News

CISS Closed for July 4. Welcome New CISS Staff.

CISS Services on Thursday, July 4, 2024

The Center for International Students and Scholars (CISS) will be closed for the Independence Day holiday on Thursday, July 4, 2024. The 4th of July is traditionally celebrated with backyard barbecues and fireworks displays.  Many cities all over Connecticut will have fireworks displays starting tonight.  Visit: https://ctvisit.com/articles/connecticut-fireworks-2024  for more information.  For Storrs campus students one local July 4th tradition is the WILI “Boom Box Parade” on Main Street in Willimantic.

Staffing Updates at the Center for International Students and Scholars

CISS is pleased to announce that the addition of two new staff to the office.  Fernando Rodriguez-Barberet recently joined UCAELI, UConn’s Intensive English Program, on June 14, 2024 in the role of Academic Program Administrator. Prior to joining UCAELI he worked as an English language and Intercultural Communication lecturer at Shanghai Normal University both online and in-person. He attained an MSc in Applied Linguistics from the University of Edinburgh and a bachelors in triple languages at the University of Delaware. As a multilingual educator with fluency in Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese and English, his passion for languages and language education is resolute. He has varied experience in curriculum design, language teaching and linguistic research in Asia and Europe, offering a global perspective on ESL related administration. He enjoys volleyball, ping pong, cooking, reading and is a big fan of the outdoors. You can regularly find him on a trail deep in the woods whether it be on a mountain bike or on foot!

We are also happy to welcome Hailey Winschel to CISS in the role of Administrative Assistant as of June 28, 2024.  Prior to joining the ISSS Hailey worked at the University of Hartford and with the town of Simsbury.  Hailey earned her BFA in photography from the University of Hartford, spending her junior year abroad in Seoul, South Korea.  Hailey speaks a little Korean and Spanish and she is an avid gardener. You can find Hailey at the front desk when you come to CISS. Please join me in welcoming both Fernando and Hailey to CISS and to UConn.

Best,

Arthur

___________

Arthur Galinat
Director, International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)

UConn Global Affairs
Center for International Student & Scholars (CISS)
2019 Hillside Rd., U-1083
STORRS, CT 06269-1083
PHONE: 860.486.3855  |  FAX: 860.486.5800

Academic English Support Course for International Students

The University of Connecticut American English Language Institute (UCAELI) will offer (2) special 6-week courses this semester designed to provide academic support to international students. These courses will feature strategies for developing English skills and academic skills in English to promote success. These are great courses for students who are struggling in their university courses because of English and/or because of a new academic culture. These courses will take place at the Storrs campus.

 

Topics in Academic English I
March 22 – April 26, 2024 (6 weeks)
Fridays, 3pm – 5:15pm

Deadline to Register – 3/21

 

Developing Reading Skills to Improve Speaking and Writing. 

This course will focus on the academic English skills needed to respond in speaking and writing to reading passages. Students will explore how to use readings to improve their sentence structure and vocabulary. The course will also review strategies on how to deal with long readings with many new vocabulary words and how students can use the material to demonstrate comprehension effectively.

 

Topics in Academic English II
March 18 – April 22, 2024 (6 weeks)
Mondays, 3pm – 5:15pm
Deadline to Register – 3/17

 

Using Lectures to Improve Listening, Speaking and Writing. 

This course will focus on integrating what is covered in lectures and discussions with listening, speaking, and writing skills. Academic strategies will include note taking and how to use course content, especially new vocabulary, to improve English proficiency.

 

Please visit our website for more information about these courses and to submit a request form to enroll.

https://englishlanguage.institute.uconn.edu/current-students/

 

Let us know if you have any questions, we are here to support your English language development.

Email contact, ana.s.colon@uconn.edu

 

Ana Colón-Wallace, M.A. 

Program Assistant, UCAELI

 

UConn Global Affairs

Center for International Student & Scholars (CISS)

2019 Hillside Road – Unit 1198

Storrs, CT 06269-1198

Phone: 860-486-0307
www.ucaeli.uconn.edu
www.ita.uconn.edu

Tax Filing Options for International Students

This message was originally sent to the international-l listserv on February 8, 2024.

Dear International Students and Scholars,

The tax filing season has begun and if you earned income in the U.S. in 2023 you are responsible to file a tax return by April 15, 2024.  Pay special attention to the information belowThe VITA program at UConn and Sprintax software are available to students and scholars to help you fill out required tax forms.  If you did not earn any income, but were present in the U.S. skip down to the bottom for instructions on submitting the 8843 form.

