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Monthly Updates

For recent immigration updates please visit our Immigration Alerts Webpage.

Visit the Maintaining Status Webpage for information on how to maintain your legal F-1 or J-1 status. Anyone found to be in violation of above-mentioned, will have their legal F-1 or J-1 status terminated.

Monthly Updates / Upcoming Deadlines

Deadlines

TimelineReminderDetails
OPT Filing TimelineOptional Practical Training Applications Accepted NowStudents can apply for Post-OPT up to 90 days prior to the program completion date and no later than 60 days after the completion date.
Completion date does not necessarily mean degree conferral.
Please visit our Completion Date webpage to find out more about how USCIS defines completion date.
You can also read further on our OPT Guide. The OPT Guide and application can be found on the "Forms & Guides" page on our website.
The ISSO requires 5-7 business days for processing OPT applications.
If applying for Post-OPT, please check the International Student section of the Career & Co-Op Center's website.
3 Weeks PRIOR to Program End Date
on Current Form I-20 or Form DS-2019		Deadline to Extend your Visa Document (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019)If your visa document (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019) is expiring, and you have not yet completed your degree requirements,
you will need to apply for a program extension at least three weeks prior to the program end date on your current Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.
If you think that you may need to extend your program of study, review the Visa Document Extension page to ensure you are eligible,
and come in during ISSO advising hours to discuss your case.
August 29, 2019Fall 2019 Semester Immigration Clearance SessionSaab ETIC Perry Atrium,
10 a.m. - Noon

Events

DateEventLocation & Information
Summer 2019Office of Multicultural Affairs EventsOMA Events Schedule

Notices

TimelineReminderAdditional Details
Summer 2019The ISSO will be open regular business hours this summerFor more information, visit our Contacts & Hours page
August 2, 2019Your UMass Lowell acceptance letter must be dated no later than August 2nd to be considered for a Fall 2019 form I-20 or DS-2019Visit the New International Students section of our website for more information
As of April 22, 2019ISSO Has a New CPT Application Process!The new application is completely paperless for international students and their CPT advisors. Because we have moved to this electronic application system, there are now three different e-form applications depending on the type of CPT you are requesting. Students should be sure to fill out the CORRECT CPT Application. Accidentally completing the wrong application, will result in denial. This may cause a delay in start dates, so please be careful when selecting the right e-form request for you.

Important Reminders

TimelineReminderDetails
Reminder as of June 2019Important OPT UpdatesPre & Post OPT Petitions are taking 90+ days to process, please plan accordingly.
Check out the Forms & Guides section of our website for more information.
All STEM employment changes must be reported through the ISSO e-forms.
All Post-OPT employment must be reported through the SEVP Portal.
Reminder as of June 2019Driving in Massachusetts on a Foreign Driver's LicenseForeign licensed drivers from any country, that meet certain requirements, may operate a motor vehicle in Massachusetts.
Reminder as of June 2019Possession of Marijuana is a Federal OffenseImmigration law treats all marijuana or other illegal substance activity as a crime. Possession, use, and/or admission of marijuana use (legal or illegal) or any other illegal substance by persons who are not U.S. Citizens can result in harsh immigration consequences. Illegal substances, including marijuana, are also prohibited on the UMass Lowell campus. Customs routinely checks for marijuana and other illegal substances at the Port of Entry or during any air travel within the U.S.
Reminder as of June 2019U.S. Customs and Border Protection also checks electronic devicesPlease check the ISSO Travel Page for more detailed travel information.

Beware of Phone and Email Scams

Avoid Shipping Errors or Processing Delays

  • Do not reach out to USCIS to inquire on the status of your application prior to the listed processing time.
    • This may further delay the processing of your card.
  • Ensure that your name is clearly marked on the mailbox that you requested your EAC be sent to on your I-765.
    • A delivery from USCIS is government mail and will NOT be delivered if your name is not clearly marked.

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