Travel Extra
Spring 2007

The semester is almost over; many of you have travel plans.  Some of you may tour parts of the United States, some of you will visit your home country, and some of you will visit other countries.  If you are graduating, you may be going home permanently. Regardless of your destination, we think you'll find the information contained in this "Travel Extra" helpful.

Whether or not to travel at this time is a personal decision.  I don’t have any easy answers. 

If you need a new visa stamp my advice is not to travel,   You need to consider how long it will take and will you have enough time to return to start classes.  If a Security Clearance Check is done on your application the process could take 2-4 weeks or longer.

Before leaving the United States, it is advisable to check the U.S. Consulate or Embassy, or its web site link: http://travel.state.gov/travel/abroad_embassies.html where you will apply for the visa, to determine the policies and procedures from a particular post.  This is the same link that will explain procedures for scheduling a visa interview.

You should start the visa process at the earliest possible time upon your arrival back in your home country.  For information on waiting times for student visa appointment abroad go to:  http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_wait.php

Special Registration Applicants

If you were required to go through the NSEERS special registration process either at a U.S. port of entry or as part of a “Call-in” registration at a district USCIS office, because you are male and/or from one of the 25 designated countries, or a citizen of either gender from Cuba, Liberia, North Korea, Iran, Sudan, or Syria, there is a special exit procedure that you must follow before you can depart the United States.  Failure to do so can result in your being permanently barred from entering the United States.  Although certain aspects of special registration have been suspended, the exit procedure remains in effect.  Generally, this exit procedure will take place at the airport where your overseas flight will depart.  The exit procedure can add several hours to your departure schedule, so be certain to allow plenty of extra time so that you do not miss your flight!  Your should have been given information regarding the exit procedure when you went through your special registration inspection.  For a list of designated exit ports and specific information on their locations and hours of operation, go to:

 http://www.ice.gov/doclib/pi/specialregistration/WalkawayMaterial.pdf

Males between the ages of 16 and 45 from Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, Eritrea, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen, who will need to renew their U.S. visas while abroad, will be required to undergo a security check that will lengthen the processing time for their visa applications by as long as 30 to 90 days.

 If you do not need a visa stamp then you should not have any trouble, but be prepared for long lines in the airports.  Airport officials will have to put information into the computer for the SEVIS program. This takes extra time, so be patient.  I would recommend that you don’t wait until the day before classes to arrive in the U.S.  Weather can cause delays and missed flights.

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The following is a brief summary of the documents you should have with you whenever you travel, whether it is within the U.S. or abroad.  More information on each of these documents is provided later in this article, in the section titled "Before Leaving the United States."

 * Passport: Check the expiration date of your passport.  In order to travel, your passport MUST be valid at least six months into the future, according to U.S. immigration law.  Passports may be renewed at your country's embassy or consulate in the U.S. You can obtain up-to-date information on passport renewal by going to http://www.embassy.org

 *U.S. Visa Stamp: Check your U.S. visa stamp inside your passport. Has your visa stamp expired? If it is still valid, is it for multiple entry, or has the entry been used up? Finally, is the category for which the visa was issued the status you currently hold (for example, if your visa is F-2, are you currently in F-2 status or did that status change after you entered the United States)? If you are in F-1 or J-1 status and traveling to Canada, Mexico, or islands adjacent to North America, you do not need a valid U.S. visa as long as you have been maintaining your status, have a valid passport and I-20 or DS-2019 and are entering those countries for tourist purposes and your stay will be thirty days or less (you DO need a valid U.S. visa if you are a citizen of Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, North Korea, or Cuba). However, travel to all other countries will require that you have a valid U.S. visa before you may re-enter the United States. This is especially true if you changed your non-immigrant status while in the United States (for example, changed from F-2 to F-1). This will mean applying for a new visa at the U.S. consulate in the country you will visit.

