Editor鈥檚 Note: The ISSS Newsletter is distributed monthly. Between monthly newsletters, please follow us on Facebook and/or Instagram to learn more about programs, events, and updates.
Contents:
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International Coffee Hour: May 6th
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Reminder of ISSS Availability
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Summer Break and Travel Information Reminders
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Semester Withdrawal Deadline Reminder
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Leadership Volunteers needed for Fall 2025 International Student Orientation
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The Clock is Ticking on the Optional Practical Training (OPT) Application
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Extension of Stay
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OurBus
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1. International Coffee Hour: May 6th at 3:00pm!
Wednesday, May 6 | 3:00pm - 4:30pm | Old Champlain Atrium (Old Champlain Hall, Room 133)
Good company! Complimentary refreshments! Come relax at our . May's Coffee Hour sponsor is the Division of Advancement.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the sponsor while mingling with both international and domestic students. There will be games, interactive activities, crafts, and complimentary coffee and snacks! We will also be celebrating our spring 2026 graduating students!
Please note that advising hours will be from 1:30pm-3:00pm on May 6. If you are traveling over the summer break and your travel signature will be more than 12 months old when you return to the US, you should get an updated signature. ISSS staff will be available at International Coffee Hour to issue updated travel signatures. Bring your I-20 or DS-2019 to get a new travel signature!
If you have any questions about International Coffee Hour, contact Annie Kennedy akennedy@binghamton.edu, ISSS Programming Coordinator. All are welcome!
2. Reminder of ISSS Availability
Advising Hours:
The office of International Student and Scholar Services holds advising hours on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10:00am to 11:45am and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Please visit the ISSS website for updates.
Special Notices:
On Wednesday, May 6, advising hours will be from 1:30pm-3:00pm, with advisors available at International Coffee Hour for travel signatures.
The ISSS will be unavailable on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day. Please visit the ISSS website for updates.
Summer Hours:
On Monday, May 18, 2026 the ISSS will begin to operate on 鈥渟ummer hours.鈥 This means that staff will be available from 8:30am to 4:00pm Monday-Friday during the summer break.
3. Summer Break and Travel Information Reminders
As you are planning ahead for summer travel, here are a few reminders from the ISSS office:
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- F-1 and J-1 students and scholars (and their dependents) should carry a printed copy of their I-94 AND a printed copy of their I-20 or DS-2019 at all times, as documentation of your current status in the U.S.
- If you have been approved for work authorization by USCIS and were issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), you should carry your original EAD card with you at all times. This includes students who are approved for OPT or STEM OPT, as well as individuals with other EAD cards issued by USCIS.
- All international students and scholars should provide electronic copies of their immigration documents to a trusted family member or emergency contact in case the original documents are lost or stolen.
Before finalizing any travel plans, be sure to review these additional reminders about travel:
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- Review the ISSS Government Actions page for any recent government updates impacting travel. If your country of citizenship is included on either of the presidential proclamation lists, you should consult with an ISSS advisor before planning any travel.
- Make sure that you have all of the required documents to return to the US, including a valid passport, a valid F-1 or J-1 visa, and an I-20 or DS-2019 with a valid travel signature. If the signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 will be more than 12 months old (6 months for students on OPT or STEM OPT) when you return to the US, you should visit the ISSS office for an updated signature before you leave or online. Review the detailed instructions on our Travel page for more information. Students who are on OPT or STEM OPT should review our OPT Travel page.
- Be aware of anything you have posted on social media or any public statements you have shared. The U.S. Department of State and Department of Homeland Security have indicated that they are using AI to review information that international students and scholars have posted online, and this information may be used in decisions for visa issuance, entry to the U.S., and immigration enforcement.
- If your passport will be expiring soon, make sure that you start the renewal process as soon as possible. Your passport must always be valid at least 6 months into the future.
