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LAST OISS WEEKLY OF 2024 : We hope you have a peaceful and relaxing holiday break and best wishes for 2025! Our next newsletter will resume on Friday Jan. 3, 2025. All the best for this new year!

- The Office of International Students and Scholars

As you prepare for international travel, it is important to stay informed and ensure that you have all the necessary documentation for a smooth return to the United States. While there are no expected changes to U.S. immigration policies or travel regulations, it is always wise to be proactive and prepared. We encourage you to review our NEW Travel Advisory Webpage to help you navigate any potential challenges and avoid unnecessary delays when re-entering the USA. 

The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) will provide updates to the OISS Travel Advisory website page, and issue directed email communication, as necessary. Please stay connected with us to receive important information by visiting this page regularly while traveling. 

ALL STUDENTS TRAVELING IN DECEMBER 2024

TODAY! Deadline for travel request submission: 12/13/2024

Did you miss the December Break deadline? While we will not be able to review your request prior to your departure date, we can send you your travel I-20 via email while you are abroad (you will need to have access to a color printer), we trust that you will review all your travel documents before you exit the U.S. Your new document will be emailed to you within 7-10 business days from Thursday, January 2.

Make sure to still submit your travel intention form (no need to submit a request if you are not traveling abroad).

The Center for Global Engagement Office is closed for the holidays from Monday Dec. 23 to Wednesday Jan. 1 and the office will reopen on January 2, 2025. 

Outside of the closing dates, CGE is open Monday - Friday from 8AM to 5PM.

Students who are staying on-campus for the break can outreach to Res. Life for resources and dorms occupancy during this timeframe. Please also know that the Ministry's Community Cupboard will remain open and accessible. Take a look at "what's around you" for groceries, restaurants, delivery etc.

If you are feeling a little out of sync during these winter weeks, CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) is available for scheduled in-person or virtual appointments. For more information on CAPS, click here. Did you know that CAPS Website, also has a special resource section for international students? Read all corresponding articles: 

• Adjusting to Life in the United States — Article with helpful strategies from the U.S. News & World Report
• Western Education System: Feel the Difference — Blog article about differences between Eastern vs.Western higher education
• EduPass.org — Helpful information about studying and living in the United States
• USAStudyGuide.com — A comprehensive explanation about living in the United States as an international student

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 2024. 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 webinar on

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 | 12 PM PST.

Register here

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

OISS Office Hours: 
M-F: 8am / 5pm
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

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

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

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