Below are our 10 most valuable tips on being prepared to secure a quick turnaround visa: 1.   Complete the visa application Form DS-160 and pay the fee Completing Form DS-160 is the first step to being prepared for a quick turnaround visa. These forms can be submitted at the U.S. embassy in your home country […]

Amidst this turbulent time, we would like to take a moment to recognize important causes that may receive less attention than warranted. At LewerMark, one such cause that we’re very passionate about occurs each April: Sexual Assault Awareness Month. There’s a scary truth that we must confront about life on college campuses. One report states […]

If you’re an international student looking for practical, on-the-job experience, Optional Practical Training (OPT) has historically been the best first step for you. Unfortunately, recent news regarding OPT, including two different lawsuits, may give students pause as they consider life after graduation. Despite these recent developments, OPT is still a popular path to start a […]

It may seem foolhardy to think of another global health concern in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, but this one has been with us for centuries: tuberculosis. When it comes to tuberculosis, it’s the proverbial “Good News, Bad News” situation. First, the Bad News. Tuberculosis (TB) is still the world’s deadliest infection, killing more […]

Coming to America: An International Student Perspective The first time someone hears my accent, they immediately start a guessing game. “Are you from England?” The next one often is,“Are you from Down Under?” “A Kiwi perhaps?” No, I’m from South Africa. “Oh?” Eyebrows shoot up and a pause always follows. “But you’re white!” Yes. Over […]

Every year, preventable diseases strike thousands of people in the U.S., including international students. National Immunization Awareness Month is a campaign held each August to highlight the importance of vaccinations and how they can prevent certain, often highly contagious diseases. For international students, receiving certain immunizations should be an utmost priority. Viruses and bacteria exist […]

“Did I forget something?” says almost every international student who leaves their home for the airport. It is a question tinged with apprehension. Packing for college is a balancing act; you need to bring enough, but you also know you probably will live in a small room with roommates. Space matters—a lot. As a recent […]

Lounging on the couch to watch television is a dull way to spend the summer months. If you are an international student studying in the U.S. for the summer, there are countless opportunities for some fun in the sun. So, put down that TV remote, get off the couch, and learn how to avoid the […]

  Blood Is Constantly Needed While driving across town, you might see a sign that reads “Blood Drive Today, Please Donate.” Make no mistake; this is not a simple statement. It’s a cry for help! Blood banks constantly request and collect donations because hospitals are in an almost constant blood shortage crisis for surgeries and […]

IMPORTANT: The main tax form for residents is 1040-R. This has certain laws and deductions that the form for tax non-residents (1040-NR) do not get. If you file a 1040-R as a tax non-resident, you will be penalized. Scholarships exceeding the value of school costs (tuition, fees) are taxable income. Plan accordingly. (Athletes, this means […]