If you are on an F-1 or J-1 visa and plan to travel outside the U.S. this Summer, please do the following:

1. Make sure your I-20 ( or DS 2019) is valid;
2. Make sure the third page of your I-20 has been signed by me less than a year ago. The signature is valid for one year. If your I-20 needs to be signed again, please, come by the CIP and I will sign your I-20. Contact David Starling if you are a J-1 student; Call our office at (229) 333-7410 or e-mail me to make an appointment.
3. Check to be sure your passport and visa will not expire before you plan to return,
   - if your passport will soon expire, contact your embassy to ask how to apply for an extension. Information about foreign embassies located in Washington, DC can be found HERE
   - if you have an expired F-1 or J-1 visa and plan to travel to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean Islands for 30 days or less, your expired visa will still be valid for your re-entry, assuming you have with you a recently endorsed travel document (form I-20 for F-1 visa holders; form DS-2019 for J-1 visa holders) and your I-94 card;
   - if you have an expired visa and plan to travel to places other than Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean Islands (or if you plan a trip to these places for more than 30 days), then prior to your return you will need to apply for a new visa at a U.S. consulate within your home country. Information about U.S. Embassies is available HERE
4. Even if you plan to travel within the United States, make sure you have with you your passport and valid I-20 form ( or DS 2019).

At the end of October, SIS will be holding elections for new officers. All 6 positions (President, Vice President, PR/Event Coordinator, Assistant PR/Event Coordinator, Secretary, Treasurer) will be open. Please read over the Constitution for more information about each position and look for e-mails announcing the exact dates for nominations and the election.

This year, Homecoming Week begins on October 15th, right after Fall Break. As always, SIS will be looking for students to help decorate a float representing the international student body here at VSU. If you are interested in being involved in this event, please contact an SIS officer or Racine at rrhenry@valdosta.edu