ISSS-BU News 23 March 2009 ISSS-BU News
An electronic news service for international students and scholars, owned by the Office of International Student and Scholar Services at Binghamton University, State University of New York
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Editor’s Note: ISSS-BU News congratulates the BU Men’s Basketball Team for an excellent season. Although the team lost to Duke University in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, just making it to the NCAA is a huge achievement, and we hope to see them back at the NCAAs next year!
Planning to travel during Spring Break? Be sure that you have read our travel information at:
http://isss.binghamton.edu/travel/springbrk.html and be sure you have your insurance ID card with you when you travel.
CONTENTS:
1.International Students Receive Graduate School Awards for Excellence
2. Rare Full-Length Performance Of Cinderella On Stage At The Anderson Center, Wednesday March 25
3. European Students Association Sponsors Movie Night Thursday March 26
4. Is Box 13 Checked on Your New York State W-2 Form?
5. Forms 1042-S Have Now Been Distributed
6. Important Items to Remember When Completing Income Tax Forms
7. Will Your I-20 or DS-2019 Expire Soon?
8. H-1B Visa Issues: USCIS Issues Interim Rule on H-1B Visa Processing
9. Beware of An H-1B Scam
10. Sign Up for the “Learn to Lead” Workshop Series
11. Income Tax Information: How To File an Amended Tax Return
1. International Students Receive Graduate School Awards for Excellence
We want to congratulate the following international students who were honored on March 17, 2009 with awards from the Graduate School for excellence in research, teaching, and service/outreach. A total of twenty-two graduate students, both domestic and international, were honored. Well done!!
Graduate Student Award for Excellence in Teaching:
Irmak Ertuna, Comparative Literature
Selin Gursozlu, Philosophy
Ming Liu, Management
Hye-Ri Oh, Art History
Graduate Student Award for Excellence in Research:
Siddharth Bhopte, Mechanical Engineering
Deniz Karakas, Art History
Ilir Snopce, Math
Yi Sun, Computer Science
Jun Zhang, Chemistry
2. Rare Full-Length Performance Of Cinderella On Stage At The Anderson Center, Wednesday March 25
A treat is in store for the audience when the Russian National Ballet’s company of 50 performs a full-length Cinderella, a rarity in Binghamton, on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, at 8 p.m on the Osterhout Concert Theater stage at the Anderson Center. The legendary Boshoi principal dancer, Elena Radchenko, is Artistic Director for this three-act ballet.
The rags to riches theme in Cinderella can be found in many stories and legends dating back to ancient China, but this version, written by Charles Perrault is the most familiar one and serves as the basis of this well-loved, timeless classic. Lavish sets, gorgeous costumes and delightful music composed by Sergei Prokofiev will help tell this fairy tale of everlasting love.
Single tickets for this event are $21 for Students, $36 for Seniors and $41 for the General Public. Call the Box Office at (607) 777-ARTS or visit http://anderson.binghamton.edu
Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount.
The Anderson Center Lounge will be open 45 minutes prior to the performance and at intermission. Beer, wine, soda and water are available. (ID required). Pre-concerts dinners are now available. Please contact the Sodexho Catering Office at (607) 777-2925 for details.
3. European Students Association Sponsors Movie Night Thursday March 26
The European Students Association (ESA) is sponsoring a Movie Night at the Art Mission and Theatre for Thursday Evening, March 26 at 7:45pm. There are two screenings to choose from:
Option #1: Revolutionary Road - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0959337/
Option #2: The Oscar Nominated Short Films 2009 (Live Action), 5 short movies, total Runtime 1h39m, more info: http://www.artmission.org/Theater.html
The Art Mission and Theater is located at 61 Prospect Avenue in downtown Binghamton, For directions: visit http://www.artmission.org/Directions.html
Student admission is $7. Refreshments will be provided by ESA.
For more information, contact: European Students Association at SUNY Binghamton
esa.binghamton@gmail.com
4. Is Box 13 Checked on Your New York State W-2 Form?
Some of our students who are GAs and TAs are completing their NYS income tax forms, and have noted that for some individuals their W-2 forms issued by NYS have box 13 checked "retirement plan." The check box indicates that they are eligible to join the NYS Employee’s Retirement System – it does not necessarily mean that a student has actually enrolled in a retirement plan. For the purposes of completing NYS Form IT-2, if Box 13 on your New York State W-2 is checked as “retirement plan” leave Box 13 on Form IT-2 blank.
