Greetings from International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)! We are excited to welcome you back to campus. We also want to make sure you understand your enrollment requirements for the upcoming semester, so you can properly maintain your F-1 or J-1 student visa status. Restrictions on Online Enrollment COVID-19 enrollment… read more
Immigration Updates
Apply for Post-Completion OPT
Are you graduating in Spring 2023? If so, now is the time to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Granted by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), OPT is an employment benefit for students with F-1 status to gain practical experience in their major field of study. To successfully… read more
Updates to F-1/J-1 Status for Students Graduating in Spring 2023
Graduating in Spring 2023? Read this important update about your F-1/J-1 status. Are you an F-1 or J-1 student expecting to graduate in Spring 2023? If so, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) wants you to understand some critical information regarding the validity of your I-20/DS-2019. Please carefully read all… read more
Travel Signature Drive and ISSS Holiday Closure
Travel Signature Information Traveling internationally over the break? You must have a current travel signature on your I-20/DS-2019 to re-enter the U.S. from abroad. The travel validation signature is on Page 2 of the I-20 and on Page 1 (bottom right corner) of the DS-2019. The most recent signature must… read more
Travel Update: Proof of Full Vaccination Now Required for Land and Ferry Travel to U.S.
As a result of the rapid global spread of the omicron variant of COVID-19, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Jan. 20, 2022, amended vaccination requirements for all “non-U.S. individuals” entering the United States by land or ferry. What does this mean for F and J students and their… read more
Upcoming Travel Signature Drive and ISSS Holiday Closure
Travel Signature Information Traveling internationally over the break? You must have a current travel signature on your I-20/DS-2019 to re-enter the U.S. from abroad. The travel validation signature is on Page 2 of the I-20 and on Page 1 (bottom right corner) of the DS-2019. The most recent signature must… read more
Important International Travel Update
Dear international Longhorns, We are writing to notify you of an important update regarding international travel to the United States. On Nov. 26, 2021, President Biden issued a proclamation restricting air travel to the United States from certain countries in southern Africa. The proclamation went into effect Nov. 29 at… read more
Important International Travel Updates
On Oct. 25, 2021, President Joseph Biden issued a proclamation specifying that proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is now mandatory for entry into the U.S. from abroad. The proclamation will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Nov. 8, 2021. What are the key points of the… read more
SEVP Policy Guidance and Enrollment Requirements
On April 26, 2021, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) announced an extension of the existing COVID-19 guidance for F-1 students for the 2021-2022 academic year. This guidance specifies what types of enrollment are acceptable for F-1 students to maintain their visa status. J-1 guidance from the Department of… read more
International Travel Reminders for F-1, J-1 Students
International Student and Scholar Services currently advises against inessential international travel due to the challenges posed by COVID-19. If you are an F-1 or J-1 student who needs to travel internationally this summer, here’s what you need to know. Make sure you have a valid travel signature. To re-enter the… read more