 *Required Signatures on your SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019

Make sure you are using your SEVIS I-20/DS-2019.  Page 3 of your I-20 form (if you are in F-1 status) or DS-2019 form (if you are in J-1 status) must be signed prior to your departure, especially if it has not been signed in the last 12 months.  If you need your documents to be signed you need to fill out the green “Signature Request” form found in the ISSS reception area.  If you will need to apply for a new visa, check the front of your I-20 and DS-2019 carefully to be sure the field of study, level of study, and source of funds are still correct.  If you will need a new I-20 or DS-2019, you will be required to provide updated proof of financial support.  Your SEVIS IS number is located in the top right hand of your I-20/DS-2019 this number will not change.  Allow at least five working days for the International Services for Students and Scholars (ISSS) Office to prepare new visa documents for you.

 Be sure to keep all your previous I-20’s or DS-2019’s.  This is your way of showing your history in the United States.

 * I-94 card: You will need to surrender your I-94 card upon your departure from the U.S.  You will be issued a new I-94 card upon your re-entry in the U.S. with a new admission number.   The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will now issue a new admission number each time you enter the U.S.  But remember, your SEVIS ID number will remain the same.

SPECIAL NOTE: F-1 and J-1 students with expired U.S. visas, who are traveling to Canada, Mexico or adjacent islands for up to 30 days AND who will be resuming their studies upon their return should NEVER surrender their I-94 card.  Canadian or Mexican nationals returning to their home country should surrender their I-94 card as they enter their country, and obtain a new I-94 card the next time they enter the United States.

 * Rensselaer ID card: Carry your current RPI ID Card with you as supporting documentation.

 *Proof of financial support: You need to carry financial documentation when re-entering the U.S.  You *must* have current financial documentation with you if you will be applying for a new visa.  Canadian nationals should be sure to carry with them their financial documentation that verifies the information on their I-20 when getting ready to return to the United States.

 * Rensselaer transcript:  Have an official copy of your RPI transcript with you ONLY if you will be applying for a new student visa abroad.  This shows the Consular officials that you have been making satisfactory progress towards your degree.

 * Foreign Visa: If you are visiting a country other than your own, you may need a visitor's visa to enter.  Contact that country's embassy or consulate in the U.S., or search for their website by visiting http://www.embassy.org.

 * Special Registration Applicants: If you were required to go through the special registration process within the past twelve months because you are male and from one of the 26 designated countries, there is a special exit procedure that you must follow before you can depart the United States. Generally, this exit procedure will take place at the airport where your overseas flight will depart. The exit procedure can add several hours to your departure schedule, so be certain to allow plenty of extra time so that you do not miss your flight! You should have been given information regarding the exit procedure when you went through your special registration inspection. For a list of designated exit ports and specific information on their locations and hours of operation, go to: http://ice.gov/graphics/specialregistration/WalkawayMaterial.pdf

 *F-1 Optional Practical Training: If you have completed your studies and have applied for Optional Practical Training, in order to re-enter the U.S.  you must have

• your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card
• your I-20 endorsed for practical training within the past 6 months
• a valid visa stamp and
• a valid letter of employment in order to re-enter the U.S. 

If you are on Optional Practical Training and will need to obtain a new F-1 visa before returning to the U.S., it is strongly advised that you do not travel. 

The Federal Regulations state that an F-1 on authorized practical training may depart the United States temporarily and re-enter the United States to “resume” employment.  Resume means that you not only have a job offer, but you have started work.  If you have to apply for a new visa stamp you must remember that you will have to prove to the U.S. Consulate officer that you are going to return to your home country and that could be very difficult.  

Remember, if traveling while on OPT your I-20 needs a travel signature within the past 6 months. 

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Many students think that their passport and visa documents are only needed when traveling in the U.S..  WRONG!  If you are planning a trip within the United States by car, bus, train or airplane, to U.S. cities near or far, it is essential that you have your passport and visa documents with you.

