Monthly Updates | International Student & Scholars Office | UMass Lowell

Monthly Updates

Deadlines

Timeline	Application	Instructions
OPT Filing Timeline (For Those Completing Their Program This May OR This Summer)	Optional Practical Training Applications Accepted Now	Students can apply for Post-OPT 90 days prior to their completion date and 60 days after their completion date. Read further on our OPT Guide. The OPT Guide and application can be found on the Forms & Guides" tab on our website.
DUE: Three Weeks Prior to the End Date Listed on Visa Document (I-20/DS-2019)	Extension Application	Apply for an extension if: Your visa document end date is approaching and you have required credits remaining to complete your degree.
Accepting Applications Starting August 1, 2018	Reduced Course Load (Fall / 2018 Semester)	You need to apply for Reduced Course Load if: You will be completing your degree level in December 2018 and do not have a full-course load to complete in the Fall/2018 semester. You are a thesis student that has completed coursework requirements and thesis credits and will be registered for a one credit thesis course.
Begins May 20, 2018 and ends September 1, 2018	On-Campus Full-time Work Period	Students working on campus during the summer may work full-time from May 20, 2018 to September 1, 2018.

Notices

Date & Time	Reason	Instructions
May 5, 2018	New Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Requirements	Due to recent changes to the RMV process ISSO is no longer issuing RMV letters for the purpose of applying for a Massachusetts Driver's License or State ID.
May 15, 2018 to June 14, 2018	Ramadan	Ramadan is observed by Muslims all over the world to honor when the Quran was revealed to Muhammad. It is the holiest month in Islam. Ramadan mubarak!
Three Weeks Prior to Travel	Travel Signature	You may come to ISSO during our regularly scheduled Advising Hours to obtain a travel signature. *Bring your passport and visa document.*
Three Weeks Prior to Travel	Travel Signature	You need a travel signature if: You are traveling outside the U.S. You do not already have a valid travel signature on your visa document.
Summer Break	Business Hours	Regular business hours: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Summer Break	Advising Hours	Regular advising hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 2-4 p.m. You may call in or drop in. There is no need for an appointment.
MANDATORY: all NEW international students must drop in during ONE Check-In Session.
August 22	New Student Immigration Clearance	University Crossing 158 from 10 a.m. to Noon. *Please bring your Passport and Visa Document.*
September 4	New Student Immigration Clearance	University Crossing 260 (Moloney Hall) from 1-3 p.m. *Please bring your Passport and Visa Document.*
MANDATORY: all RETURNING international students must drop in during ONE Check-In Session.
September 10	Returning Student Check-In Session	Saab ETIC - Perry Atrium from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. *Please bring your Student ID.*
September 11	Returning Student Check-In Session	Saab ETIC - Perry Atrium from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. *Please bring your Student ID.*

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