OIA - News Items

Open House for UTMB Students & Staff
Wednesday, Sept. 3, 6 pm
William Temple Episcopal Center
Free Food, Drinks - Discuss plans for coming year
427 Market
Galveston, TX

FALL SCHEDULE at William Temple
SUNDAY 5:30 P.M. WORSHIP FOLLOWED BY FREE DINNER
WEDNESDAY 6:30 - ACTIVITIES NIGHT
FRIDAY - 6:30 P.M. COMPLINE
Call 762-8641 or check out web: www.williamtempleepiscopalcenter.org

Then come to the Commuter Solutions brown bag lunch series sponsored by Human Resources. We can’t reduce the price of oil, but we can offer you and your co-workers some suggestions for managing finances in a tough economy and finding more economical ways to commute between home and work.

Find out how telecommuting and flexible scheduling, along with financial planning strategies, could help relieve money-related stress.

Hear about steps you can take to save energy—and money— at home and during your commute.

Learn about van and car pools, Island Transit programs for UTMB employees, biking to work and planned Park-and-Ride options from the mainland.

Note: The Commuter Solutions series is just one resource available to employees feeling the economic crunch. Check out these other options for dealing with stress:

Have no personal car? Don’t drive? Nearest friends or relatives are in anther state or another continent? Can’t afford a long car trip or a hotel? Not certain how to get information or help?

Hurricane Season is here! Come to our informational session on preparing for disaster.

The College of the Mainland will offer a second ESL class on the UTMB campus on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Rebecca Sealy Hospital room 1.213 beginning Monday April 28, 2008. Registration for the class is open through Thursday, April 17 at 5 p.m. Testing for placement levels will occur by appointment on April 21-23, 208 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the same room.

Interested in Becoming a U.S. Permanent Resident?
Learn about the employment-based categories to become a permanent resident.

Brown Bag Seminar
Thursday, April 17, 2008
12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.
Levin Hall, Classroom 3.320

UTMB International Students and Staff are invited to attend this seminar to learn about pathways to becoming a U.S. permanent resident through employment. Space is limited to 50. Please confirm attendance by sending an e-mail to Ms. Jackie Lynch. Bring your own “brown bag” lunch. Drinks and handouts are on us! Click here to print a flyer about this event.

Tax Preparation Volunteers Needed: Make a Difference in Your Community

If you enjoy personal interaction, helping others, and are interested in learning about the United States income tax filing system, you may be just the VITA Volunteer we are looking for! VITA stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. The VITA program was developed by the Internal Revenue Service, in partnership with communities, to provide free income tax preparation to taxpayers who are low income, elderly, not native speakers of English, and/or are unfamiliar with tax forms completion. Did you know that for the 2005 tax filing year Galvestonians left more than $1,000,000 in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) for low income taxpayers unclaimed? The twists and turns of tax credits and exemptions can be intimidating when unfamiliar. Now, you have the opportunity to de-mystify and simplify income tax preparation for members of the Galveston and UTMB community who need your help!

It’s easy to become a VITA volunteer. Though helpful, accounting or tax preparation experience is not required. Completion of two 8-hour IRS led training sessions is recommended for new volunteers and those who want an in depth refresher. All volunteers must pass a test on basic individual tax filing concepts, available on-line and in print version, to be certified as VITA Volunteers.

Training will be held on Saturday, January 5^th and 12^th, 2008 on the second floor of the UTMB Moody Medical Library. The Moody Medical Library will also be one of several Galveston County VITA sites, each with different days and times of operation to fit almost every schedule.

How do you get started? Register below for training!

Click here to register for training.

More Information

Update Regarding the Filing of Form I-485 “Application for Adjustment of Status” Under the July 2007 State Department Visa Bulletin

The US State Department Visa Bulletin for the month of July 2007, issued in mid-June 2007, indicated that immigrant visa numbers were available in all of the employment-based categories for July. Apparently, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) responded to this announcement by speeding up adjudication of pending applications for “adjustment of status” on Form I-485. The result was that all remaining employment-based immigrant visa numbers were, according to USCIS, exhausted for fiscal year 2007 which ends September 30, 2007. On July 2, 2007, USCIS announced that NO employment-based immigrant visa numbers remained and that therefore no applications for employment-based adjustment of status would be accepted until October 1, 2007 contingent upon availability as published in the State Department Visa Bulletin for October (which should be available by September 15, 2007, at the link provided below.) This unpopular decision met with a strong negative public outcry. In response, USCIS has reversed its July 2 decision and has announced that applicants who would have been eligible to file an employment-based immigrant petition under the State Department’s July Visa Bulletin may still do so. Furthermore, employment-based Forms I-485 will be received through August 17, 2007 and should be accompanied by the USCIS filing fees currently in effect.