  • The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program is an in-person tax preparation clinic run by trained UConn student volunteers and they will help you fill out your tax return documents. Register with the VITA program at the link below.  The VITA program will begin scheduling appointments in mid-February.  Please register with the UConn VITA website if you wish to be notified when the appointment calendar is open.  https://accounting.business.uconn.edu/vita-program/
  • Sprintax is a software that specializes in nonresident alien tax returns.  UConn can provide you with a code to use to file your federal tax return for free but there is an additional fee to file your CT state return. To learn more visit: https://international.global.uconn.edu/taxes/ email international@uconn.edu with your name and student ID number.
  • UConn Income Statements (W-2 form) will be available online at https://ess.uconn.edu/ navigate to Payroll > View W-2/W-C Information
  • If you had on campus employment and claimed the benefits of a tax treaty you will receive a 1042-S from the State of Connecticut in CORE CT by late February 2024.  If you are no longer employed at UConn and cannot log in to https://ess.uconn.edu/ please visit the Payroll Help Desk and explain your problem https://payroll.uconn.edu/payroll-help-desk/. The 1042-S will be mailed to the home address listed in Core-CT.  You will need to wait to file your income taxes until after you receive this form. If you do not receive this form by February 29, 2024 visit the Payroll Help Desk and explain your problem https://payroll.uconn.edu/payroll-help-desk/. 
  • If you will be receiving a 2023 Form 1042-S for a scholarship or fellowship, UConn’s Tax & Compliance Office notified you by email on Thursday, January 25, 2024.  Check your email! Your Form 1042-S for a scholarship or fellowship will be mailed to the mailing address that is listed in Student Admin.  If that is not the correct address, please contact taxcompliance@uconn.edu  as soon as possible with your correct mailing address.

If you did not earn income in the U.S., but are a nonresident for tax purposes there is still one tax form you must file, the form 8843 – see below for information on how you can learn to file the form 8843.  https://accounting.business.uconn.edu/undergraduate/vita-program/form-8843-filing-instructions/

Watch a video with instructions on how to submit the form 8843: https://international.global.uconn.edu/taxes/

Best regards,

___________

Arthur Galinat
Director, International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)

 

CISS Hours and Activities During Winter Break

Dear Students and Scholars,

The Center for International Student & Scholars in Storrs will be open and staff will be working during winter break with the following exceptions:

  • CISS will be closed on 12/19/2023 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • CISS will be closed  from 12/25/23-01/01/24.  Be sure to submit any urgent requests by Wednesday, 12/20/23, otherwise requests will be processed upon our return on Tuesday, 1/2/24.

Regional Campus Students
The ISSS Hartford and ISSS Stamford offices are closed from 12/13/23 – 1/02/24.  Students from any regional campus can reach out to the CISS in Storrs for assistance by calling 860-486-3855 or emailing international@uconn.edu with any questions or concerns.

Storrs Campus Students
Will you be on-campus during winter break?  Two things: 1) Don’t forget to sign up for winter break housing with ResLife. 2) If you will be on-campus, let us know.  CISS is planning the following activities to keep you busy and connected with other students.

  • December 20: 3:00 PM CISS Ana & Hazuki – Snacks, games, Gingerbread style house construction contest
  • December 21: Learn to Knit w/ Arthur 4:00-6:00 PM
  • December 22: Lights in Motion with Ana 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM, van
  • December 29: Lights in Motion with Ana 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM (If more interest)
  • January 3, 2023: TBD
  • First Thursday: January 4th: Paint with Afra
  • January 5: Spare Time (Vernon) with Ana, 3:00 PM, van
  • January 8: Post-Completion OPT Workshop (Virtual) with Arthur @ 4:30 pm
  • January 11: Learn to Knit w/ Arthur 4:00-6:00 PM

There are lots of community events happening all over Connecticut during winter break.  Check out these events:
Hartford area- https://ctvisit.com/events?field_date_value2%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=&field_date_value%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=&keys=hartford&selected_region=global

Stamford area – https://ctvisit.com/events?field_date_value2%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=&field_date_value%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=&keys=stamford&selected_region=global

Storrs area – https://www.mansfieldct.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=31

Reminders:
Report any international travel using the Travel Information Record.
Don’t forget to be back on campus for the start of spring term.  Classes begin on January 16, 2024. 

