Other Sources of Information
The former Department of Immigration and Nationalization Services ("INS") is now known as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ("USCIS"), a bureau of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Its Web site at: www.uscis.gov includes many helpful references and links to the applicable federal laws and regulations, as well as forms. The USCIS also maintains local offices. The general information number is 612-854-7754, although you should be aware that it is often difficult to get through by phone.
Department of State Travel Advisories www.travel.state.gov/
International Advisor Resources
A good source of immigration-related information that is geared to institutions of higher education is NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Its Web site at: www.nafsa.org contains useful information and links, and the organization has published numerous practical booklets and manuals that are available for purchase. Some information is available to the public, but much is limited to members.
Information about international student programs in the metro area is available through the International Student and Scholar Services Web site of the University of Minnesota: www.isss.umn.edu.
All Minnesota State Colleges and Universities international student advisors are encouraged to join the Minnesota International Educators (MIE). MIE is a statewide organization of international student advisors that meets every other month durthe the academic year. Members share best practices and get up-dated information on new laws, regulations, and government services of relevance to international students. For more information see: www.stthomas.edu/oiss/mie/.
Extensive resources on the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) are located at: www.ice.gov/sevis/ .
