INTERNATIONAL STUDENT NEWSLETTER

OIS at Rose Hill has moved! Our previous space off-campus became unsuitable due to health and safety concerns. We are now temporarily located on campus in Collins Hall, B34. We appreciate your patience as the University works to identify an appropriate space from which we can serve Fordham's international population. We encourage you to reach out to us if there are any questions or concerns.

Alexandra DeStefano is the newest International Student Advisor at Fordham’s Office for International Services (OIS), based at the Rose Hill campus. Throughout her career working in international education, she has helped students from around the world embark on their academic journeys in the U.S. Having studied abroad in Italy, Alexandra understands the lasting impact that living and learning in another country can have. She holds a B.A. in Global Studies from the University of New Haven and an MPA from the University of Texas at Arlington. Alexandra is excited to support Fordham's international students as they adjust to life in the U.S and make the most of their time here.

Update Your Address: Ensure your address information is current and correct!

U.S. Phone Numbers Required: As mandated by SEVIS (Federal Law), you must enter your U.S. phone number in my.fordham.edu.

Check Your I-20 Completion Date: Refer to page 1 of your I-20 under "PROGRAM START/END DATE" (or section 3 of your DS-2019) to find your completion date. If you anticipate needing more time beyond this date, contact your academic advisor and alert OIS by submitting a Program Extension Request at least three weeks before your current I-20 expires.

Enroll Full-Time: All students must enroll full-time in classes. This means at least 12 credits per term for undergraduates and at least 9 credits for graduates. (Only students in their last term may enroll less than full-time.)

Deviation from Full Course of Study: If you are NOT in your last term and plan to enroll in fewer than the required credits, you must complete the Deviation from Full Course of Study form, available in the Current Students section of our website.

Check page 1 of your I-20 under "PROGRAM START/END DATE" (or section 3 of your DS-2019) to find your completion date. If you believe you will need more time beyond this date, contact your academic advisor and alert OIS by submitting a Program Extension Request at least three weeks BEFORE your current I-20 expires.

Remember that reality is always more important than what is written on your I-20 or DS-2019! You should NEVER try to re-enter the US with an I-20 or DS-2019 just because the date is still valid. If you have already completed your studies, the I-20 is no longer valid regardless of the date. Please note that the graduation date and the completion date are not necessarily the same. The completion date on your I-20/DS-2019 should reflect the date that you intend to complete all degree requirements, not the date of your graduation ceremony.

By keeping your records as accurate as possible, this ensures our office's ability to not only advise you appropriately, but to also ensure that you are keeping in compliance with federal F-1 regulations.

If you plan to travel outside the U.S., ensure your travel documents are valid and endorsed. This includes:

• A valid passport

• A valid F-1 or J-1 visa

• A valid I-20/DS-2019 with a current travel endorsement signature

Important Notes:

• I-20 travel signatures are good for 1 year for current students. If you are on OPT, your travel signature is valid for 6 months. These durations are calculated based on the date of the most recent travel signature. Always make sure to bring your I-20 with you when traveling abroad!

When you re-enter the US, if you do not have your I-20/DS-2019, or the signature is not valid, you can ask for a Form I-515. Once you are in the US, you must reach out to OIS immediately so we can fix your I-515.

As a reminder, the I-94 is now an electronic record. While the OIS does not require students to submit their I-94 upon returning to the U.S., we recommend retrieving your I-94 from www.cbp.gov/i94 each time you re-enter the country.

For more information or to request a travel signature, please visit our website. During International Education Week, OIS will host "Travel Signature Day," where you can receive your signature on the spot before the Thanksgiving break.

While studying in the U.S., it's important to recognize potential scams. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has reported scams targeting international students, often through phone calls or social media.

Scammers typically impersonate government officials, threatening students' immigration status or university standing to obtain payment or personal information. To protect yourself, familiarize yourself with common scams and report suspicious contacts.

If you receive a call or message from someone claiming to be a government or law enforcement official:

• Guard your personal and financial information.
• Collect contact information from the caller.
• End the conversation if threats persist.
  
  

OIS has also been made aware of scammers using our phone number. If you receive a suspicious call from OIS, hang up immediately and email us to report the incident.

For more information, visit:

Additional information/links:

Avoid Scams Resource Center

Common scams

Reporting Immigration Scams

Fall 2023 Liaison Information Report on Scams Targeting Chinese Students

The Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery) is congressionally-mandated and allows up to 55,000 persons from nations that are historically underrepresented in terms of migration to the United States of America to qualify each year for immigrant visas which are also known as Green Cards.

The program is called the “Green Card Lottery” or "dvlottery" because the winners are determined through a random drawing from among the 10–12 million people who enter each year worldwide.

Please note that OIS/Fordham is not involved in this process at all. Although you do not need an attorney to apply, you are more than welcome to obtain one at that stage if you wish to. We suggest you stay away from "agents" who claim to help expedite the process or your chance of success, as they could not.

If you win the lottery, then we strongly suggest you seek and secure guidance from an immigration attorney.

Applications are now open until November 5, 2024. You can read more about this here.

