Do you experience problems when traveling through a U.S. Port of Entry? Have you been informed by a U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Officer that your record is not properly reflected in the CBP database? Are you frequently required to go through secondary screening at the airport or border?… read more
Immigration Updates
Spring 2015 Graduates, It’s Time to Apply for Post-Completion OPT!
Are you an F-1 student graduating in May 2015? If you are interested in gaining work experience after completing your degree, now is the ideal time to start the application process for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is a type of work authorization allowing eligible F-1 students to work… read more
Are you Traveling Internationally for Winter Break?
Review Your I-20 or DS-2019 Don’t forget to check your I-20/DS-2019 for a valid travel signature: Look at page 3 of the I-20 (F-1 students) or page 1 of the DS-2019 (J-1 students/scholars) and check the date that the document was last signed for travel by an immigration advisor. If… read more
Timing and U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident Status
With conflicting information online, when do I speak with my employer about obtaining my “green card“? Well, it depends… While every student’s case differs, on campus, we often recommend speaking with your employer about applying for a green card after you have H-1B nonimmigrant visa status. H-1B visa status differs from… read more
Advising Schedule for the End of the Fall 2014 Semester
The International Office will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving November 27 and 28, 2014 and also December 22, 2014 through January 1, 2015 for the winter holiday. If your I-20 or DS-2019 expires on December 31, 2014 and you plan to continue your program after the fall 2014 semester,… read more
Stay Informed: Scams Affecting International Students & Scholars
International students & scholars are often targeted by anonymous individuals alleging to be police officers or individuals working for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in an attempt to extort money from them. This is considered a scam or dishonest act. Recently, two international students informed the International Office that they… read more
‘Tis the Season for Travel Signatures!
Students, are you planning to travel outside of the United States? As you begin thinking about your Thanksgiving and winter break plans, don’t forgot to obtain a travel signature if you plan to leave the United States. The travel validation signature can be found on page 3 of the I-20 and… read more
Beware of Immigration Scams
FosterQuan, an immigration law firm with offices in Austin, published a recent article about immigration scams that target H-1B employees in particular, as well as other foreign nationals. We thought it was important information to share with our international population at UT. The article mentions the following tactics used by… read more
Dropping classes and maintaining status
Tuesday, November 4, is the last day an undergraduate student can withdraw from the university or drop a class, with the dean’s approval. It is also the last day that an undergraduate student may change registration for a class to a pass/fail basis. If you’re thinking about dropping a class,… read more
Is it too early to apply for Post-Completion OPT if I am graduating in Fall 2014?
So you might be wondering when is the appropriate time to apply for Post-Completion OPT if you will graduate in Fall 2014 or defend your dissertation within the next 120 days. The answer to your question is now! For some students who already have a full-time job offer to begin… read more