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Enjoy your Winter Break! ❄️

LAST OISS WEEKLY OF 2025 : We hope you have a peaceful and relaxing holiday break and best wishes for 2026! Our next newsletter will resume on Friday Jan. 2, 2026. All the best for this new year!

*OPT DEADLINE APPROACHING* - Graduate and Undergraduate Students.

Congratulations to all our F1 Students who are completing their program this year! 
Please apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)  as early as 90 days prior the program completion date and no later than 60 days after the program completion date. Your program completion date is the official end date of your last term/semester. To verify your program completion date, please review the academic calendar.

Note:
CGE Office will be closed from December 24, 2025, to January 2, 2026. We will reopen on Monday, January 5, 2026, and regular in-office support will begin again on Monday, January 5, 2026.

- The Office of International Students and Scholars

International Travel Reminder 

*** Please review the Travel Advisory page before planning your travels***

Planning international travel in December? Make sure you’re prepared before heading to the airport!

✔ Valid Travel Signature (must be less than 12 months old - 6 months for OPT students)

✔ Correct & newest I-20 (check the date issued and use the most recent version)

✔ Passport valid for 6+ months beyond your return date

✔ Valid U.S. visa for re-entry (if expired and required, you must renew)

✔ Submit your Travel Intention Form in the OISS Portal before departing

If you missed to get a travel-signature, OISS can still send your updated I-20 in your OISS Student Portal while you are abroad.

Processing time: 7- 10 business days.

Submit requests via your OISS Student Portal.

Tax season is coming soon! Be informed and prepared to file your IRS forms 

As a non-resident in the U.S., you’re legally required to file taxes if you or your dependent(s) were present in the U.S. during 2025. Failure to file can lead to complications when applying for US visas in the future. 

Our partner "Sprintax" is specialized in tax filing for non-residents and they other several free webinars throughout tax season. Topics will include who must file, tax residency, FICA, State returns, implications of misfiling as well as how to use Sprintax to prepare a compliant tax return.

Join the Sprintax's first webinar on
Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
Time : 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM PST

Don't worry if you can't make it to the first webinar, they have more scheduled!
SCHEDULE 

For more information go to OISS Finances.

CAPS Resources Over the Break

Feeling stressed, homesick, or isolated?

CAPS remains available throughout Winter Break for both virtual and in-person appointments.

Visit the International Student Resource section for articles on:

• Cultural adjustment

• Homesickness

• Mental health and wellness

• Navigating transitions during break

Support is available even while campus is quiet.

  Resources for the Holidays and Office Hours

Community Cupboard will remain open and accessible.

The community cupboard is moving! Look for the new location in the Student Union next semester. Community Cupboard provides free food items to any Cal Lutheran student who needs support. Trader Joe’s gift cards are also available through Campus Ministry.
Current Location: Samuelson Chapel Lounge 
Hours: 7AM - 10PM


MORE OPTIONS:

1. For Dining Services on Campus check out their hours of operation before planning to stop by.
   
   
2. Students who are staying on-campus for the break can outreach to Res. Life for resources
   and dorms occupancy during this timeframe.
   
   
3. Take a look at "What's around you" for groceries, restaurants, delivery options. 
   
   

*NEW* Cal Lutheran Scholarships & Grants

The Organization of American States (OAS) Rowe Fund offers interest-free educational loans to international students from OAS member countries who are pursuing studies in the United States. These funds can be used toward tuition, living expenses, or emergency financial needs, making it a valuable resource for students seeking additional support during their academic journey.

The Rowe Fund program is designed to assist students committed to building professional skills and contributing to their home countries after completing their studies. Applicants will find details on eligibility, required documentation, and the application process directly on the Rowe Fund webpage. Early application is encouraged, as funding is limited and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Click below to learn more about the OAS Rowe Fund and explore how this opportunity may support your educational goals.

Missed last week's OISS Weekly? Here is our #ICYMI section.

CGE General Support Hours: 
M-F: 10am / 2pm
international@callutheran.edu

Questions? 
Check out our OISS Website
Schedule an advising appointment. 

Any request? Submit it from your OISS Student Portal and
allow 7-10 business days for processing

Note from OISS: Some topics in this newsletter may involve immigration or legal considerations. This information is for general purposes only and is not intended to serve as formal legal advice. Please consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.

Contact Us:
international@callutheran.edu
+1 (805) 493-3750

Mail To:
60 West Olsen Road #6400
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

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