All people entering the U.S. by air beginning January 8, 2007, must meet the new requirements for documentation. This is a change for citizens of the U.S. and Canada.
Complete information can be found at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.
The change for land and sea travelers is scheduled to take effect January 1, 2008.

F-1 visa validity when there is a break in studies

The State Department has issued a statement concerning the validity of the F-1 visa for students who have a break in their studies. There may be some clarifications on the in the future. The cable can be found at http://travel.state.gov/visa/laws/telegrams/telegrams_2780.html# .

Here is a very short summary. Please see International Advising if you have questions about your case.

    i. Transferring schools within the U.S. and not beginning school within 5 months:
        a. If you apply for reinstatement and are approved, your valid visa will remain valid.
        b. If you apply for reinstatement and are denied, your visa will become invalid. You leave the US and apply for a new visa in your home country.

ii. Ending studies for any reason and leaving the U.S. If you are outside the U.S. for more than 5 months, you will need to apply for a new visa, with a new I-20.

iii. Study abroad and overseas research while remaining enrolled at UNT. Your visa will remain valid if you are outside the U.S. more than 5 months.

New Filing Fees

USCIS has announced new filing fees for petitions filed on or after October 26, 2005. The new fees are:

I-102 $160

I-129 $190

I-140 $195

I-539 $200

I-765 $180

The new regulation with a list of all new fees can be found here

Post Completion OPT Travel Changes

Social Security Changes

New SEVIS Fee = I-901 Fee

UNT and International Advising Database Changes

UNT has recently gone live with the new PeopleSoft product called EIS. International Advising is installing new software called fsaAtlas, which will allow us to manage data and report what is required by law to SEVIS.

In order to comply with U.S. regulation, there will be a data link to allow us to report information required. One of the items to report is addresses. Please check your permanent, home, and mailing addresses on EIS. Correct them if necessary.