A message from the IPSO director
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Dear International Students,
I hope this message finds you well in this new year. As you are no doubt aware, the last 12 months have been a particularly frightening time throughout the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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We in IPSO hope for a better 2021 and desire that all nations of the world work together to fight this common enemy.
Many of you are also aware that in the last 12 months we have seen a number of threatening changes to U.S. immigration policies and regulations. We have endeavored to keep you informed of the changes on the horizon as they are announced. At times, this has perhaps seemed overwhelming to you.
Well, now I am pleased to share some good news. Many of the draconian regulatory changes that were threatened during the last 12 months have either been suspended while under review or overturned in recent weeks under new leadership in the U.S. federal government. I am optimistic that most of these changes, including the threatened changes to J and F program duration of status and the F-1 Optional Practical Training program will simply disappear.
Please know that we are on the job, staying abreast of current changes which could affect AU international community members. If, at any time, you have questions about pending immigration regulations, please feel free to contact me at dinewman@augusta.edu.
Sincerely,
LD Newman
Assistant VP of International Initiatives
Director, International and Postdoctoral Services Office
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Graduating? Here's when you should apply for OPT
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Post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows you to work in the U.S. for at least one year after graduating.
If you're planning to apply, you'll want to keep the following in mind. The earliest that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will accept your application is 90 days before your graduation date. The latest that they will accept your application is 60 days after your graduation date. You are not required to have a job to apply for OPT.
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For undergraduate students graduating in May
Earliest date: February 12, 2021
Latest date: July 12, 2021
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For undergraduate students graduating in August
Earliest date: May 6, 2021
Latest date: October 1, 2021
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You are encouraged to apply for OPT before graduation. If you do not apply before graduation, you are encouraged to apply:
- within the 45-day period after graduation so that your application will reach USCIS on or before the 60th day after graduation.
AND
- prior to exiting the U.S. If you exit the U.S. during the grace period after you graduate or complete your program requirements, USCIS may determine that your F-1 status has ended and you are ineligible for OPT.
For more information, see the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's OPT webpage.
When you are ready, you can start the OPT Application in AU International. (Click on F-1 Practical Training in the menu, then click on OPT Application.)
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New online portal for completing forms now live
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International students can now log into our new online portal, AU International, to fill out e-forms.
If you are currently enrolled in courses at AU or recently graduated, you can log in with your AU network ID and password. If you graduated and currently have approved Optional Practical Training (OPT), you will log in under "Don't Have a Network ID?" using the "New Student/Scholar Login" link.
We are in the process of moving our forms to this new system. These are the forms that are in AU International so far:
- F-1/F-2 Travel Endorsement Request
- OPT Application
- STEM OPT Application
Please also note that you must now update your address, phone number and email addresses in Pounce. This information will be automatically pulled into AU International, and we will be alerted of any changes. Ms. Tarver will then update your address and/or contact information in SEVIS. We ask that all international students please log into Pounce and verify that your address and contact information is correct.
(You are still required to notify USCIS of your address change within 10 days after you move by filling out the Form AR-11 online.)
We will keep you updated as we continue to transfer our forms into AU International.
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Travel advice during global pandemic
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Given the current global pandemic and the corresponding border closures and drastic reduction in consular services, IPSO’s standing recommendation to all of our clients is to refrain from any international travel except for the most extreme emergencies.
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If you choose to travel and are unable to return to the U.S. in the time that you projected, you will put at risk continuation of your academic program enrollment and, if employed, your Augusta University employment.
If you decide to travel, please check your I-20 for a valid travel endorsement before leaving. The travel endorsement must be less than a year old at the time you re-enter the U.S. Travel endorsement can now be requested in AU International. (Click on F-1 Student Services in the menu, then F-1/F-2 Travel Endorsement Request.)
Be sure you check any limitations on entry to the country to which you plan to travel. You may be required to quarantine upon arrival at your destination and upon your return to the Augusta area.
Also, check the CDC website for travel recommendations and tips to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To check consular visa appointment availability, see the U.S. Department of State website.
If you have any questions, please email ipso@augusta.edu or call our office at 706-721-0670.
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Are you enrolled in a full course of study?
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As an F-1 student, you are typically only allowed to count one online course toward the F-1 full course of study requirement. However, due to COVID-19, you can take a fully online course load for Spring 2021 — either in the U.S. or from abroad.
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However, F-1 students still must be enrolled in a full course load, no matter where you're taking your classes.
Full course of study requirements
- Graduate students: at least 9 credit hours
- Undergraduate students: at least 12 credit hours
If you do not have enough credit hours to meet the full course of study requirement for your F-1 program, please contact Beverly Tarver at btarver@augusta.edu or 706-721-0670 as soon as possible.
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Extend your I-20 if necessary
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Please pay attention to the "program end date" on your I-20. (Click the image above to see a larger sample I-20.) If you plan to graduate later than the end date on your I-20, please request an extension appointment.
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Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months at all times.
Please check the expiration date on your passport. If you are close to having only 9 months left on your passport, you should apply for a new one through your embassy or consulate.
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Resources for International Students
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COVID-19 resources available for students
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New mental health resources available for students
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New mental health resources, including a 24/7 support line, are available for students through the Jags Live Well initiative.
Given the emotional and mental impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative is working to emphasize mental health resources as part of the University System of Georgia’s Mental Health Initiative.
“All dimensions of wellness are important, and our emotional wellbeing was especially challenged in 2020,” said Dr. Scott Wallace, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students at Augusta University. “That’s why we’re so excited to expand the Jags Live Well initiative, and use it as a platform to promote mental health — and the USG’s important initiative — during this time.”
Read the full story on Jagwire or visit the Jags Live Well webpage.
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Other on-campus resources for students
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Augusta University also has a variety of other student support and advocacy services on campus, including the Academic Success Center, Testing & Disabilities Services and Student Health Services. View this brochure to learn more about these and other services. Many of these services are being offered virtually due to the pandemic.
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