1. OPT

OPT stands for optional practical training. This is a program that international students can apply for a one-year work experience after completion of their studies. The training must be directly related to the student’s field of study and commensurate with the student’s educational level. The training may be part-time during the student’s studies or full-time during vacation and holidays. OPT after course completion must be full-time. A student who wishes to apply for OPT must apply 60 days prior to the last day of classes. OPT is granted for a period of 12 months. In order to apply for the OPT the student must complete forms I-538 and I-765. Students seeking OPT must request the international student advisor to complete OPT processing. The application requires a recommendation in SEVIS by the International student’s officer and approval by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If it approves the practical training request, the USCIS issues an Employment Authorization Document (EAC). The student must apply to the International student’s officer by submitting the following:

• Documentation from his/her academic advisor indicating the current academic status and the expected date of completion of studies. The completion of studies could mean completion of course work or the date of final thesis submission.
• Transcript or academic record
• Form I-765
• Passport
• Form I-94 (Photocopy of both sides)
• Current Form I-20

2. Taxes

The information provided is for your benefit if you are classified as a nonresident alien for tax purposes. Requirements of the Internal Revenue Service stipulate that nonresident aliens follow certain guidelines for completing Form W-4.

If you are considered a nonresident alien for tax purposes, you should fill out Form W-4 using the following instructions instead of the instructions on the form. This is because of the restrictions on a nonresident alien's filing status, the limited number of personal exemptions a nonresident alien is allowed, and because a nonresident alien cannot claim the standard deduction.

1. Check only "Single" marital status on line 3 (regardless of your
actual marital status).

2. Claim only one allowance on line 5, unless you are a resident of
Canada, Mexico, or the Republic of Korea (South Korea), or a U. S.
national.

3. Write "Nonresident Alien" or "NRA" on the dotted line on line 6.
You can request additional withholding on line 6 at your option.
4. Do not claim "Exempt" withholding status on line 7.

In order to assure our compliance with this IRS requirement, we are asking university employees classified as non-resident aliens to come by the Payroll Office and visit with the Payroll Services Manager in room 203 of the Administration Building no later than April 20, 2007. You will need to complete a 2007 form W-4 following the instructions listed above. If you believe you are exempt from withholding or can claim additional withholding allowances because of a tax treaty, please inform the payroll representative who is assisting you of these circumstances.

To expedite time, please bring along with you your documents to support your visa type and tax treaty (if applicable). If you have questions about whether or not you are considered a nonresident alien for tax purposes, please call the Payroll Office over extension 8404 or 8403 and ask to speak with Mrs. Ross.

3. International Associations

1. India (Kerala)
Arkansas Kerala Association is a non profit organization registered with State of
Arkansas on Sept 18, 2002. The association is a non-political, non-religious
organization working towards the betterment of the people living in Arkansas who are
associated to Kerala through their activities.

The association is driven by its own by laws and articles of incorporation. The
executive committee of the association has President, Secretary, Treasurer and four
executive committee members. The executive committee takes various decisions
regarding the activities of the association. Onam is a major festival celebrated by the
association. Members receive opportunities to share their cultural and artistic talents on
the platform provided by the association.

The membership of the association is open to anyone who share close contacts with
Kerala. Membership fee for the family is $50 and for single individual it is $25. Please
make the check payable to "Arkansas Kerala Association". Membership fee and
contribution from members are the only income for the association. We plan to do
philanthropic works in the near future.

If you would like to get in touch with the association, please send us an email to
keralaassociation@hotmail.com. Our postal address is

Arkansas Kerala Association
P O Box 242041
Little Rock AR 72223