Have a great break!

___________

Arthur Galinat
Director, International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)

 

UConn Global Affairs
Center for International Student & Scholars (CISS)
2019 Hillside Rd., U-1083
STORRS, CT 06269-1083
PHONE: 860.486.3855  |  FAX: 860.486.5800

 

New Location: Center for International Students & Scholars

Important Information for Students Graduating in Spring 23

This announcement was originally sent out on April 19. 

Dear Students,
Greetings from ISSS! This message is going out to all students, but only applies to those students graduating in Spring 23.

Congratulations!  If you are graduating in Spring 23, ISSS will need to shorten your I-20 or DS-2019 end date to the end of the semester.  Your new end date will be 05/06/2023. PLEASE NOTE: your last day of on-campus work permission will be 05/06/2023.  You must stop working on-campus after this date.  Your grace period begins the day after on 05/07/2023.  If your most recent form I-20/DS-2019 has a future program end date, it will no longer be valid. If there is any chance that you will not finish by 05/06/2023 you must contact your ISSS advisor before this date.

F-1 Students:

Be advised that you have a 60-day grace period to remain in the United States before your F-1 status ends.  Your 60-day grace period starts from the date you completed your program as indicated above.

J-1 Students:
Be advised that you have a 30-day grace period to remain in the United States before your J-1 status ends.  Your 30-day grace period starts from the date you completed your program as indicated above.

Graduate Assistants Completing in Spring 23:

You can read more about the policy for GA’s last day of work here. This was shared with all students at the beginning of the semester.  Please work with your supervisor to ensure

that you finish the duties associated with your assistantship before May 06, 2023. You will still receive your full GA stipend for spring 2023, but the time from May 6 through May 22, 2023 will be treated as time off.

 

To process your F-1 SEVIS record, ISSS needs you to take one of the following actions before the end of your grace period:

  1. Prepare to depart the U.S.- submit Program Update-Compete/Shorten Form
  2. Request another form I-20 or DS-2019 to begin a new degree program at UConn – submit Continuing Student I-20/DS-2019 Request;
  3. Transfer to another school to start a new program-submit SEVIS Transfer Out Request
  4. Report a change in your non-immigrant status from F-1 to another visa status – submit Program Update-Change Visa Status Notification
  5. Apply for work permission to stay in the U.S. and work in your major field.

F-1 Students: Apply for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work in the U.S. in your major field.  You must apply for OPT before you depart the U.S.

J-1 Students: Apply for Academic Training (AT) to work in the U.S. in your major field.  You must apply for Academic Training before your DS-2019 expires.

Please contact your international advisor if you require further assistance. You can reach us at (860) 486-3855 or by email at international@uconn.edu

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.  We hope that all of our spring graduates found their time at UConn academically satisfying and personally fulfilling. Good luck with your future endeavors!

Best wishes,
___________

Arthur Galinat
Director, International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)

ISSS has moved – New office location

ISSS on the Storrs campus has moved to a new building.

Our new home is the Center for International Students and Scholars located at 2019 Hillside Rd. Storrs, CT 06269. Look for the Center for International Students and Scholars at maps.uconn.edu.

The office is open Monday-Friday from 9:00-5:00.  We look forward to seeing you soon.

Resources for students and scholars impacted by war in Ukraine

Embassy Contact Information

Ukrainian Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Telephone: (+1) 202 349 2963

Email: ukrembus@gmail.com; consuluausa@gmail.com 

Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Phone: (202) 939-8914/Emergency Line: 202-298-5700 

Email: russconswdc@gmail.com; rusembusa@mid.ru

Visas and Travel

Announcement of Processing Posts for U.S. Visa Applicants from Ukraine: U.S. visa services are not available in Ukraine, but follow these guidelines to identify appropriate consular posts to apply for the U.S. visas outside Ukraine. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/announcement-of-processing-posts-for-visa-applicants-from-Ukraine.html

U.S. F/M/J Visa Processing for applicants resident in Russia: Due to lack of consular services for nonimmigrant visa processing in Russia, the U.S. Department of State has designated specific posts for receiving applicants who are residents of Russia and need student or exchange visitors visas. Read full post: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/announcement-of-F-M-J-processing-posts-for-applicants-resident-in-russia.html  