This whirlwind of developments is understandably confusing. We will continue to provide updates as they become available. In the meantime, below are several links that may help to answer some of your questions:

Effective July 30, 2007 the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will increase application processing fees for most nonimmigrant and immigrant visa applications. The fee increases are significant, in most cases about three times the previous fee.

The Office of Diversity and International Affairs will make every effort to file petitions with USCIS before the July 30, 2007 deadline provided they are received in this office, complete with all required documents, by Friday, June 29, 2007. Visa petition requests received after that date must be accompanied by money orders reflecting the new fee amounts. (Click here for a comparison of fees and link to USCIS announcement.)

Last Modified: August 27, 2008

This web page is designed to assist UTMB staff. It is not intended to provide comprehensive immigration information to the general public. For detailed immigration information, please visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) web site.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS Resources News Our Mission Events Travel & Visa Renewal Visa Information Tax Information Pre-Arrival Information Exit Questionnaire Sales Corner Meet the Staff Information for Faculty Information for Students NEW! Customer Satisfaction Survey New International Employee Orientation Evaluation	Last Modified: August 27, 2008 Open House for UTMB Students & Staff Wednesday, Sept. 3, 6 pm William Temple Episcopal Center Free Food, Drinks - Discuss plans for coming year 427 Market Galveston, TX FALL SCHEDULE at William Temple SUNDAY 5:30 P.M. WORSHIP FOLLOWED BY FREE DINNER WEDNESDAY 6:30 - ACTIVITIES NIGHT FRIDAY - 6:30 P.M. COMPLINE Call 762-8641 or check out web: www.williamtempleepiscopalcenter.org *Print the flyer* High Gas Prices Have You Feeling Low? Then come to the Commuter Solutions brown bag lunch series sponsored by Human Resources. We can’t reduce the price of oil, but we can offer you and your co-workers some suggestions for managing finances in a tough economy and finding more economical ways to commute between home and work. Time: Noon to 1 p.m. Location: 1.504 Rebecca Sealy Hospital Dates and Topics: *July 17—Work Solutions and Financial Planning* Find out how telecommuting and flexible scheduling, along with financial planning strategies, could help relieve money-related stress. *July 24—Conserving Resources to Conserve Cash* Hear about steps you can take to save energy—and money— at home and during your commute. *July 31—Movers and Savers: Current and Planned Commuting Options* Learn about van and car pools, Island Transit programs for UTMB employees, biking to work and planned Park-and-Ride options from the mainland. Feel free to bring a lunch. Fruit and water will be provided. Note: The Commuter Solutions series is just one resource available to employees feeling the economic crunch. Check out these other options for dealing with stress: Stress Management Seminars: Sponsored by the Employee Assistance Program Healthy, Wealthy and Wi$e financial seminars: Sponsored by the Benefits Office Training for Life “America on the Move” Brown Bag Seminar: Developing a Personal Emergency Preparedness Plan Have no personal car? Don’t drive? Nearest friends or relatives are in anther state or another continent? Can’t afford a long car trip or a hotel? Not certain how to get information or help? Hurricane Season is here! Come to our informational session on preparing for disaster. Make a Donation to Help Chinese Earthquake Victims The UTMB Chinese Student and Scholar Association is now asking for donations for the earthquake relief effort. The money you donate will be used to buy clean water, food and medicine for those victims and to rebuild their homes. *(read more)* Day-Time English as a Second Language (ESL) Class Now Available! The College of the Mainland will offer a second ESL class on the UTMB campus on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Rebecca Sealy Hospital room 1.213 beginning Monday April 28, 2008. Registration for the class is open through Thursday, April 17 at 5 p.m. Testing for placement levels will occur by appointment on April 21-23, 208 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the same room. *Print the Spring/Summer Day-time ESL Class Flyer* *Print the Spring/Summer Day-time ESL Class Registration Form* Interested in Becoming a U.S. Permanent Resident? Learn about the employment-based categories to become a permanent resident. Brown Bag Seminar Thursday, April 17, 2008 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. Levin Hall, Classroom 3.320 UTMB International Students and Staff are invited to attend this seminar to learn about pathways to becoming a U.S. permanent resident through employment. Space is limited to 50. Please confirm attendance by sending an e-mail to Ms. Jackie Lynch. Bring your own “brown bag” lunch. Drinks and handouts are on us! Click here to print a flyer about this event. Tax Preparation Volunteers Needed: Make a Difference in Your Community If you enjoy personal interaction, helping others, and are interested in learning about the United States income tax filing system, you may be just the VITA Volunteer we are looking for! VITA stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. The VITA program was developed by the Internal Revenue Service, in partnership with communities, to provide free income tax preparation to taxpayers who are low income, elderly, not native speakers of English, and/or are unfamiliar with tax forms completion. Did you