 Since September 11, there has been heightened security not only at all border crossings, but also at bus terminals, train terminals, airports, and different highways throughout the United States.  Police from multiple agencies; federal, state and municipal, are patrolling these areas. People may be stopped and questioned randomly. Therefore, students should carry their passport, visa documents (I-94 card and I-20 or DS-2019), and RPI student ID card with them for ALL distance travel, even travel within New York State.

  If you are applying for a change of non-immigrant status, visa petition or Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, be sure to carry your immigration receipt notice as well.  This proves that you have an application pending with the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service.  If you are waiting for a change of non-immigrant status application or your Optional practical training you must limit your travel to within the United States traveling outside the United States before you receive your final documents that tells immigration that you are abandoning your application.  A person without valid travel documents can be arrested, threatened with deportation and taken into immigration custody.

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If you want to travel to Canada or Mexico, first check to see if you need a visa to enter that country.  You can go to the ISSS homepage where you will find an electronic link to Canada’s and Mexico's web site.  You will need to have your passport, visa documents (I-94 card and I-20 or DS-2019) with you when you travel and be sure that your I-20/DS-2019 has been signed within the past year. 

Those subject to SPECIAL REGISTRATION should note that if you were previously required to go through the NSEERS special registration process either at a U.S. port of entry or as part of a “call-in” registration at a district USCIS office, because you are male and/or from one of the 25 designated countries, or a citizen of either gender from Cuba, Liberia, North Korea, Iran, Sudan, or Syria, there is a special exit procedure that you must follow before you can depart the United States and enter Canada or Mexico. Failure to do so can result in your being permanently barred from entering the United States. If you are crossing at a land port by car or bus, be sure to stop on the U.S. side of the border at the Customs and Border Protection to take care of the exit procedure BEFORE crossing into Canada or Mexico. If you are traveling to Canada or Mexico by plane, you will need to go through the exit procedure at the airport in the United States.

In 2002, The U.S. Department of State announced new rules for non-immigrants who use the "automatic revalidation of visa" benefit [22 CFR 41.112(d)] to re-enter the United States after a 30-day or less visit to a "contiguous territory" (Canada, Mexico, and, in the case of F and J non-immigrants, the "adjacent islands other than Cuba") without having to obtain a new visa prior to re-entry.

First, citizens of "state sponsors of terrorism" (as designated in the State Department's annual "Patterns of Global Terrorism" report) are no longer eligible for the automatic revalidation of visa benefit. Section 306 of the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Reform Act of 2002 lists the following countries as state sponsors of terrorism: Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, North Korea, and Cuba.. This means that a person who is a citizen of Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, North Korea, or Cuba in the United States in any non-immigrant classification can only enter Canada and return to the United States IF he or she has an unexpired multiple-entry U.S. visa in the passport for his or her current status.

The second change affects individuals who choose to apply for a new U.S. visa while in Canada or Mexico. Under the new rule, ANY non-immigrant (not just someone from the 6 countries listed above) who chooses to apply for a new visa while in Canada or Mexico will no longer be eligible for the "automatic revalidation" benefit during the course of that trip, but will have to wait until the visa is approved in order to re-enter the United States. If the U.S. visa application is denied, that individual will not be permitted to re-enter the United States, and will instead have to return to his or her home country.

However, non-immigrants traveling to Canada or Mexico for less than thirty days and returning to the United States (other than citizens of Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, North Korea, and Cuba) who do not intend to apply for a new U.S. visa can still make use of the automatic revalidation benefit, and re-enter on their expired U.S. visas, as long as they have a valid, unexpired passport, their I-94 card, and a valid and signed SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019.

U.S.-VISIT (United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology Program) entry procedures are now in effect at all land ports between the United States, Canada and Mexico. This means that when you return to the United States from your trip to Canada or Mexico, expect to have your index print scanned and a digital photograph taken, as well as your passport and visa documents examined, before you will be allowed to proceed beyond the border check point. Only Canadian citizens are exempt from this procedure.

SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT I-94 DEPARTURE CARDS:  F-1 & J-1 students with an expired U.S. visa who are traveling to Canada, Mexico or adjacent islands for up to 30 days, who will not be applying for a new U.S. visa while there, and who will be resuming their studies upon their return should NEVER surrender their I-94 card.  Canadian or Mexican nationals returning to their home country should surrender their I-94 card as they enter their country, and obtain a new I-94 card the next time they enter the United States.

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The Federal Transportation and Security Administration have new screening procedures at domestic airports throughout the United States to improve security and passenger safety at airports and in planes. This can include the opening of locked check-through baggage without prior notice to the passenger.

Should a bag be selected for inspection, an inspector is required to use whatever means necessary to gain access to the bag. This may include breaking locks to access the contents. If a bag is opened, the TSA official will place a note inside the bag to let the owner know.

If you plan to travel by airplane, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the new procedures that may have been implemented since the last time you traveled. Under Travelers & Consumers on the far left side is a section called “Travel Tips” it can be found at http:www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

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Several years ago two international students from Syracuse University were escorted off an airplane at Hancock Airport in Syracuse and were closely questioned by legal authorities. Passengers became concerned and notified security officials when the students began to ask questions about the flight time, the engine, and other matters about the flight.  It turned out that one of the students suffers from motion sickness and was worried about the possible turbulence in this type of aircraft, and how long it would be in the air relative to his medication for air sickness! They were both quite "innocent," and allowed to continue their trip. However, it caused a serious delay in the travel plans of all the passengers, and great anxiety, as you can imagine, for the students and all the passengers. These students were NOT part of any particular ethnic, cultural or religious group which would have 'targeted' them, so one cannot look at this situation as discrimination or "racial profiling." People around them who overheard their questions of the flight attendants were just frightened, and the airplane personnel had to respond.

 This incident is a good example of why it is best to be cautious and discrete in your conversations while traveling.

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Procedures at the U.S. ports of entry now accommodate  SEVIS requirements as well as US-VISIT requirements.  The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security manages immigration and customs at ports of entry.  You will see CBP officers at all U.S. ports of entry. You may also be required to go through a pre-inspection procedure at certain airports abroad.

ISSS encourages students to have their Rensselaer ID card with them as back up identification. However, when you give your documents to the CBP inspector at your U.S. port of entry or pre-boarding checkpoint, you should initially present only your passport, I-94 card (which was distributed on the airplane), and signed SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019.  Your ID card and other materials are meant to be used only for "supporting documentation" purposes, if you are asked additional questions or asked to produce additional documentation.

An CBP official who is presented with more documents than is customarily required might become suspicious, so you are well advised to show only your passport, I-94 and I-20 or DS-2019. Then you have the comfort of knowing that you have additional supporting documentation with you if needed.

Expect close examination of your documents. Answer all questions politely and briefly. Do not offer any information that goes beyond the scope of the question you are asked.

SEVIS
CBP officials are required to record your arrival data into SEVIS at the time you enter, and return your SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 to you, after they have stamped it. However, not all CBP officials will have access to SEVIS at their booths in the "primary lanes." Depending upon the port of entry, some students may be directed to a secondary inspection area or "student lanes" so that their data can be entered into SEVIS. CBP is advising that processing at land, sea, and air ports may take more time, so travelers with connecting flight plans should take this into account.

SPECIAL REGISTRATION
Individuals subject to "special registration" will be directed to a separate area following their initial immigration inspection where they will be fingerprinted, photographed and questioned under oath. This may add significant delays to the amount of time spent at the airport. If traveling on a connecting flight, allow plenty of time.  The list of those subject to "special registration" can be expanded at anytime with the publication of additional countries in the Federal Register.