5. Forms 1042-S Have Now Been Distributed
International students who are non-residents for tax purposes, and who were eligible to receive form 1042-S based on either a scholarship or a tax treaty by filing special forms with either Mr. Fred Bucalos of the Office of Human Resources, or with the SUNY Research Foundation should have now received their 1042-S Forms in the mail. If you have not already done so, please use CINTAX to report the income listed on the 1042-S on your tax returns. If you do not yet have a CINTAX account, you may obtain one by requesting an access code at: http://isss.binghamton.edu/taxes/cintax.htm
6. Important Items to Remember When Completing Income Tax Forms
A number of students sometimes forget all of the necessary steps when completing their income tax forms. Here is a helpful reminder for ISSS-BU News readers:
7. Will Your I-20 or DS-2019 Expire Soon?
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) will send out e-mail messages within the next two weeks to all currently registered degree students whose most recent SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 will expire in May or during the summer. Exchange students whose programs end in May will not be included in this mailing. Do not let your I-20 or DS-2019 expire if you will be continuing at Binghamton beyond the form's expiration date! If you have questions, please come to the ISSS.
8. H-1B Visa Issues: USCIS Issues Interim Rule on H-1B Visa Processing
Many ISSS-BU News readers are aware that starting April 1, 2009, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin to accept H1-B petitions that are subject to the “cap” or limit and have start dates of October 1, 2009. It is expected that the available visa numbers will run out quickly. USCIS announced on March 19, 2009 that it plans to publish an Interim Final Rule on H-1B visas explaining the selection process and prohibiting multiple filings. The official rule will be published soon.
USCIS states that the rule will ensure fair and orderly distribution of available H-1B visas by providing companies filing H-1B petitions which are subject to the congressionally mandated numerical limits an equal chance. This rule will affect the filing of H-1B petitions beginning April 1, 2009.
The significant items cited in the interim final rule include:
Separately, USCIS has announced new rules for Employers who receive Troubled Assets Relief Program funds, known as TARP. USCIS has revised Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, to include a question asking whether the petitioner has received covered funding. A link to the revised form appears below. While USCIS encourages petitioners, whenever possible, to use the most up-to-date form, USCIS will not require use of the revised form in time for the start of the filing period for fiscal year 2010.
However, USCIS urges H-1B petitions who have already prepared packages for mailing using the previous Form I-129 (January 2009 version) to complete only the page in the revised version of the Form I-129 (March 2009) which has the new question on EAWA attestation requirements and to file this single page with the prepared package. The single page referenced is the first page on the H-1B Data Collection and Filing Fee Exemption Supplement.
To read the USCIS Update
http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/H-1B_Filing_20mar2009.pdf
To Read the USCIS Questions and Answers on Completing and Submitting the H-1B Application
http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/H-1B_filing_qa_20mar2009.pdf
To read about New Requirements for H-1B Employers and Revision of Form I-129
http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/H-1B_TARP_20mar2009.pdf
To read about TARP Funds and How It Affects H-1B Employers (Q&A)
http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/H-1B_TARP_qa_20Mar2009.pdf
Form I-129 REVISED
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-129.pdf
To Read About the Changes to the H-1B Filing Process for 2009
http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/H-1B_multi_filingFS_19Mar08.pdf
To read the Announcement of Interim Final Rule on H-1Bs, Pertaining to Duplicate Filings
http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/H-1B_multi_filing_19Mar08.pdf
Text of Draft Interim Final Rule (pre-publication)
http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/H-1B_multiple_filing_ifr.pdf
A nationally-known immigration attorney is warning students of an H-1B scam that seems to be circulating among a number international students across the United States.
The scam involves an employer who has no intention of hiring the student, and the student has no intention of working for the employer. Yet, in exchange for a fee, the employer will complete the necessary immigration paperwork for the student to obtain an H-1B visa. This is done with the idea that if the application is approved, the student will be counted in the H-1B quota, and when he/she finds a real job, the real employer can then file an employment petition based on the student already having been counted in the quota.
However, the attorney warns students that if they have an employer who has no intention of hiring them and files an H petition on their behalf, and they have no intention of working there, it is FRAUD.
Fraud, if discovered, can render the student permanently inadmissible to the United States under INA Sec. 212(a)(6)(C), waivable in only very limited circumstances. It can also result in some cases, in federal criminal charges against both "employer" and student. The U.S. government is currently investigating a number of H-1B employers and conducting audits.
We mention this to warn you away from such schemes and scams. The consequences of being caught are very real and carry grave consequences.
