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Information

Welcome to the Information page for ISSS!

Here is where you can find information about ISSS Programs, Announcements, and more.

This page was last updated on: March 15, 2024.

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Services + Advising

Expand each section to view information by selecting the + sign.

General Questions

You can contact ISSS via email or phone for general questions.

  • Email: ISSSoffice@rpi.edu
    • We aim to reply to all messages within 1-3 business days.
  • Phone: +1-518-276-4966
Advising

Virtual Advising

By appointment only - schedule at https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/ISSSOffice1@rpi.edu/bookings/

  • If an advisor is available, a same-day booking can be made.

Virtual Advising Schedule

  • Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  • Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  • Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Fridays from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Walk-In Advising

Weekdays from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Documents + Requests

All requests will be submitted to ISSS online using the Terra Dotta Software (TDS).

Documents can be picked up at ISSS (1528 15th St).

ISSS continues to accept questions via email at ISSSoffice@rpi.edu.

Office Hours

ISSS is open Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Thursdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Starting March 18, 2024, our office hours will temporarily change. We will be closed daily from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

ISSS is located at 1528 15th Street, Troy, NY 12180.

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News

Expand each section to view announcements by selecting the + sign.

ISSS Insights

ISSS presents our ISSS Insights messages. These messages will be sent every other Friday.

Click the links to see the ISSS Insights messages:

Scams: What to Do

Do you suspect you have been scammed or received a scam message/phone call? Here are steps you can take:

  1. Report the scam to RPI.
    • Contact ISSS and contact Public Safety so they can take a report of what happened.
    • Public Safety may advise you to also file a police report with the Troy Police Department.
  2. If you provided sensitive information, like your SSN or financial information, go to IdentityTheft.gov to report identity theft and get a recovery plan
    • If the scam involved login credentials or card information, you need to contact your banks and credit card companies to inform them.
    • If the scam involved financial information or personal information, you can prevent fraud of your identity by requesting a credit freeze or placing a fraud alert on your credit.
  3. Report the scam to government agencies.
    • Depending on the type of scam, there are different government agencies for you to report the scam. For more details, see this link from USA.gov: https://www.usa.gov/stop-scams-frauds.
Scams: Known Scams

Below are known scams targeting international students.

No government agency will contact you and ask you to make a payment over the phone. If you are asked to make a payment, whether the scammer tells you to make it using a U.S. bank account, foreign bank account, gift card, or cryptocurrency, that is the first sign there is a scam. 

DO NOT MAKE ANY PAYMENTS OVER THE PHONE. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated and are able to mask the number they call from so it looks like the FBI or the IRS.

1) IRS Scam Calls

The IRS does not call to ask you for money. They only send you payment notifications via paper mail. Often scam callers say frightening words, such as a threat to arrest you if you do not pay [often by gift card], or say they will report you to ICE. If you get a call, note the caller's phone number and say you will call them back, then contact ISSS by phone immediately.

2) USCIS or Department of Homeland Security Scam Calls

Beware of people pretending to be USCIS or Department of Homeland Security officers. The caller may threaten to deport you if you do not pay. They may ask for immigration information, such as your Alien Registration Number. These scammers are impersonating government representatives and may use SRC and HSI phone numbers to contact students (703-603-3400 or 757-441-6533). USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security will never contact you via phone.

3) Social Security Number Scam Calls

Scammers may say your Social Security Number (SSN) will be suspended, and you may be asked to provide personally identifying information and/or payment to stop the suspension of your SSN. The SSN Administration will never call you.

4) Scam Emails Targeting Students from .edu Emails

Email phishing messages come from an email ending in .edu, and emails show the IRS logo and have subject lines like "Tax Refund Payment". Do not click any links in this email or submit information! The IRS has a set of instructions of how to report these emails to authorities. These cover what to do if your tax returns is rejected because someone has already filed a return with your Social Security number.

