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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 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.
Completion date does not necessarily mean degree conferral. Please visit our guide to find out more about how USCIS defines completion date.
August 29, 2019    Fall 2019 Semester Immigration Clearance Session

Saab ETIC Perry Atrium, 
10 a.m. - Noon

Events

DateEventLocation & Information
March 22, 2019OPT - PRE / POST / STEMSaab ETIC Building, 3 p.m.
April 19, 2019Travel Signature SessionSaab ETIC Building, 3 p.m.
April 26, 2019ISSO & GSSP Final Coffee Hour CelebrationSaab ETIC Building, 3 p.m.
Spring 2019Office of Multicultural Affairs EventsOMA Events Schedule

Notices

TimelineReminderAdditional Details
As of March 1ISSO will begin issuing Fall 2019 initial visa documents as of March 1Visit the New International Students section of our website for more information
March 11-15Spring breakClasses resume March 18

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

TimelineReminderDetails
As of February 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.
As of February 2019New Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles RequirementsDue to 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.
Reminder as of February 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 February 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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