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 students
Is There Mental Health Support For International Students? Yes!
You may be wondering what to do when you are feeling down or sad — especially after these feelings continue for longer periods of time. Maybe you are experiencing some anxiety in regard to making new friends, being comfortable within large groups of people, or getting ready for a test.… read more
Apply for Spring & Summer 2022 funding today!
Are you hoping to fund your UT education? International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is pleased to offer several funding opportunities for eligible international students. Review the financial aid and scholarships listed below for details and eligibility requirements. Apply on our website and be sure to complete your application by… read more
My First Year as an International Longhorn
It’s your favorite over-caffeinated, language-loving, Plan-II-majoring, pink-haired rising sophomore, Diana Arriaga, here! I know that introduction was a handful, but to be fair, so was my freshman year! Since this blog last heard from me, I’ve been up and about–as much as one can virtually. These past two semesters have… read more
International Scholarship Recipient Wants to Serve Community via Journalism
From becoming a President’s Award for Global Learning finalist to performing songs in front of her classmates, junior international student Clarissa Abrego is on a determined path to become a master of all trades and jack of none. From Monterrey, Mexico, Abrego is the second of four UT recipients of… read more
SEVP Policy Guidance and Enrollment Requirements
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
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
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
International Orientation Volunteers Offer Advice to Incoming Students
To welcome incoming international students this spring, International Orientation Volunteers (IOVs) conducted “Mentor Meetings,” a series of informative presentations covering various cultural, social and academic topics introducing new students to the Longhorn way of life. These sessions took place over Zoom from Jan. 6-14. There was a total of… read more