Additionally, the CBP has the discretion to require any foreign national, regardless of nationality, to undergo special registration if they are considered a national security risk. The discretionary factors relating to national security risk may include dual citizenship with one of the designated countries, a foreign national's unexplained trips to certain designated countries, other instances of unexplained travel, previous visa violations, people who by their "behavior, demeanor, or answers" demonstrate that they should be monitored while in the United States, and characteristics determined by intelligence profiles.

US-VISIT
U.S. Visitor and Immigration Status Indicator Technology, is a new entry/exit record keeping system for all non-immigrants traveling to and from the United States. at airports and some seaports

In addition to the usual inspection procedure conducted by CBP officers when you enter the U.S., each non-immigrant will have their fingerprints taken by placing their index fingers on an inkless fingerprint scanner. A digital photograph will also be taken. There are also US-VISIT Entry systems at land borders (Canada and Mexico).  In New York, this includes the border crossings at Niagara Falls, Buffalo, Champlain, Roosevelttown, Alexandria Bay and Thousand Islands.

US-VISIT EXIT PROCEDURES (PILOT PROGRAM)
If you have entered the United States within the past three years, you are probably familiar with US-VISIT, the system that records your digital photo and scanned index print. There is also an exit procedure that is currently being tested at a number of different U.S. airports. If you are departing from one of the following airports or sea port, you must go through the US-VISIT exit process:

Baltimore/Washington International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Denver International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Long Beach and San Pedro seaports near Los Angeles, Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Miami International Cruise Line Terminal, Newark Liberty International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, San Francisco International Airport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Visitors leaving from these locations must check out prior to exiting the United States.
For more information, visit: http://www.dhs.gov/usvisit
 

DOCUMENT PROBLEMS
In certain cases, if there is some problem with your documents, you may be issued a 30-day entry on your I-94 card and issued a Form I-515, usually with instructions to see your International Student Advisor. Examine your I-94 card carefully as you leave the immigration booth. F-1 students and J-1 students should have their I-94s marked "D/S" which means Duration of Status, along with a stamp indicating the date you entered the United States. If an expiration date is written on the I-94 instead of "D/S," and you are in F or J status, come to the International Services for Students and Scholars Office (ISSS) as soon as possible.

Anyone who is denied admission at a U.S. port of entry should be very cautious about arguing with the immigration official. You may risk being issued "expedited removal," which now entails a five-year bar on admission to the U.S. If you are denied admission, first try to contact the office of International Student and Scholar Services for assistance, but also make it known to the Immigration Official that you are willing to withdraw your application for admission to the country rather than be subject to expedited removal.

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ISSS staff are often asked what the immigration requirements are, if a student will no longer be continuing at Rensselaer, either because the student is returning to his/her home country, or is beginning Optional Practical Training/Academic Training, or because the student is going to begin study at a new school.

 You are required to notify the ISSS Office; to do this fill out the Departure Form in the ISSS Office or on the ISSS homepage at http://www.rpi.edu/dept/doso/ISSS/public_html/index.html

 Be sure to leave a forwarding address with the Alumni Office.

 Regardless of your plans, retain your old I-20s or DS-2019s!  These forms represent your immigration history in the U.S. and should be kept in a safe place as you would any important document.

 If you were employed during the current year, be sure to notify your supervisor of your forwarding address.  This will allow tax documents, including W-2 forms, to be sent to you when they become available next January.

SCHOOL TRANSFER FOR STUDENTS:

As an F1/J1 student, if you want to begin studying at a different school (except for summer-only programs), you must transfer your immigration status to the new school. This is true even if you first graduate from Rensselaer and then go on to another degree program at another school. F-1/J-1 students who wish to transfer from one school to another must discuss the transfer plans with the Assistant Dean or Assistant Director in the ISSS Office.

