Girls on stage at the Culture Fest.

Monthly Updates

International Student & Scholars Office Monthly Updates

For recent immigration updates from UMass Lowell's blog, please visit our Immigration Alerts webpage.

Monthly Updates / Upcoming Deadlines

Deadlines

TimelineReminderDetails
August 1, 2018Reduced Course Load
(Fall/2018)		Accepting applications starting August 1, 2018.
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.
August 2, 2018Initial Visa Document DeadlineISSO will no longer be issuing Fall 2018 semester I-20s beyond August 2, 2018.
August 13, 2018 to September 5, 2018Airport Transportation Pick-Up
ONLY new incoming int'l students for Fall/2018		New international students ONLY are eligible for free transportation from Boston Logan Airport to the greater Lowell area if they are arriving from August 13, 2018 to September 5, 2018.

Be sure toreserve your airport transportationat least one week prior to your arrival date.
*Those that RSVP and do not meet the qualifications for free airport transportation will be responsible for the full charge.*
September 5, 2018Mandatory Arrival DateStudents beginning their program this upcoming Fall/2018 semester must arrive to campus NO LATER than September 5, 2018.
May 20, 2018 to
September 1, 2018		On-Campus Full-time Work PeriodStudents eligible for summer on-campus employment may work full-time from May 20, 2018 to September 1, 2018.
OPT Filing TimelineOptional 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.

Notices

TimelineReminderDetails
As of May, 2018New Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles RequirementsDue 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.
As of June, 2018New OPT Reporting RequirementsAll Post-OPT employment must be reported through the SEVP Portal. All STEM employment changes must be reported through ISSO e-forms.
August 31New International Student Resource FairUniversity Crossing - Lobby
10 a.m. to Noon

Please join us to learn about the resources available to you at UMass Lowell.
Summer TravelTravel UpdatesPlease visit the Travel page on our website for important travel related updates.
Three Weeks
Prior to Travel		Travel SignatureYou may come to ISSO during our regularly scheduled Advising Hours to obtain a travel signature.
*Bring your passport and visa document.*
You need a travel signature if:
Summer EventsOffice of Multicultural Affairs (OMA)Check out OMA's website for a list of summer events!
Summer BreakBusiness Hours
Advising Hours		Regular business hours: Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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 attend ONE Check-In Session.
Please register for ONE Check-In Session at least one week prior. Please arrive promptly.
Be sure to bring your U.S. phone number & address information if you have it. Please bring an electronic device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop).
August 22New Student
Immigration Clearance		NEW LOCATION: ALUMNI HALL LOUNGE
10 a.m.
*Please bring your Passport, Visa Document, and I-94.
September 4New Student
Immigration Clearance		University Crossing 260 (Moloney Hall) at 1 p.m.
*Please bring your Passport, Visa Document, and I-94.
MANDATORY: all RETURNING international students must drop in during ONE Check-In Session.
September 10Returning Student
Check-In Session		Saab ETIC - Perry Atrium from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
*Please bring your Student ID.*
September 11Returning 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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