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
F-1 student
Need More Time to Complete Your Studies? Extend your I-20 or DS-2019
Attention F-1 and J-1 students! Is your I-20 or DS-2019 expiring this semester? Do you need more time to finish your studies? If so, you will need to extend your I-20/DS-2019. ISSS can help you with that. First, you’ll need to get in touch with your academic advisor. Ask for… read more
USCIS OPT/STEM OPT Delays and Flexibility
USCIS is currently experiencing delays in issuing receipt notices for OPT and STEM OPT applications. USCIS has acknowledged these delays and are extending some flexibility to OPT or STEM OPT applications received between October 1, 2020 and May 21, 2021. If you applied for OPT and are concerned because your… read more
Optional Practical Training (OPT) for Spring 2018
Are you an F-1 student who will graduate in spring 2018? 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
Optional Practical Training (OPT) for Fall 2017
Are you an F-1 student who will graduate in fall 2017? 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
Optional Practical Training: gain practical experience in your field!
If you are in F-1 status and will be graduating this Spring 2017 semester and wanting to work in the U.S. after graduation, then you should be thinking about applying for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is a temporary work authorization and benefit for F-1 students that allow them… read more
Free Employment Seminar: September 24, 2014
FREE EMPLOYMENT SEMINAR for INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS The University of Texas at Austin has a vibrant and thriving international population of students and scholars, numbering approximately 6,700 individuals. This population hails from all over the globe, representing the diversity of talent and knowledge celebrated by our university. In an… 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
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