5) DHL Scam Calls

Scammers pretend to be DHL representatives and say a package you shipped from the U.S. to another country was stopped by customs and has illegally manufactured documents, like fake passports. You did not ship this package, but are kept on the line and then "transferred" to local police to provide your national identification number. You are not asked for money, but asked to provide identity proof. DO NOT PROVIDE YOUR NATIONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER and instead get their phone number and name, and then contact ISSS.

Link to more details about this scam is available here. Please contact ISSS if this happens to you, and do not follow the instructions in the article.

6) Scams Targeting Chinese Citizens

There are a series of scams that target Chinese citizens. These scams involve people who pretend to be Chinese law enforcement. Click the links to learn more about each scam:

7) Green Card and Employment Scams

Click the links to learn about these scams:

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Programs

ISSS holds programs during the year to provide support for the international population at Rensselaer. These programs range from orientation sessions and informational workshops to social events.

Expand each section below for each workshop series by selecting the + sign.

Spring 2024 Programs

Your Final Semester - Now What? Immigration

Working in the U.S.: CPT & Internships - Undergraduate Students

  • Join CCPD and ISSS for a virtual workshop to learn about the internship search and the ways to get Curricular Practical Training (CPT) to work in the U.S. before graduation! This session has information specific to undergraduate students.
  • Registration Link: https://bit.ly/workingUG-SP24
  • Date: Wednesday, April 3
  • Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Working in the U.S.: CPT & Internships - Graduate Students

  • Join CCPD and ISSS for a virtual workshop to learn about the internship search and the ways to get Curricular Practical Training (CPT) to work in the U.S. before graduation! This session has information specific to graduate students.
  • Registration Link: https://bit.ly/workingGR-SP24
  • Date: Thursday, April 4
  • Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

NPZ Law Group: Free Immigration Workshop

  • NPZ Law Group presents a virtual workshop on the visa options beyond the F-1 visa, including the H-1B, O-1, and many more!
  • Registration link: https://bit.ly/NPZworkshop-SP24 
  • Date: Tuesday, April 9
  • Time: 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
OPT Programming

Students in their final semester are eligible to apply for OPT to work after graduation. Follow these steps:

  1. Complete the OPT Workshop to learn about OPT requirements: https://bit.ly/RPIOPTWorkshop
    • This workshop is mandatory, and must be completed for you to apply for OPT.
    • There are no group workshops, and instead, you will complete an on-demand online workshop from the above link.
  2. Submit completed OPT application to ISSS: https://bit.ly/RPIOPTApplication
    • Allow 5 business days for processing and review of the OPT application

OPT Soft Deadline for Spring 2024 Graduates: Friday, March 8, 2024

  • ISSS will accept applications after this date.
  • We recommend students apply with ISSS by this date to ensure their work authorization is processed in time.

OPT Info Sessions

Are you an F-1 student graduating in May 2024 who wants to work in the U.S. after graduation? Join ISSS for a virtual OPT Info Session to learn about the work authorization Optional Practical Training (OPT). Registration required.

Register here: https://bit.ly/OPTInfoSessions-SP24

  • Session #1: Wednesday, March 6 at 3:30 p.m.
  • Session #2: Thursday, March 28 at 12:30 p.m.
  • Session #3: Monday, April 15 at 9:30 a.m.
  • Session #4: Tuesday, April 30 at 11:30 a.m.
Scholar Orientation

ISSS holds a Scholar Orientation session each month to help the scholars understand the requirements of maintaining status in the U.S. and to answer any questions.

The Orientation schedule can be found here: https://info.rpi.edu/isss/new-exchange-visitors/#Orientation

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Immigration Announcements

Expand each section to view immigration announcements by selecting the + sign.

August 5, 2020: Unlawful Presence Policy

From NAFSA: Association of International Educators:

"On July 31, 2020 DHS filed a motion to dismiss its own appeal of the lower court's decision. For now, USCIS has returned to applying prior policy guidance based on its unlawful presence memo issued on May 6, 2009. Under that prior policy, individuals admitted for duration of status do not begin accruing unlawful presence until an immigration judge finds a status violation in the course of an immigration proceeding, or an immigration officer finds a violation of status in the course of an application for an immigration benefit."

