Who is a Resident Alien for Tax Purposes? Generally, students who have been in the US for longer than 5 years and scholars who have been in the US for longer than 2 years are resident aliens for tax purposes. If you have questions about your particular situation, you can… read more
Spring Graduates: Apply Now for OPT!
Are you an F-1 student interested in gaining work experience in the U.S. after completing your degree at UT? If so, you should consider applying for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT allows students in valid F-1 status to gain up to 12 months of work experience in their field of study.… read more
Fall 2013 Graduates: Deadline to Apply for OPT is Near!
Did you graduate in December 2013 or have you recently defended your dissertation? Are you an F-1 student interested in gaining work experience after completing your degree? If so, you should consider applying for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT allows students in valid F-1 status to gain up to… read more
Issues with Obtaining a Driver’s License or Social Security Number
International applicants for a Texas driver’s license or Social Security Number (SSN) must be processed through the government’s SAVE database at the Department of Public Safety (DPS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) before receiving the benefit they are applying for. The SAVE database confirms F-1 and J-1 visitors’ valid status… read more
Planning to Graduate In Absentia?
Graduating “In Absentia” means that you will complete your degree requirements as a non-registered student. Not sure what this means? For example, say you complete your thesis after the summer semester submission deadline but before fall classes begin. You then apply for in absentia graduation: you will not be a… read more
Student Health Insurance Waivers and Continuing Coverage
Spring/Summer Insurance Waivers If you hold insurance coverage that meets UT’s minimum requirements, you may be eligible to waive the UT student health insurance plan. Waiver forms and instructions are posted on the ISSS insurance webpage. Some important notes: Insurance waivers are no longer accepted by fax. Waivers should be emailed… read more
Traveling During Winter Break? Don’t Forget Your Travel Signature!
Thanksgiving and winter breaks are coming soon, so it’s time to start preparing for your travel plans! If you are traveling internationally, please don’t forget that you need a valid travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 in order to reenter the United States. The travel validation signature can be found… read more
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Reminder for Spring Internships
International students with off-campus internship offers for the spring 2014 semester should apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization as soon as possible. Spring internships requiring CPT must start and end within the spring semester dates, Dec. 22, 2013 – May 17, 2014. CPT is temporary employment authorization directly related… read more
Fall 2013 Q-Drop Deadline: Tuesday November 5th
The Q-drop deadline for undergraduates is Tuesday, November 5th. If you’re thinking about dropping a class, don’t forget about the potential impact on your immigration status. All F-1 and J-1 international students must be enrolled for a full-time course load. Undergraduates must be enrolled for 12 credit hours and graduate… read more
Fall Graduates: Apply Now for Post-Completion OPT
Are you an F-1 student interested in gaining work experience after completing your degree? If so, you should consider applying for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT allows students in valid F-1 status to gain up to 12 months of work experience in their field of study. We recommend that you… read more