Global Transition (GT) is an exciting orientation program designed for new international undergraduate students at Fordham. Packed with fun activities and informative sessions, it’s a fantastic opportunity for new students to familiarize themselves with Fordham, New York, and fellow students. Although GT 2024 has just wrapped up, we’re already planning for GT 2025!

This program offers a unique way for current undergraduates—both international and domestic—to connect with incoming international students and build a sense of community.

As GT continues to grow, so does our team! We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to fill various roles, including Global Transition Assistants, Global Transition Logistics Coordinators, and Global Transition Photographers/Videographers. For more information about these positions, visit the GT Team page on our website.

If you’re interested in joining us for GT 2025, keep an eye out for our Global Transition Team applications opening early in the spring term. Previous team members have shared how much fun they have while forming lasting friendships throughout the program. If you want to help international students adjust to life at Fordham, share your experiences, and create meaningful connections, Global Transition is the perfect opportunity!

Check out our video from GT Fall 2023 move-in day and stay tuned for updates at fordham.edu/gt

Join GLOBE, Student Organization at Lincoln Center, for an open forum where international students can voice concerns and share suggestions to improve their community at Fordham. This is great opportunity to connect, discuss, and collaborate on important issues that effect the international student community. Bagels/brunch will be served.

Event Details:

📍 Lincoln Center: 140 West 62nd, Room G76A

📆 Thursday, October 24, 11:30 AM - 12:20 PM

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact GLOBE at globelc@fordham.edu

The Department of Languages and Cultures invites international students who are native speakers of French, Italian, and German, as well as learners of these languages, to a special social event in collaboration with Juilliard on Friday, October 25. This conversation exchange program provides a fantastic opportunity for native speakers to assist fellow students in improving their language skills while learners can practice and make new friends.

Event Details:

📍 Location: Lincoln Center, McMahon 109,

📆 Date and Time: October 25 at 3:30 PM-5:30 PM

Scan or Click the QR Code to RSVP

For more information, email Alessia Valfredini at valfredini@fordham.edu.

Is your OPT ending? Do you want to continue working is the U.S.? Do you have questions about the visa options available to you after your F-1 visa ends?

Attend this virtual workshop led by law firm, Goldstein and Cheung LLP. They will cover topics such as immigrant and non-immigrant visas, H-1B options, permanent residency, and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to get the information you need!

Event Details:

📍 Location: Virtual, Zoom link will be provided

📆 Date and Time: November 13 at 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

For more information, please email us at ois@fordham.edu

Get ready for International Education Week (IEW), a joint initiative by the U.S Department of State and the Department of Education, celebrated by universities across the country. At Fordham, we are excited to showcase a series of events from November 18 to 22 that support and celebrate our global community. These events are designed to provide key resources for international students, including an employment webinar, an on-the-spot I-20 travel signature day, international student alumni panel for successfully navigating the U.S job search, and a Global Thanksgiving Feast.

Below are some of the events designed specifically for international students:

Are you planning to travel outside of the U.S soon? Stop by for an on-the-spot travel signature on your I-20. OIS staff will be available sign your I-20. Coffee and refreshments will be served.

We will have two Travel Signature Days - one at Lincoln Center and one at Rose Hill:

Event Details:

📍 Lincoln Center: 140 West 62nd Street Student Involvement Meeting Room G73

📆 Monday, November 18 at 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

📍 Rose Hill: Exact location TBD
📆 Tuesday, November 19 at 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact OIS at ois@fordham.edu

SPONSORED BY OFFICE FOR INTERNATIONAL SERVICES

OIS will cover important information regarding Work Authorizations for International Students, including CPT, OPT the STEM-OPT Extension. Q&A after the presentation.

📍 Virtual, Zoom link will be provided

📆 Wednesday, November 20 at 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact OIS at ois@fordham.edu

SPONSORED BY OFFICE FOR INTERNATIONAL SERVICES

The event will be geared towards International Students and their job search; we will have 4 to 5 international alumni panelists who have successfully navigated their U.S job search provide guidance and answer student questions about the process.

Event Details:

📍 Lincoln Center, 12th Floor Lounge

📆 Thursday, November 21 at 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

SPONSORED BY CAREER CENTER

In collaboration with the Campus Activities Board and the Commuting Students Association, Student Organization, GLOBE at Lincoln Center, invites undergraduate international students to enjoy a Thanksgiving Feast. With global food options - Mexican, Indian, Mediterranean, French, and more - plus desserts, this event offers comfort and community as we approach the holiday season. It's a chance to come together, share gratitude, and celebrate belonging at Fordham before the break.

Event Details:

📍 Lincoln Center: 140 West 62nd, Room G76

📆 Friday, November 22 at 4:00 PM-6:00 PM

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact GLOBE at globelc@fordham.edu

SPONSORED BY GLOBE, STUDENT ORGANIZATION AT LINCOLN CENTER

Email Address: ois@fordham.edu
OIS Website: fordham.edu/ois

Appointments: https://fordhamois.as.me/schedule/6a3e69d7