U.S. Visa and Humanitarian Information for Ukrainians in Poland: https://pl.usembassy.gov/humanitarian_assistance_ukraine_pl/ and https://pl.usembassy.gov/visas/humanitarian-assistance-and-visa-information-for-ukrainians/

Limited National Interest Exception of vaccine requirement for some travelers from Ukraine: Currently the U.S. requires that international travelers be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. This limited National Interest Exception provides flexibility to arrive without vaccination for certain nonimmigrant travelers who were in Ukraine as of February 10, 2022. Read the full National Interest Exception, here:  https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2022-02/22_0215_S1_national-interest-exemption_0.pdf 

Executive Order Restricting Entry to U.S. of Certain Individuals who have been determined to engage in activities in support of Russia’s recognition of DNR and LNR regions of Ukraine. Read the Executive Order, here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/02/23/2022-04020/blocking-property-of-certain-persons-and-prohibiting-certain-transactions-with-respect-to-continued   

AILA Practice Pointer: Nonimmigrant and Immigrant Visa Options for Ukrainian Nationals, including travel considerations for entering neighboring countries across land borders. (Source: American Immigration Lawyers Association)

U.S. Immigration Benefits

 Temporary Protected Status for Ukraine: 

On March 3, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. Read full announcement here: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/secretary-mayorkas-designates-ukraine-for-temporary-protected-status-for-18-months

Starting April 19, 2022 eligible Ukrainians may file for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Find filing details here: https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status/temporary-protected-status-designated-country-ukraine

ISSS recommends you seek legal assistance when filing for TPS.

Special Student Relief for Ukrainian students on F-1 visas:

Ukrainian students on F-1 visas who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the conflict in Ukraine may seek authorization to work more than 20 hours per week through on-campus employment authorization, or to work off-campus, part time or full time. Students working under SSR may also take a reduced course load and maintain F-1 status. Make an appointment with your ISSS advisor to discuss this option.

USCIS Immigration Help Available to those Affected by Special Situations

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/immigration-help-available-to-those-affected-by-special-situations-including-the-invasion-of-ukraine

Updated April 19, 2022

Legal Resources

ISSS Legal Resources Handout- Includes immigration attorney listings close to UConn campuses.

Financial Resources

ISSS Financial Resources Handout - includes university and external financial recourses.

IIE Emergency Student Fund: ISSS can nominate a limited number of Ukrainian students on F or J visas for an IIE emergency student fund grant if, due to the crisis in Ukraine, you are unable to meet educational, living or health costs this current academic year. Contact Rae Alexander, rae.alexander@uconn.edu for more information. Nominations are due March 21.

Emotional Support

SHaW - Mental Health Services at Storrs campus provides support to students who may be struggling to cope with stressful situations and other mental health challenges. Please refer to their webpage for services currently offered and ways to access help.

At the Regional Campuses there are clinical case managers who can help you and connect you to local mental health resources: https://studenthealth.uconn.edu/regional-campuses/

If you are a staff member, or are on post-completion OPT, refer to your employer’s Human Resources department or health insurance provider for counseling/wellness program referrals. At UConn, the Employee Assistance Program for UConn staff and faculty offers counseling and mental health support: https://hr.uconn.edu/employee-assistance-program/

Psychology Today provides a listings of theapists worldwide: https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/counsellors?domain=www&cc=us&cl=en

American Psychological Association article: How to handle the trauma of war from afar.

Dean of Students Resources

The Graduate School Support

This post will continue to be updated with more resources as they become available. Last update: 3/4/22.

Message for returning international students

 

We want to share with you important information related to the recent announcement about the spring 2022 semester starting online. This message is for students who are returning to UConn and have active I-20 or DS-2019 forms. Please read carefully, and send us your questions.

Arrival Date for students who live off-campus:

International students who are returning to UConn and live off campus have flexibility to arrive when you like, as long as you arrive by January 30 to begin classes in person on January 31.  Arriving after January 18 carries some risk; see more below.

Students who live on-campus

The University has delayed move-in for most on campus students until January 29-30.  We know that international students may have already purchased flight tickets to move in based on the original schedule, or may not have another place to stay in the U.S. 

  • January 15 or 16th, with approval from Res Life  
  • You may also delay your arrival to move in on January 29 or 30. Delaying your arrival also carries risk; see more below. If you do not submit the early arrival request form by January 6, UConn Residential Life will presume you are moving in January 29 or 30. 

