What’s New with IVO? DOS Visa Office Announces New E-mail for F/M/J Inquiries The State Department (DOS) Bureau of Consular Affairs, the DOS Public Liaison Unit now has a Student/Exchange Visitor Visa Center! All schools and exchange sponsors can submit inquiries through the following e-mail address: fmjvisas@state.gov. If a student or exchange visitor would like to find out about a visa case by phone, s/he should continue to use the current Public Inquiries number (202.663.1225). State hopes the new e-mail and center will provide even better service to schools and sponsors. NAFSA teleconference with the State Department Visa Office The Q&A from the August 11, 2008 NAFSA teleconference with the State Department Visa Office has been posted on NAFSA's Web site. Topics discussed in this call include OPT, required documents, interview language, DS-7002, PIMS, and more. USCIS Responds to 2008 USCIS Ombud Report USCIS responds to recommendations made in the USCIS Ombudsman Annual Report 2008, highlighting actions taken by the agency to achieve some of the Ombud recommendations. DHS Extends Period of Optional Practical Training for Certain Highly Skilled Foreign Students The U.S. Department of Homeland Security released today an interim final rule extending the period of Optional Practical Training (OPT) from 12 to 29 months for qualified F-1 non-immigrant students. State Department Posts Annual Student/Exchange Visitor Cable The Department of State posted its annual student and exchange visitor visa issues cable on April 3, 2008. The cable instructs posts regarding procedures for expediting F, M, and J appointments and clarifies information on Form DS-2019. U.S. Visa Policy News Information on U.S. Visa policy updates and resources for prospective travelers.		International Visitors Office The International Visitors Office (IVO), a program operated by BISO, is a resource on visa-related issues for the National Academies, Academy members, scientists and students traveling to the United States for professional activities. APPLY EARLY! All visa applicants are encouraged to apply early (at least 3 months before they need to travel to the United States). It currently takes about 8 weeks for the Department of State, to complete all the necessary administrative processes to have your visa issued. IVO News & Events View events and activities organized by the IVO, including presentations and articles by IVO staff and volunteers. Links Other visa-related sites at the National Academies, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Contact Us International Visitors Office The National Academies 500 Fifth Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20001 Phone: 202-334-2339/2807 Fax: 202-334-2231 Email: visas@nas.edu		Visa Questionnaire The Visa Questionnaire collects information on scientific mobility and the free flow of scientists. Data will be used for the purpose of tracking trends and to assist visa applicants whenever possible. Please submit a questionnaire only if your case has been pending for more than 60 days. Statistics View general statistics on the visa questionnaire submitted to the IVO.
				Meeting Organizer Resources Are you organizing a meeting in the United States? Obtain advice for planning international meetings in the United States, such as instructions for registering your meetings with the U.S. Department of State.
				Travel to the U.S. Information on obtaining a U.S. visa and what to do in the event of delay or denial. Travel from the U.S. Information for U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens who plan to travel to another country from the United States.
Revised 14 October 2008