Procedure to transfer OUT of Rensselaer to another school:

·      To transfer OUT of Rensselaer to another school, after you get admitted to the new school, make an appointment to meet the Assistant Dean or Assistant Director in the ISSS. Bring your letter of admission to the new school with you as well as any transfer form the new school may want the ISSS Office to complete. Contact the new school to find out if they have a transfer form that they want the ISSS to complete (each school has their own form for transfer).

·      When you meet with the ISSS staff you will decide on a "release date" which the ISSS Office will enter into the SEVIS database. After the release date, the new school will be able to produce an I-20 for you. Be sure to discuss any interim travel or work plans you have with the ISSS staff because this will affect your transfer procedure.

DEADLINE 60 DAYS AFTER GRADUATION: If you are graduating from Rensselaer, and you plan to go on to another program at another school, you must discuss your transfer with the ISSS staff NO MORE THAN SIXTY (60) DAYS AFTER YOU GRADUATE. Even though your release date can be later than that 60 days, the release date must be entered into the SEVIS database before the end of the 60 day grace period following your graduation from Rensselaer.

Students who will be ending their studies in December and have no plans to apply for optional practical training (F-1), academic training (J-1) or continue at a new school or in a new field or level of study, or seek a change of non-immigrant status must depart the United States within sixty days of completion of their study if they are in F-1 status, or within thirty days of completion of their study if they are in J-1 status. Also be sure to fill out the Departure Form.

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Remember when you applied for your U.S. visa the first time?  Applying for a new visa to replace the one which has expired in your passport requires you to present similar documentation.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Many of the U.S. consular posts overseas have their own web sites. The initiative is part of an effort to disseminate information on visa application procedures specific to the individual posts. Information on consular post policies, procedures and documentary requirements can be obtained via these web sites which may be accessed from the State Department's main web page at: http://travel.state.gov/.  The consulate web sites may prove to be a valuable resource for international students and scholars.

 The State Department has prepared two handouts on student visas on its web site which may be useful to you.  They may be obtained at

• http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types_1268.html
• http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html

Appointments are now required for virtually all non-immigrant visa applications, even at U.S. Embassies and Consulates located in countries that did not previously now require appointments.  This has resulted in significant delays at some U.S. visa issuing posts abroad.

SECURITY CONCERNS AND SPECIAL REGISTRATION
Individuals from Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan and Syria males and females will not be eligible to obtain a new non-immigrant visa unless it can be determined that the individual does not pose a security threat.  Such individuals will undergo a security check that will lengthen the processing time for their visa applications.

Males between the ages of 16 and 45 from Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen who will need to renew their U.S. visas while abroad will be required to undergo security checks that may lengthen the processing time for their visa applications.

These same individuals will be subject to "special registration" upon their return to the United States. "Special registration" is part of the legislation passed by the U.S. Congress since the attacks of September 11, 2001. The U.S. government has developed a National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) to help monitor the arrivals and departures of foreign nationals.

Individuals subject to "special registration" are fingerprinted, photographed and questioned under oath upon entry into the United States.  This list can be expanded at anytime with the publication of additional countries in the Federal Register.

TECHNOLOGY ALERT LIST AND SENSITIVE AREAS OF STUDY
Students who are considered to be majoring in "sensitive areas of study" as determined by the U.S. government may also be required to undergo security clearances before a visa can be issued.  There is a document called the "Technology Alert List" (TAL) that visa officers consult for this purpose.  China, India, Israel, Pakistan and Russia have received special mention by the U.S. State Department in the context of this list because these countries are considered to possess nuclear capability that is of concern to U.S. national security.

But even if you are not a citizen of one of the countries listed above, your field of study (especially if it is in the sciences, technology or engineering) might require your visa application to undergo a security clearance REGARDLESS of the country you are from. Such clearances can add weeks to the amount of time needed for visa approval. There are fifteen broad subject areas listed on the Technology Alert List, with detailed specializations within each broad area. To view the Technology Alert list, go to: http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/reciprocity/sad/special%20clearance%20 cable/special%20clearance%20cable.htm

If you find that your visa application is delayed due to a need for the consulate or embassy to send your file for review based on your field of study, please notify the ISSS and your department by e-mail, fax or telephone explaining the situation.

