Hello, everyone! The summer season is in full swing, and we hope those of you back in your home countries are enjoying the sunshine. We’re dropping this blog post today as a gentle reminder that when you do eventually head back to the United States to resume your studies, you… read more
F-1
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 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
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
Graduating in Spring 2021? Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Are you an F-1 student who will graduate in spring 2021? 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
7,671 Miles Away from Home: My Learnings
Looking back to when I was a 17-year-old girl in Karachi, Pakistan waiting to hear back from universities I applied to, I never thought I would end up where I did. The University of Texas at Austin was the very first university I heard back from, and I knew in… read more
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
Travel Signature Drive
Are you an international student? Do you have upcoming international travel plans? Need a new travel signature before you go? The Travel Signature Drive is a great opportunity to stop by for a new signature on your I-20 or DS-2019. No appointment is necessary. If the travel signature spaces on… read more
Travel Signature Drive
Do you have upcoming international travel plans? Need a new travel signature before you go? The Travel Signature Drive is a great opportunity to stop by for a new signature on your I-20 or DS-2019. No appointment is necessary. If the travel signature spaces on your immigration document are full,… read more