What to know if you delay your arrival

  • You must be able to participate in your coursework online from your location. If time zone differences or internet restrictions prevent you from participating fully in your online coursework, you should consider traveling here before classes begin January 18. Please be advised that the UConn VPN may not be available to access courses in China. 
  • If you begin your in-person courses online from your home country, and then you cannot arrive in person to participate due to unexpected reasons (flight cancellations, illness, visa delays, travel lockdowns) you will still owe tuition, even if you cannot complete the course as planned. See the refund schedule for course tuition
  • Graduate students who will arrive after January 18 (or after January 5, if a Graduate Assistant) need approval from The Graduate School, and your Graduate Assistant supervisor, should you have a GA. The late arrival request form can be found under the “Account & Forms” area of your Application Status Portal for new students, and on this website for returning students. 
  • Due to federal laws, Iranian graduate students may only participate in courses online while outside the U.S. under limited circumstances. If you are an Iranian graduate student who cannot arrive before January 18th, your case must be reviewed by the appropriate offices at UConn. 

Returning from travel abroad

Returning students arriving from abroad need to carry their passport, unexpired F or J visa, and I-20 or DS-2019 with a recent travel signature from ISSS (signed within the last 12 months). You can find your I-20 or DS-2019 form in your ISSS Portal account by logging in to isssportal.uconn.edu and click on your Academic Objective record, listed under the term/year that you started your program. Find your scanned I-20 copies under "Attached Documents". Check the date of your last travel signature on page 2, and if you need a new one, submit a Travel Information Record . You must download, print and sign your I-20 or DS-2019 to have with you at immigration. 

Students who will delay their arrival until January 29/30 can carry a spring 2022 travel letter in your carry-on luggage, in case you are asked to document why you are arriving late.  

We know that you still may have many questions. If you need help please contact international@uconn.edu or make an appointment with your ISSS advisor

Message for new regional campus students

 

We want to share with you important information related to the recent announcement about the spring 2022 semester starting online. This is for new international students who are at the regional campuses (Stamford, Hartford, Avery Point, Waterbury), the Graduate Business Learning Center and School of Law as well as returning students who are coming on a new, initial I-20 form.  Please read carefully and send us your questions.

Arrival date for students who live off campus

International students who live off campus have flexibility to arrive when you like, as long as you arrive by January 30 to begin classes in person on January 31. Submit the ISSS Arrival Confirmation form so that ISSS knows when you will arrive.

Arrival date for students who will live on campus

The University has delayed move-in for most on campus students until January 29-30.  We know that international students may have already purchased flight tickets to move in based on the original schedule. This means you may move in:

  • January 15 or 16th  
  • You may also delay your arrival to the move on the weekend of January 29 or 30. Delaying your arrival carries risk: read more details about that below. If you do not submit the early arrival request form by January 6, UConn Residential Life will presume you are moving in January 29 or 30.

    What to know if you delay your arrival

    • You must be able to participate in your coursework online from your location. If time zone differences or internet restrictions prevent you from participating fully in your online coursework, you should consider traveling here before classes begin January 18. Please be advised that the UConn VPN may not be available to access courses in China. 
    • If you begin your in-person courses online from your home country, and then you cannot arrive in person to participate due to unexpected reasons (flight cancellations, illness, visa delays, travel lockdowns) you will still owe tuition, even if you cannot complete the course as planned. See the refund schedule for course tuition
    • Graduate students who will arrive after January 18 (or after January 5, if a Graduate Assistant) need approval from The Graduate School, and your Graduate Assistant supervisor, should you have a GA. The late arrival request form can be found under the “Account & Forms” area of your Application Status Portal for new students, and on this website for returning students. 
    • Due to federal laws, Iranian graduate students may only participate in courses online while outside the U.S. under limited circumstances. If you are an Iranian graduate student who cannot arrive before January 18th, your case must be reviewed by the appropriate offices at UConn. 

      If I delay my arrival, will UConn update my I-20 or DS-2019 start date? 

      Students who already have their visa will not need an updated I-20 or DS-2019 form. You can carry a spring 2022 travel letter in your carry on luggage in case you are asked to document why you are arriving late. Students who will have their visa appointment after January 11th and will not arrive by January 18th may request an updated I-20 form or DS-2019. You will need to email international@uconn.edu and provide your date of visa appointment and planned travel date.

      We know that you still may have many questions. If you need help please contact international@uconn.edu or make an appointment with your ISSS advisor.