SEVIS REQUIREMENTS
Visa officials are required to verify your record in the SEVIS system before a visa can be approved. This is also true for any dependents. There have been data transfer problems of some SEVIS records between the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State that have resulted in lost information. If the visa official is unable to access your record in SEVIS and you have a SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019, please contact the ISSS by e-mail, phone or fax to alert us of the problem.

VISA APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
To apply for a new visa, you will need to complete application form DS-156 "Non-Immigrant Visa Application" and DS-158 "Contact Information and Work History for Non-Immigrant Visa Applicant." If you are male, you may be required to complete the DS-157, the "Supplemental Non-Immigrant Visa Application." Note that consular officers reserve the right to require a DS-157 from any applicant for any visa classification. You may download these forms, but they are also available as paper copies at any U.S. visa issuing post abroad.

You will need a photograph for photo requirements go to: //travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1287.html.  You will need to have sufficient currency to pay the required visa fees, or a receipt showing that you have paid the visa fees. You will need your SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 form.

You will also need to show proof of financial support, school transcript, binding ties to your home country which you have no intentions of abandoning, and that you plan to return to your home country upon the conclusion of your studies. Some U.S. consulates will ask you how you plan to use your U.S. education in your home country. Many consulates will ask you to present copies of your academic transcripts to prove that you have been maintaining student status in the United States and that you have been making satisfactory progress in your program. Plan to have copies with you, but do not present them to a consular officer unless specifically asked to do so.

WHERE AND WHEN TO APPLY

If you are visiting your home country, you should apply at the U.S. consulate which has jurisdiction over your place of residence.  If you will be traveling to a third country, you can try to apply for your visa at the U.S. consulate there, but a consulate not in your home country does not have to accept your application, they can tell you to go home and get it done.

 There have been significant staff reductions and increased work loads at many U.S. Consulates abroad.  The holiday periods are also peak travel periods and many staff take vacations.  Check the dates when Consulates/Embassy will be closed due to the holidays.  Some Consulates may also have undertaken heightened security measures due to concern over terrorist threats. 

 It is possible that some U.S. Consulates may choose not to accept visa applications except from residents of that country.  Therefore, you may wish to contact the specific consulate you plan to visit PRIOR to your departure from the U.S, to be sure that they will accept an application from you.

VISA APPLICATIONS IN CANADA OR MEXICO

New U.S. State Department regulations that took effect on April 2002 state that any non-immigrant who chooses to apply for a new visa while in Canada or Mexico (but is not a citizen of either of those two countries) and whose visa application is subsequently denied will not be permitted to re-enter the United States.  So, international students and scholars should consider this matter carefully when applying for a U.S. visa in Canada or Mexico.

In *all* cases, apply for your visa AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE!  Consult the appropriate Consulate by phone, fax or web site to ascertain visa application procedures and requirements and approximate processing time.

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The following information on laptop computer security is also applicable for other items of value such as briefcases and carry-on bags while you are in domestic or international travel status:

Items left unattended for even a very brief period have become a premium target for theft.  Every traveler should remain on constant alert as they traverse through all airports. Here are some common examples of methods used by thieves to separate you from your belongings.

One method involved the use of security x-ray machines.  The first thief precedes the traveler through the security check point and then loiters around the area where the carry-on luggage had already been examined.

When the traveler places his laptop computer or bag onto the conveyer belt of the x-ray machine, the second thief steps in front of the traveler and sets off the metal detector.

While the traveler is being delayed, the first thief removes the traveler's laptop computer or bag from the conveyor belt just after it has gone through the x-ray machine and quickly disappears.