know that for the 2005 tax filing year Galvestonians left more than $1,000,000 in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) for low income taxpayers unclaimed? The twists and turns of tax credits and exemptions can be intimidating when unfamiliar. Now, you have the opportunity to de-mystify and simplify income tax preparation for members of the Galveston and UTMB community who need your help! It’s easy to become a VITA volunteer. Though helpful, accounting or tax preparation experience is not required. Completion of two 8-hour IRS led training sessions is recommended for new volunteers and those who want an in depth refresher. All volunteers must pass a test on basic individual tax filing concepts, available on-line and in print version, to be certified as VITA Volunteers. Training will be held on Saturday, January 5^th and 12^th, 2008 on the second floor of the UTMB Moody Medical Library. The Moody Medical Library will also be one of several Galveston County VITA sites, each with different days and times of operation to fit almost every schedule. How do you get started? Register below for training! *Click here* to register for training. *More Information* Update Regarding the Filing of Form I-485 “Application for Adjustment of Status” Under the July 2007 State Department Visa Bulletin The US State Department Visa Bulletin for the month of July 2007, issued in mid-June 2007, indicated that immigrant visa numbers were available in all of the employment-based categories for July. Apparently, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) responded to this announcement by speeding up adjudication of pending applications for “adjustment of status” on Form I-485. The result was that all remaining employment-based immigrant visa numbers were, according to USCIS, exhausted for fiscal year 2007 which ends September 30, 2007. On July 2, 2007, USCIS announced that NO employment-based immigrant visa numbers remained and that therefore no applications for employment-based adjustment of status would be accepted until October 1, 2007 contingent upon availability as published in the State Department Visa Bulletin for October (which should be available by September 15, 2007, at the link provided below.) This unpopular decision met with a strong negative public outcry. In response, USCIS has reversed its July 2 decision and has announced that applicants who would have been eligible to file an employment-based immigrant petition under the State Department’s July Visa Bulletin may still do so. Furthermore, employment-based Forms I-485 will be received through August 17, 2007 and should be accompanied by the USCIS filing fees currently in effect. This whirlwind of developments is understandably confusing. We will continue to provide updates as they become available. In the meantime, below are several links that may help to answer some of your questions: USCIS Memo Regarding Increased Processing Fees Effective July 30, 2007 http://www.uscis.gov/files/pressrelease/FeeReminder23Jul07.pdf USCIS Frequently Asked Questions About Employment-Based Adjustment Applications With Priority Dates Current in July, 2007 http://www.uscis.gov/files/pressrelease/EBFAQ1.pdf State Department Visa Bulletin: http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_1360.html Effective July 30, 2007 the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will increase application processing fees for most nonimmigrant and immigrant visa applications. The fee increases are significant, in most cases about three times the previous fee. The Office of Diversity and International Affairs will make every effort to file petitions with USCIS before the July 30, 2007 deadline *provided they are received in this office, complete with all required documents, by Friday, June 29, 2007.* Visa petition requests received after that date must be accompanied by money orders reflecting the new fee amounts. (Click here for a comparison of fees and link to USCIS announcement.)
	NEW! Customer Satisfaction Survey New International Employee Orientation Evaluation Important Changes to J-1 Research Scholar Category Effective November 4, 2006—a “Double Edged Sword” of 5-Year Extensions and a new 2-Year Bar A new regulation affecting J-1 Research Scholars was implemented November 18, 2006. It is important that J-1 Research Scholars present in the United States on that date, and those who arrived after that date, understand the impact of this new regulation. J-1 Research Scholars present in the United States on or after November 18, 2006, are now officially eligible to extend that status for up to a maximum of five years. The five year maximum is counted from their date of entry to the United States for the J-1 Research Scholar program in which they were engaged on or after November 18, 2006. However, if they depart from the United States or change to a different immigration status before the end of the five year period, the balance of the five years is lost and they may not hold J-1 Research Scholar status again for two years. This is referred to as the “Two-Year Bar.” J-1 Research Scholars who left the United States or changed to a different status prior to November 18, 2006 are not subject to the new rule until or unless they return to the United States after November 18, 2006. Click here for more information. This web page is designed to assist UTMB staff. It is not intended to provide comprehensive immigration information to the general public. For detailed immigration information, please visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) web site. Office of Diversity and International Affairs Rebecca Sealy Hospital, Suite 1.120 301 University Blvd., Route 0106 Galveston, Texas 77555