A note from the IPSO director
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Dear International Community Members,
I hope this message finds you well. 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 which 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, will simply disappear. Please know that we are on the job, staying abreast of current changes that 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.
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INSURANCE
J program insurance requirement
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J Exchange Visitor program (J EVP) participants must maintain insurance coverage (medical; repatriation of remains; and medical evacuation) that meets or exceeds Augusta University J EVP requirements (22 CFR Part 62.14).
If you allow your insurance to lapse for any reason or you enroll in coverage that does not meet Augusta University J EVP requirements, your J EVP may be terminated for failure to maintain insurance. If your J EVP is terminated, then you and any J-2 dependents attached to your J EVP would be required to exit the U.S. immediately.
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TRAVEL
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 J Exchange Visitor program participation and, if employed, your Augusta University employment.
If you decide to travel, please request travel endorsement in AU International. (Click on J-1 Scholar Services in the menu, then J-1/J-2 Travel Endorsement Request. See below for more information on AU International.)
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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AU INTERNATIONAL
New online portal for completing forms now live
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J-1 Exchange Visitors can now log into our new online portal, AU International, to fill out e-forms.
We are in the process of moving our forms to this new system. These are the forms that are in AU International so far:
- J-1/J-2 Travel Endorsement Request
- Travel Return
- Update Address & Contact Info (EVAs only - see below)
- J-1 Extension for an Exchange Visitor (must be initiated by your department - see below)
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Updating your address and contact info
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Our new system, AU International, has changed the way that you should update us of any change in address and/or contact information.
- J-1s who are AU employees: Update your address and contact info in OneUSG. 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. Please log into OneUSG and verify that your address and contact information are correct.
- J-1s who are Exchange Visitor Affiliates (EVAs): Fill out the Update Address & Contact Info e-form in AU International.
In addition to notifying IPSO using one of the above methods, all J-1s are still required to update USCIS of any change of address within 10 days of the change by filling out the Form AR-11.
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Requesting a J program extension
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In order to request an extension of your J program, your department manager must initiate the request in our new online portal, AU International.
Starting 90 days in advance of the end date on your current DS-2019, you will receive the following reminder email. Your department manager will be copied on the email. The email will also be sent at 60 days and 30 days before the J program end date.
Your J Program Is Approaching Expiration
Dear **J-1 Name**,
Your J Exchange Visitor program is ending on **DS-2019 End Date**. It is up to your AU host department to decide whether they want to extend your J program.
If the department chooses to extend your program, the department manager (copied on this email) will initiate the extension in our online portal, AU International.
Once the department completes the necessary e-forms, you will receive an email from ipso@augusta.edu notifying you that you should log into AU International with your AU network ID and password to complete your extension request e-forms.
Thanks,
IPSO Staff
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TAXES
Deadline for filing taxes extended due to COVID-19
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The deadline for filing your taxes has been extended to May 17 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a J-1, you are required to complete a tax form — even if you don't earn income in the U.S. Each of your J-2 dependents also needs to complete this form.
For details, email Rebecca Wagner, Augusta University Tax Specialist.
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SSN
Social Security office taking in-person visits by appointment only
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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals can only enter Social Security Administration (SSA) offices if they have an appointment.
To determine if you qualify for an in-person appointment, call the local Augusta area office.
Address: 115 Robert C Daniel Jr. PKWY
Augusta, GA 30909
Office: 1-877-616-2523
TTY: 1-706-731-0292
Fax: 1-833-950-2570
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