| Winter Travel – Schedule your Visa Appointments ASAP If you are planning to travel internationally and do not have a visa stamp in your passport that is valid beyond your anticipated return date to the US, you will need to apply for a new visa stamp before returning to the country. This does not apply to Canadian nationals. Many consulates experience high demand for appointments during this time of year, and we recommend that you schedule your appointment as soon as possible. Please be sure to bring your original I-797 approval notice with you, and to check with the consulate where you will be completing your stamping to discern any additional requirements. Certain applicants may qualify for a waiver of the in-person interview. The consulate will confirm whether you meet the specific criteria for an interview waiver. If you have any questions or concerns about travel, please contact your Visa Specialist, or our main email address as soon as possible – fsvs@usc.edu . Please also be sure to share a copy of your new I-94 entry record and visa stamp (if applicable) with our team once you are back in the US. Initiate 2024 Hire Cases with FSVS Now – Delays Expected If your hiring unit has made an offer of employment to an incoming staff or faculty member who will require sponsorship in 2024, please connect with FSVS immediately to initiate a case. The continuing resolution (CR) passed by the Federal Government last month expires on February 2, 2024. If the Congressional budget impasse is not resolved by February 2, immigration processing with the US Department of Labor will stop. This will have a direct impact on many nonimmigrant work visas and permanent residency processes. The earlier you connect with FSVS on a new hire, the more likely we are to meet a desired start date for an employee requiring USC sponsorship.  FSVS Holiday Closure – December 21, 2023 to January 2, 2024 The Faculty/Staff Visa Services office will be closed from Thursday, December 21 through Tuesday, January 2 in line with the University’s extended winter recess. Should an urgent issue arise during this time, please email our team mailbox, which will be checked intermittently – fsvs@usc.edu . We wish you and your loved ones a restful and happy holiday season! |