International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

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Welcome to Stevens Institute of Technology and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).

The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office is committed to assisting international students, faculty and scholars in accomplishing their academic, personal and professional objectives through advising, providing immigration services, promoting cross-cultural opportunities and offering specific programs and services to our international population.

The mission of International Student and Scholar Services is to facilitate compliance with federal regulations that govern the immigration status of international students, faculty and scholars at Stevens, enhancing their experience while facilitating their academic and cultural pursuits.

Announcements

Contacting ISSS

How to Contact ISSS and Document Pick-up/Drop-off

1. Email Assistance: [email protected]

2. Application Submission: [email protected]

3. Document Pick-up/Drop-Off Hours, including Travel Signature and Social Security Letters, are now Monday through Friday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Beginning October 21, 2019 all student inquiries must be sent to [email protected] and a member of the ISSS team will respond to your email within 2-3 business days. Please assist ISSS staff by only sending inquires to [email protected] and by not copying individuals within ISSS or other ISSS emails.

** Incoming and recently admitted students should continue emailing their inquiries to [email protected]ens.edu.

USCIS Policy Memorandum on Unlawful Presence

On May 10, 2018, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy memorandum that changes the way the accrual of unlawful presence is calculated for students (F-1) and exchange visitors (J-1) in nonimmigrant status, and their dependents. On August 9, 2018, USCIS issued the revised final policy memorandum. Accrual of unlawful presence may subject individuals to either a 3-year or 10-year bar or to permanent bar to returning to the U.S. This new policy, and the way in which USCIS will interpret unlawful presence, will have severe consequences for F and J status. It is important that you understand the new policy and that you maintain your nonimmigrant status at all times to avoid accruing unlawful presence. Please read the announcement from ISSS and our Frequently Asked Questions about this new policy.

Travel Advisory Alert

Travel Ban Update

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the travel ban for nationals from North Korea, Syria, Iran, Yemen, Libya, Somalia and Venezuela, which has been in effect since December 2017. The travel ban places travel restrictions on nationals of the countries subject to exclusion. Individuals impacted by the travel ban can apply for a waiver if they meet certain specific requirements. The ban does not apply equally to all seven countries, but it does allow for the continued issuance of student (F and M) and exchange visitor (J) visas to nationals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen. Visa applicants should expect enhanced screening and vetting at U.S. Consulates as well as in U.S. ports of entry. More information on the Presidential Proclamation regarding the travel ban issued on September 24, 2017 can be found here.

Important Scam Alert

Please be aware and cautious of “scam calls.” A scam call is a malicious call with the intention of illegally acquiring money or personal information from you. The caller may pretend to be from a government agency such as DHS, USCIS or IRS. If you are not familiar with these types of calls, it can be very alarming and scary to receive one. A natural reaction when you receive such a call is to want to comply with demands of money or personal information to resolve the issue. “Scam emails” are also require caution on your part.

Here are reminders for handling a scam call (or email):

If you receive a call demanding personal information, hang up immediately
Remember, government officials will never threaten you or ask you for payment over the phone or in an email.
If payment is required from a US federal agency, such as USCIS, they will mail a letter on official stationery requesting payment. (You can bring these letters to our office for assistance.)

How to report a call from a scammer:

If you ever receive a scam email or phone call, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at 1.usa.gov/1suOHSS
If you are not sure if an email or phone call is a scam, contact your immigration advisor for help
If you receive a suspicious email or call, claiming to be USCIS, you can contact the webmaster at [email protected]. (USCIS will review the emails received and share with law enforcement agencies as appropriate.)
Visit the Avoid Scams Initiative at www.uscis.gov/avoid-scams for more information on common scams and other important tips.

In general, we encourage you to protect your personal information and not to provide details about your immigration application in any public area.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Use of the SEVP Portal

On March 23, 2018, the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) launched the SEVP Portal. The Portal allows students on post-completion OPT to add or edit phone numbers, mailing and physical addresses, and employer information. Students on STEM OPT can add or edit phone numbers and mailing and physical addresses only. For now, the use of the Portal is optional, and while you are not required to update your information in the Portal, it is highly recommended.

For more information, view the Frequently Asked Questions on the Use of the SEVP Portal.

ISSS Processing Time

Due to an increasingly large volume of applications, the ISSS current processing time for all F-1 and J-1 applications is:

AT LEAST 10 BUSINESS DAYS

Additional time will be added to applications that require updated/corrected documentation. Only students at risk of losing their F-1 or J-1 status before the processing time is complete will be considered for expediting.

Office Hours for Document Pick-Up and Drop-Off:

Monday-Friday 10:00AM-4:00PM

Immigration Advisors are available for brief in-person consultations (Walk-in Advising Hours) four times a week. Walk-In Advising Hour times and contact information for Immigration Advisors are available here. Otherwise, Immigration Advisors are available by email or appointment.

International Student Web Resources

Incoming Students F-1 Students Current J-1 Students

International Scholar and Faculty Web Resources (includes department and staff resources)

J-1 Scholars H-1B / O-1 / TN / LPR

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Contact Information

International Student and Scholar Services

Location On Campus

1 Castle Point Terrace
Howe Center, 9th Floor
Hoboken, NJ 07030

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p. 201-216-5189
f. 201-216-8333

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