IMMIGRAT ION AND TRAVEL
Dealing with immigration rules and regulations can be confusing and hard to understand. Below you will find a list of terms and information to help you navigate the immigration system while you are at UT Austin.
GLOSSARY OF IMMIGRATION TERMS ACADEMIC TRAINING (AT) A type of work authorization granted by the program sponsor for students in J-1 status. AT allows students to work off campus in their major field of study. The amount of time for which J-1 students can be approved depends on degree level, length of program, and/or sponsor. CURRICULAR PRACTICAL TRAINING (CPT)
A type of work authorization granted by the program sponsor to students in F-1 status who have been enrolled fulltime for one academic year. CPT allows students to work off campus, or for over 20 hours per week on campus, in their field of study. The work must be temporary and necessary to fulfill an academic course or degree requirement in the student’s major field of study. DEPENDENT STATUS The status granted to the spouse or minor children (under the age of 21) of a nonimmigrant to accompany the principal status holder to the United States. Ex: F-2 is a dependent status of an F-1 student. DS-2019 The form issued by an academic institution to an exchange visitor to obtain a J-1 visa and enter the U.S. in J-1 status. DURATION OF STATUS (D/S) The period during
which the student is pursuing a full course of study at an educational institution, plus a grace period (60 days for F-1 students, 30 days for J-1 students). Duration of Status is noted as “D/S”
by the Port of Entry officer on the student’s I-94 record. F-1 STUDENT STATUS Nonimmigrant status
given to those who will be enrolled as full-time students at schools or universities in the United States. F-1 status may be granted to degree-seeking students, non-degree-seeking students, or those in English language training programs. FULL COURSE OF STUDY The number of hours a
student must take during long semesters (fall & spring) to remain in lawful immigration status. Generally, it is 12 hours for undergraduate students, 9 hours for graduate students, and 10 hours for law students. Only one class up to three hours can be online or distance education. GRACE PERIOD The period of time during which F-1 and J-1 students are allowed to stay in the United States after completion of their program or practical training. The grace period is 60 days for F-1 students and 30 days for J-1 students. During the grace period a student may prepare for departure from the United States, change educational levels, transfer to another school, or apply for OPT (F-1 students). Employment or travel and reentry to the United States are not permitted during the grace period. Please note, J-1 students must initiate the above processes before their grace period begins. I-20 A form issued by an academic institution to
the nonimmigrant student to obtain an F-1 visa and enter the U.S. in F-1 status. I-94 - ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE RECORD The form,
either paper or electronic, given to an individual upon entry into the United States. Visitors who enter by land will receive a paper I-94 card. Visitors who enter by air will be issued an electronic I-94, which can be printed online at I94.CBP.DHS.GOV/I94. The I-94 should indicate admitted status, date of entry, and authorized period of stay. The Form I-94 may be
3
