Winter Break Closure & End of Year Reminders
As we near the end of the year, the Office of International Services would like to share some reminders regarding office operations, immigration, and travel.
End of Year Office Operations & Closure
- Access to the OIS main office will end at 3:00 p.m. Dec. 16 through 19. The Student Services Building (SSB) will close early this week. Therefore, only virtual services will be available from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
- OIS will operate remotely on Friday, Dec. 20, and Monday, Dec. 23. While advisors will be available to meet virtually, respond to emails, and process requests during this time, in-person visits will not be possible.
- OIS will be closed for winter break starting Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024, and reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. Advisors will not be available during this time. However, immigration requests, including the mandatory Immigration Check-In with OIS for new international students and scholars, can still be submitted through myOIS. Requests will be processed upon the reopening of our office on Jan. 2, 2025.
Immigration & Travel Reminders
- Members of the UIC international community are encouraged to review all immigration and international travel documents early to identify and address any necessary extensions, corrections, or updates well in advance of the office closure on Dec. 24. Please keep in mind standard process times and if needed, make an appointment with an advisor to discuss your case.
- For those traveling outside the U.S. during winter break, review the travel guidance page thoroughly to ensure you have all documents needed for a smooth re-entry to the U.S.
- For those renewing or applying for visas outside the U.S. during winter break, connect with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate you plan to utilize for your renewal and review their instructions and local operational updates closely. Consider meeting with an OIS advisor prior to departure to discuss your case.
- For those with pending or newly approved F-1 OPT, review the travel information provided on the F-1 Optional Practical Training page to help you decide if and when to travel outside the U.S. Connect with an OIS advisor if you have questions.
- For those officially ending their time at UIC, take steps to properly close out or transfer your immigration record. Instructions are available on the OIS website for F-1 students, J-1 EV Students, and J-1 EV Scholars. All other statuses can connect with an OIS advisor for guidance.
Winter Break Emergency Information
- If you experience an emergency on-campus, connect with UIC Police by calling (312) 355-5555. Visit UIC Police online for more services and non-emergency contact information.
- If you experience an emergency off-campus, connect with local fire, medical, and/or police emergency services by calling 911.
- If you experience an immigration travel-related emergency, review OIS support resources.
OIS would like to wish everyone in the UIC international community the best of luck in finishing the semester. For those finishing their first term at UIC - great work! Those graduating or completing programs - congratulations! We hope you have a restful and restorative winter break and look forward to working with you in the new year.
If you have any questions about this announcement, please contact us at +1 (312) 996-3121 or ois@uic.edu.
Modified on December 05, 2024