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
Immigration Updates
Fall 2019 Employment Seminar
Join us to learn about various work visa options! The ISSS Advising Team, along with Immigration Attorney Jason Finkelman, is hosting FREE information sessions on post graduation/completion employment options and work visa types for the international student and scholar population at The University of Texas at Austin. Our event will… read more
Cap-Gap Extensions
Hello students! With H-1B season right around the corner, we understand that many of you may be wondering how filing for the H-1B might affect your current OPT status. Read on for information on the Cap-Gap extension for F-1 students on OPT. A Cap-Gap extension is an extension of the… read more
Lawyer Referral Service – State Bar of Texas
Did you know that the State Bar of Texas* has a useful resource called the Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS)? If you are not sure how to go about finding a lawyer, the LRIS may be a good place to start. After you provide some basic information about your… read more
Optional Practical Training (OPT) for Spring 2019
Are you an F-1 student who will graduate in spring 2019? Do you want to work in the U.S. after graduation? If you answered yes to both questions, then you want to apply for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is work authorization for F-1 students that allows you to… read more
A Guide to Taking Online Courses and Maintaining Immigration Status
Registering for spring online classes? Be sure you are maintaining status when doing so… You have many things to consider when choosing classes. Will the course you want fit into your degree requirement? Will your course load allow you enough time to maintain a healthy balance between your studies and… read more
USCIS Revised Policy on Unlawful Presence
U.S. Customs and Immigration Services recently announced changes to their policy regarding violation of status and the accrual of unlawful presence. While these changes will not affect the majority of our students, it is important to be aware of potential consequences should you violate your F-1 or J-1 status. What… read more
2020 Diversity Visa Lottery
The Diversity Immigrant Visa Lottery is an annual program that makes immigrant diversity visas available to eligible persons from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. The entry registration period for the 2020 Diversity Immigrant Visa Lottery (DV-2020) will be open from October 3, 2018 –… read more
Reminders for Re-entering the United States
Welcome Back, International Longhorns! We hope those of you returning to Austin to resume your studies have had a restful summer vacation—our office is looking forward to welcoming you back to campus! As you prepare for your return, we strongly encourage you to plan ahead to ensure you do not… read more
Cap-gap Extensions
A Cap-Gap extension is an extension of F-1 visa status and Post-Completion OPT work authorization. This extension automatically occurs when someone in F-1 status is a beneficiary of a timely filed H-1B petition subject to the Cap requesting a change of status and the employment start date is October 1st. ISSS can… read more