Another method of theft can occur while the traveler is walking through a crowd of people in the airport terminal.  The traveler, who may have a laptop computer or small bag on top of his or her roll bag, is preceded by the first thief.  Just as the traveler gets around the crowd of people, the first thief stops abruptly, causing the traveler to stop abruptly.

When they stop momentarily, a second thief, who had been following just behind them, quickly removes the traveler's laptop computer or small bag from the roll bag and disappears into the crowd.

All travelers, both international and domestic, are urged to be alert to the above methods used in stealing valuable items and always be mindful of any abrupt diversions during your travels.  Report any losses immediately to the authorities.  Keep serial numbers, make, and model information of your laptop computers, or of any items of value, separate from the item so you can give precise information to authorities if the items are stolen.

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International House in New York City has traditional student dormitory-style single rooms, apartment shares, and studio and one bedroom apartments.  Facilities include a dining room, fitness center, music practice rooms, study rooms, and gymnasium.  Accommodations are available for a few days or a few months.  University students, scholars, faculty, international trainees, and interns are eligible to stay there.

For more information, contact:  International House, 500 Riverside Drive, NYC, NY 10027-3916. Tel: (212) 316-8400. E-Mail: admissions@ihouse-nyc.org or WWW: http://www.ihouse-nyc.org

 Another option is International Student Center, a hostel accommodation for international travelers.  Visit their web site at http://www.nystudentcenter.org or email info@nystudentcenter.org, call 212-787-7706.

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Students sometimes ask if it is possible for them to receive a refund of the sales tax they paid for goods and services in the United States upon their departure.  In the U.S., sales tax on goods and services is set by each of the fifty states, and state entities (such as cities and counties), not by the U.S. government. Each state and state entity determines what the sales tax will be (always a percent of the purchase price) and what items will and will not be assessed a sales tax.

Therefore, it is not possible for an overseas visitor to obtain a refund of the sales tax for a purchase made in the U.S. upon their departure. The best "official" explanation comes from the U.S. Customs Service, which is reprinted below. 

"Foreign visitors to the United States frequently confuse the state sales tax with the value-added tax (VAT). The state sales tax is a small tax on purchases or services, calculated at the time of purchase, which individual states assess and which the U.S. federal government neither determines nor receives. The VAT, on the other hand, is a national tax commonly applied in foreign countries that is included in the actual sales price rather than at the time of purchase. The United States does not have a VAT, and the federal government cannot refund state sales taxes.

State taxes are generally not charged to diplomats or employees of some international organizations who have been issued a tax-exemption card. This card must be presented at the time of purchase in order for sales taxes to be waived.

Also, many states do not charge tax on items shipped out of state. Ask about state sales-tax policies in the state where you make your purchases."

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A very inexpensive way to send large quantities of books overseas is to use the U.S. Postal Service's M-bags (large, canvas duffel bags) for "bound, printed matter."  For more information, visit the Postal Service's website at:

 http://usps.com/text/imm/immc2_019.htm#vnameref_1 and scroll down to "M-Bags." The rates are sometimes about half the usual parcel post rate.

Each bag needs to weigh at least 11 pounds and no more than 66 pounds with all boxes addressed to the same recipient.  Books are packaged by the sender in small boxes, with the destination address clearly written inside and outside each package.  Take the boxes to any major post office and ask for an "M-Bag".  Your boxes of books are then placed in the huge canvas sack (a.k.a. the "M-Bag"), the bag is closed and addressed to your destination, and the postage is affixed to the bag tag. The bag can be shipped via air or boat (economy), and the books should go from the point of mailing to the destination post office without even being taken out of the bag.  This tends to increase the likelihood of their safe and intact arrival. Even if one of the packages breaks open in handling, the contents stay in the M-bag.

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ISSS acknowledges the following, whose information has been included in this article:

        Elizabeth Shaw, University of California at Davis

        Cheryl A. Roy, University of Connecticut

        Susan Mack, Brandeis University

        ISSS-Binghamton University Newsletter