General ISSS Announcements
1. OHR Operations - Updates for Foreign National Employees
On January 15, OHR Operations sent an email regarding the new I-9 process for foreign national employees. This email contains important information about I-9 processes, ISSS check-in requirements, and other required steps for new F-1 and J-1 Foreign National Employees. Please read the information on the ISSS website if you did not receive the email.
2. Recent Regulatory Changes Bring Attention to Need for Supervisors to Review Limits for F-1 and J-1 Students
At the beginning of the semester, it’s important for supervisors to understand the limitations international students in F1 and J-1 visa status have on employment in the U.S. While the rules regarding employment for F-1 students and J-1 students have not changed, recent regulatory changes have impacted the severity of the repercussions for students who do not follow the F-1 and J-1 visa rules regarding work eligibility.
ISSS continues to reach out to students to make sure that they understand what is permitted in their visa status. It is also important, however, that departments help by encouraging supervisors to review and follow these rules. Please contact ISSS if you have any questions.
3. How to Hire UMN International Students
At the University of Minnesota, we encourage hiring units to seek out the talent our UMN international students have to offer. Our recent webinar offers tips to employers, including UMN departments, on how easy it is to diversify your workforce with international candidates. The recording is less than 30 minutes long and can be watched in brief, individual segments.
4. Agreement Reached for Temporary End to Government Shutdown
An agreement was reached on Friday to allow the federal government to temporarily reopen while budget negotiations occur. While most immigration functions had not been affected due to the shutdown, we do not know whether there may be delays as operations resume. Additionally, as the current agreement will only allow the government to be open for three weeks, it is possible that there may be another government shutdown if an agreement cannot be reached.
Some media outlets have reported that grant funds from NIH and other government agencies were not made available during the shutdown. It is important to note that H-1B/E-3 employees must continue to be paid per the terms of their most recent petition, as agreed to in the employer-signed certification statement.
5. Register for the ISSS Intercultural Workshop Series
ISSS is pleased to announce the ISSS Intercultural Workshop Series for Spring 2019. The series includes sessions focused on intercultural competency and skills development as well as “Culture In-Depth” sessions discussing the unique practices, customs, and values of some of the largest international student populations on our campus. The workshops help UMN staff members gain greater cultural self-awareness, an understanding of the contributions of international students, and communication skills to improve interactions and relationships with international students, staff, and faculty. The full descriptions for each session, including a list of learning outcomes, can be found on the ISSS website, and registration is now open on Training Hub. | 