Previous Update from February 06, 2020

A permanent nationwide injunction was issued blocking the August 2018 policy from USCIS.

From NAFSA Accrual of Unlawful Presence and F, J, and M Nonimmigration Resource: “On February 6, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina issued a permanent nationwide injunction blocking the August 8, 2018 USCIS policy memo that sought to change how days of unlawful presence are counted following a violation of F, M, or J nonimmigrant status.”

Previous Update from 2019

USCIS has revised their policy regarding unlawful presence, effective August 9, 2018.

Please see this link for additional information: https://rpi.box.com/v/USCISunlawfulpresence

June 1, 2020: Presidential Proclamation 10043

From NAFSA Resources: Proclamation Suspending Entry of Chinese Students and Researchers Connected to PRC “Military-Civil Fusion Strategy".

"On May 29, 2020, the President issued Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Nonimmigrants of Certain Students and Researchers from the People’s Republic of China. The proclamation is effective at 12:00 p.m. eastern daylight time on June 1, 2020, and will remain in effect until terminated by the President.

Section 1 of the proclamation suspends "entry into the United States as a nonimmigrant of any national of the PRC seeking to enter the United States pursuant to an F or J visa to study or conduct research in the United States, except for a student seeking to pursue undergraduate study," and who either:

  • Currently "receives funding from or who currently is employed by, studies at, or conducts research at or on behalf of... an entity in the PRC that implements or supports the PRC’s 'military-civil fusion strategy'," or
  • In the past "has been employed by, studied at, or conducted research at or on behalf of... an entity in the PRC that implements or supports the PRC’s 'military-civil fusion strategy'"

Under the proclamation, "the term “military-civil fusion strategy” means actions by or at the behest of the PRC to acquire and divert foreign technologies, specifically critical and emerging technologies, to incorporate into and advance the PRC’s military capabilities."

Section 1 wholly exempts F and J undergraduate students from the proclamation. Likewise, graduate students and researchers are also exempt from the proclamation if they do not have any of the specific current or past funding, employment, study, or research nexuses with "an entity in the PRC that implements or supports the PRC’s 'military-civil fusion strategy'."

ARCHIVED Immigration Announcements: 2023 - 2018

ARCHIVED Immigration Announcements - from 2023 and earlier

Messages from 2023

May 05, 2023 COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement

April 20, 2023 COVID-19 Travel Guidance

January 18, 2023 Ebola Entry Proclamations

January 05, 2023 CDC Travel Guidance Change

Messages from 2022

June 14, 2022 Air Travel Requirements

January 03, 2022 Entry Proclamations Revoked

Messages from 2021

December 03, 2021 Travel Requirements

December 01, 2021 Geographic COVID-19 Entry Proclamations

November 01, 2021 Travel Requirements

October 21, 2021 Travel Restrictions Based on Country

July 06, 2021 Proposed Rule to Change Duration of Status Withdrawn

April 08, 2021 Update on Presidential Proclamation 10052

January 27, 2021 USCIS OPT Employment Compliance Unit [Rescinded]

January 26, 2021 COVID-19 Test Requirements for Air Passengers

January 20, 2021 Presidential Proclamation on Ending Discriminatory Bans on Entry to The United States

Messages from 2020

July 16, 2020 Phased Resumption of Routine Visa Services

June 23, 2020 Presidential Proclamation 10052

June 18, 2020 Department of Transportation Order

April 23, 2020 Presidential Proclamation 10014

April 22, 2020 Travel Restriction Updates

February 21, 2020 Travel Ban Updates

January 31, 2020 Novel Coronavirus Update - Travel Restrictions

Messages from 2019

December 12, 2019 OPT & STEM OPT Reporting Policy Guidance

November 08, 2019 F-1 Students & OPT Concerns

June 06, 2019 Social Media Question on Visa Applications

Messages from 2018

November 19, 2018 OPT & STEM OPT Unemployment Counter Update

September 28, 2018  Cap-Gap & Pending H1-B Petition Alert

August 17, 2018  STEM OPT Employment - Third Party Employers

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RPI Departments

This section contains information for the departments at Rensselaer to provide support to international students and exchange visitors and learn more about the ISSS processes.