10. Sign Up for the “Learn to Lead” Workshop Series
The XCEL Center announces this year’s “Learn to Lead” Workshop Series. “Learn to Lead” is back and better than ever! “Learn to Lead” now features 30 workshops, and 3 different certificate levels! Students can complete a certificate over the course of multiple semesters, or certificates can be completed in one semester! Workshops and certificates are designed to help you reach your leadership potential, whether you are a new student just starting out or a senior ready to graduate!
All programs are open to both undergraduate and graduate students, however, it has been developed specifically with undergraduate students in mind. Many workshops are facilitated by undergraduates, but graduate students have attended the programs in the past, and they have typically enjoyed the workshops.
Why should you participate?
There are many, many reasons why you should get involved with the "Learn to Lead" Workshop Series!
What are the certificate levels and themes?
LEVEL I - GENERAL LEADERSHIP
The General Leadership Certificate is designed to allow you to pick and choose which workshops you'd like to attend! Select any 7 workshops from all of our workshop offerings and complete an online journal for each session you attend.
LEVEL II
The Level II Certificates allow you to focus on specific skills and leadership applications. Choose one theme and complete the following requirements:
Level II Themes – Choose from “Life Skills” and “Organization Leadership”. The Life Skills theme is all about personal development and building on the skills you will use for the rest of your life. The Organization Leadership theme is particularly useful to students who are in student organizations, as the workshops focus on specific skills that you need to be a successful group member and leader. For specific workshops, visit xcel.binghamton.edu
LEVEL III
The Level III Certificate is designed to provide participants with an in-depth study of leadership. Choose one theme and complete the following requirements:
Level III Themes – Choose from “Leadership Theory” and “Social Justice Leadership”. There are many different perspectives on leadership, and the Leadership Theory theme is designed to allow participants to explore the many different views of leadership. The Social Justice theme is all about understanding the current systems of privilege and how you can become an agent for social change. For specific workshops, visit xcel.binghamton.edu
How do I get started?
Visit http://xcel.binghamton.edu/services/workshops/, where you can view the full calendar of workshops, certificate requirements, and more! To get started, you have to register for your certificate online. Once you are registered, make sure you attend all of the workshops for your track, complete your online journals, and complete any other certificate requirements.
Questions & More Information
If you have questions or would like more information about the “Learn to Lead” Workshop Series & certificate program, visit http://xcel.binghamton.edu/services/workshops/ . You can also contact Grace Fama, Coordinator for Leadership Development & Special Programs at gfama@binghamton.edu
11. Income Tax Information: How To File an Amended Tax Return
Some students have already filed their federal and state income tax returns, only to find that additional income reports for calendar year 2008 have arrived in the mail, either in the form of a W-2 or 1042-S. In such situations, an amended return needs to be filed. The instructions below are also available at: http://isss.binghamton.edu/taxes/taxamend.htm
Here's how to file an amended return.
To amend a federal return 1040NR EZ or 1040NR, first enter the updated information into CINTAX, and print a new 1040NR EZ or 1040NR. Write “amended” at the top of the new 1040NR EZ or 1040NR. Then, obtain form 1040X and instructions either from the IRS website:
Form: http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040x.pdf
Instructions: http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040x.pdf
or by visiting the ISSS and obtaining a paper copy of form 1040X and instructions.
Only enter your name, address and social security number on form 1040X. Also, complete line B on the front of the 1040X and part II on page 2 of form1040X (Part II is on the reverse side of the form). Include in part II of form 1040X an explanation of the changes or corrections being made. Be sure to sign the bottom of the 1040X. Attach the Part B federal copy of any new W-2 or 1042-S you are reporting. Attach the new 1040NR EZ or 1040NR behind the 1040X. Both the 1040X and amended 1040NR EZ should be sent to the same Austin, Texas address where you mailed your original 1040NR EZ or 1040NR, which is: Internal Revenue Service Center, Austin, TX 73301-0215.
If you also filed a New York State form IT 203, you will need to amend that form as well, but the procedure is different than it is for the federal forms. To amend NYS form IT 203, obtain form IT 203-X and instructions from the New York State Tax Department website:
http://www.tax.state.ny.us/pdf/2008/fillin/inc/it203x_2008_fill_in.pdf
or by visiting the ISSS. Complete the IT 203-X in the same way you filled out the original IT 203, but this time make all necessary changes or corrections on the new form. Also complete Part IV and sign at the bottom of page 3. Prepare a new IT-2 if necessary. Attach any 1042-S you are reporting. The IT 203-X and all attachments should be sent to: State Processing Center, PO Box 61000, Albany, New York 12261-0001.
Remember to make all necessary adjustments to total income and taxes when completing the amended forms, and keep copies of everything you send.
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