- If your F-1 or J-1 visa has expired, you should use extra caution when traveling. Be sure to schedule your visa appointment and as far in advance as possible. Visa processing times can vary greatly between consulates, and you may be subject to administrative processing or other delays. You should be prepared for the possibility that you may be delayed outside the U.S. for an extended period of time or even indefinitely. Individuals who are applying for visas will likely be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to 鈥減ublic.鈥 The Department of State has indicated that they will be conducting a comprehensive and thorough vetting of each applicant鈥檚 online presence, which could include additional online information beyond social media accounts.
- If you have experienced any interaction with law enforcement, you should consult with an ISSS advisor about the potential risks of travel.
- Monitor emails from ISSS for any updates related to travel restrictions. It is possible that new travel restrictions could be enacted while you are outside the U.S. that would prevent you from returning.
The ISSS Office recommends that you use caution when planning travel outside the United States. Travel restrictions have the potential to affect your ability to return to the United States. If you choose to travel internationally, your travel plans may be disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the U.S. for an indefinite amount of time.
If you choose to travel outside the United States, you should ensure that you have back-up plans in place in case you are delayed or are unable to return to the U.S. Please note that entry to the U.S. is always subject to the discretion of Customs and Border Protection, and ISSS cannot guarantee re-entry. If you face difficulty when entering the U.S., you or a CBP officer can contact ISSS during business hours at 607.777.2510. If you are re-entering the U.S. and face difficulty outside of business hours, you or a CBP officer can contact the University Police Department at 607.777.2393.
4. Semester Withdrawal Deadline Reminder
The spring 2026 withdrawal deadline is Wednesday, May 6, 2025 at 3:00pm. As a reminder, international students must maintain a full course of study for the entire semester to maintain a valid immigration status. You must receive written authorization from ISSS before withdrawing from any courses that would result in a below full-time enrollment. The latest date that ISSS can authorize a reduced course load is the last day of classes. If you are considering withdrawing from the spring 2026 semester or have questions about whether or not you may qualify for a reduced course load, you should speak with an ISSS advisor during advising hours.
5. Leadership Volunteers Needed for Fall 2026 International Student Orientation
The ISSS is currently recruiting Leadership Volunteers for the Fall 2026 International Student Orientation! All international and domestic students are welcome! Leadership Volunteers are a select group of current 91社区 students who join ISSS staff to welcome new international students during Fall International Student Orientation.
The Fall 2026 International Student Orientation is a two-day orientation on Tuesday, August 11 and Wednesday, August 12. Leadership Volunteer Training will take place Monday, August 10.
During Orientation, Leadership Volunteers greet new international students at check-in, welcome them during the introductory meeting, participate in group events, provide reassurance and essential information, and most importantly contribute to a warm and sincere presence for new international students during their first few days on campus. Many new students tell the ISSS how important the Leadership Volunteers were to their initial experience at 91社区. Many Leadership Volunteers tell the ISSS how valuable the training was to their own professional and personal development.
If you would like to volunteer, please by Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 8:00am. If you have any questions please contact ISSS Programming Coordinator, Annie Kennedy akennedy66@binghamton.edu.
6. The Clock is Ticking on the Optional Practical Training (OPT) Application
F-1 students who will be graduating in May 2026 and plan to apply for Post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), are reminded to submit their application to the ISSS office as soon as possible. It can take 7-10 business days for the ISSS office to process a new OPT I-20. After an I-20 is created, an OPT application must then be submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and then it can take 3-5 months to receive your EAD card. USCIS must receive an OPT application no later than sixty days after the degree conferral date, which is May 17, 2026. Click here for additional information regarding the OPT application requirements. If you have any questions contact us at intlwork@binghamton.edu.
7. Extension of Stay
If your I-20 or DS-2019 is ending this semester but you will need additional time to complete your degree, you must apply for an extension at least one month before your I-20 or DS-2019 will expire. You can review the requirements for an I-20 or DS-2019 extension on the ISSS website. If you have questions about the extension process, you should speak with an ISSS advisor during advising hours or email intlext@binghamton.edu.
8. OurBus Services from 91社区-Newark-JFK
Moving out? Need to catch a flight from Newark or JFK airport back home? OurBus has opened bus lines from 91社区 to Newark and JFK airports that are running from May 7-26. Check out the bus schedule .
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