  • Faculty and staff can sign up to receive Campus Partners messages from ISSS, sent every other month.
  • Faculty and staff can sign up to receive ISSS Insights messages, sent every other week to students with important information and much more.
J-1 Exchange Visitors

The most common type of Exchange Visitor at RPI is short-term scholar or research scholar.

J-1 visas are available for temporary exchange visitors (scholars) conducting research or collaborating with RPI faculty. J-1 exchange visitors may be paid or unpaid, but any temporary paid exchange visitors must come on a J-1 visa (i.e. are not eligible for a B visa). There are three types of J-1 scholars at RPI:

  • J-1 Short-Term Scholar (six months maximum)
  • J-1 Professor/Research Scholar (five years maximum)
  • J-1 Student Interns (individuals who are currently pursuing an undergraduate degree outside of the United States who will be partaking in an internship directly related to this degree)

J-1 Financial Support Documentation Requirements

Below are some guidelines for how prospective visiting scholars should submit proof of finances. Please be aware that this is for brief reference only and information is subject to change. The requirements are subject to change and scholar’s support is evaluated individually.

Amount Required

  • Scholars must be able to demonstrate a minimum financial support of $1,500 USD per month, or $18,000 USD annually, for the entirety of their appointments. Our office will convert any funding not in USD to USD equivalent amounts.
  • Dependents: If a scholar is bringing a spouse or child as a dependent, he/she must demonstrate an additional $8,820 USD annually (or $735 USD per month) for the first dependent and $4,410 USD annually (or $367.50 USD per month) per each additional dependent.

Documentation Requirements

  • Scanned documents are acceptable (ISSS reserves the right to request an original document).
  • Financial documents must be dated within the past six months.
  • Documents should clearly state, in English, the amount of funding.

Examples of Acceptable Funding

  • Below are some of the most frequently used forms of funding. This list is not exhaustive and other sources of funding may be acceptable upon review:
    • Personal bank statement(s)
    • Scholarship or grant award letter, clearly stating amount
    • Letter proving continued funding from scholar’s home institution
    • Letter of funding from Rensselaer

Department Forms for Exchange Visitors

DS-2019 Request Form: https://rpi.box.com/v/J1requestform

Scholar Extension Request Form: https://rpi.box.com/v/J1ScholarExtension

Graduating Students

If a department intends to hire a graduating student in a postdoctoral position, there are two potential options. Contact ISSS to explore these options.

Postdoctoral Position Options

  1. F-1 students are eligible for Optional Practical Training; or
  2. The position may be appropriate for a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa.
Other Visa Types

There are also scholars on other visa types, such as B-1/B-2 and Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). In order for individuals to do research at RPI, they must be approved through Export Control.

Other Visa Types Process

To become approved, individuals work with their inviting department to submit documentation to ISSS. ISSS then submits documentation to Export Control, which is a process that can take over one month to be completed. ISSS is notified when Export Control makes a determination regarding the scholar and then notifies the department.

Within one week of entry to the U.S., the scholar must check in with ISSS. For more instructions on this process, please email ISSS at ISSSoffice@rpi.edu.

B-1/B-2 Visitor - General Information

Please note: The B-1/B-2 visa is only appropriate for very specific activities. For more information on the B-1/B-2 visa visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and  U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Only visitors who would otherwise apply for B visas are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). For details, visit:

Individuals on B-1/B-2 or ESTA are not eligible to receive financial remuneration.

Permanent Positions

If a department intends to hire an Exchange Visitor for longer than five years or for a permanent position, it is recommended that the EV obtain one of the following visas:

  • H-1B visa (6 years maximum, contact Human Resources)
  • TN visa for Canadian and Mexican citizens only. (One year, renewable annually)