (585) 275-9490
Is someone you know saying they’re okay, but doesn’t seem okay? Contact CARE or submit an online referral and a team member will reach out to them. - Interfaith Chapel | (585) 275-4321
Virtual and in-person worship services are available to those who want to connect with a faith community. Chaplains are also available to provide spiritual support. - Mindful University Project
Learn how to manage stress, calm the mind, and reduce anxiety through meditation, yoga, silent retreats, and other group programs with certified instructors. Visit the website for a complete schedule. - University Counseling Center (UCC) | (585) 275-5113
If you are a University of Rochester student, or you are concerned about a University of Rochester student who is experiencing a mental health emergency: Please call the UCC. - UCC Drop-In Sessions
This series of themed, group conversation sessions are available for those who prefer to discuss problems with fellow students. Sessions cover a wide range of subjects. No appointment needed. - UR Connected Coaches
A team of student coaches can help connect you with the right campus and community resources. And there are peer coaches if you just need someone to listen, without judgment. A schedule of drop-in hours is available online.
If you have concerns and challenges not addressed in the resources, please do not hesitate to contact Ravi Shankar, Assistant Vice Provost and Director of the International Services Office at ravi.shankar@rochester.edu. We hope things begin to improve soon in India and that your families and friends are safe. Please do take care of yourself and remember there are a number of resources to assist you in these challenging times.
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University Will Require COVID-19 Vaccination for Students in the Upcoming Academic Year
The University will require all undergraduate and graduate students who plan to enroll and be on campus for the 2021–22 academic year to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The decision was made in consultation with CURT, University health professionals, student leaders, and University leadership, and was determined to be the most effective approach to limiting or eliminating the spread of COVID-19 at the University, and the safest and most manageable way to increase in-person operations, instruction, activities, and student living on the University’s campuses. Read the full announcement, which includes details on the vaccination requirement. Additional details, including how students will show proof of their vaccination, will be forthcoming.
University leaders are now carefully looking at the best ways to achieve the greatest vaccination rates among faculty and staff who teach and work on the University’s campuses. An announcement on this guidance for faculty and staff will be made in the coming weeks.
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UHS Programming
The University Health Service is continuing to provide health and wellness programming to both students and staff. Please see below for more information!
Smashing Away Stress
Feeling stressed? Lack of spring break got you exhausted? Midterms and projects leading to sleepless nights? Come release some of the stress at our first ever, Smashing Stress! When you register for this (FREE!) event, you will be provided with a white ceramic tile. You will be asked to write or depict things that are stressing you out or causing you mental distress, on the tile. The next step is to SMASH it! Feel free to use one of our sledgehammers to do the job! Register here.
Healthy Living for your Brain and Body
Finals week is exhausting. Take some time to care for your body and mind. This program for all undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology will feed your mind with information about how to promote good mental and physical well-being, as well as boost your academic performance; offer guided meditation to improve mindfulness and reduce stress; and a Tai Chi session to center your brain and body. Register here.
Finding UR Motivation
How do you find your motivation after the COVID-19 pandemic? How do you get back on track after a difficult year? This program will provide an opportunity to learn skills that you can use long-term to put you back on track and rekindle your motivation. Open to all undergraduate and graduate students. Join the zoom here.
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Prepared by: ISO Student Services