IMMIGRATION & 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, certain students in specific non-degree programs, 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 their grace period, an F-1 student can prepare for departure from the United States, change education levels, transfer to another school, or apply for OPT. During their grace period, a J-1 student can prepare for departure from the U.S. J-1 students who wish to work after graduation using Academic Training must request and be approved for AT prior to their DS2019 expiration date. Employment or travel and reentry to the United States are not permitted during the grace period.

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. All visitors who

enter by air, and most visitors who enter by land, will be issued an electronic I-94, which can be printed online at (link). A small number of visitors who enter by land may instead be issued a paper I-94. The I-94 should indicate admitted status, date of entry, and authorized period of stay. The Form I-94 may be valid for ‘Duration of Status’ (D/S) for F-1 and J-1 students, or for a specified period of time for other statuses.

J-1 STUDENT STATUS Nonimmigrant status given to those who participate in programs designated by the United States Department of State. Students in J-1 status are primarily funded by their home government, the United States government, a host institution, or certain international organizations. Alternatively, participants may be in a reciprocal exchange program.

MAINTAINING STATUS The requirements set by United States immigration law for a person to meet certain obligations of their visa type in order to remain legally present in the United States.

MYIO A portal for students to process their immigration documents and request services

from Texas Global: ISSS.IO.UTEXAS.EDU.

NONIMMIGRANT STATUS The term used for certain visa types (such as F-1 and J-1) to designate a temporary period of stay in the United States. Visitors who hold this visa type must prove nonimmigrant intent (i.e. not seeking United States permanent residence) when applying for a visa.

OFF-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT Employment that takes place off of the university’s premises or is not paid by UT Austin. Authorization from ISSS or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services is necessary for F-1 and J-1 students to engage in off-campus employment. J-1 students must report their employment in myIO prior to their employment start date.

ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT Employment that takes place on the university’s premises and is paid by UT Austin. F-1 and J-1 students are allowed to work on campus for 20 hrs/week during long semesters, and more than 20 hours during vacation periods.

OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT)

A type of work authorization granted by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services that allows F-1 students to work on/off campus in their major field of study. OPT may be authorized for up to 12 months per degree level.

OUT OF STATUS The term used when someone has violated the terms of their immigration status. No employment or benefits are allowed for a person who is out of status. Please note that students who are out of status are not prohibited from attending classes.

PASSPORT The official, government-issued travel document that shows country of origin, identity, and nationality of the bearer. It is used for entry into a foreign country. F-1 and J-1 students must keep their passports valid at least six months into the future at all times. Passports can generally be renewed from within the U.S.

PORT OF ENTRY Any location in the United States, or its territories, that is designated as a place of entry to the United States for visitors and United States citizens.

STATUS The classification that an individual holds while in the United States. Status is granted by the port of entry officer and noted on the individual’s most recent I-94, or by United States Citizenship and Immigration

Services upon approval of an application to change to another status. One’s status does not always correspond with the visa stamp in their passport, as it can be changed within the United States.

STUDENT AND EXCHANGE VISITOR INFORMATION

SYSTEM (SEVIS) A database designed to facilitate information exchange between schools and universities, the United States Department of State, and the United States Department of Homeland Security.

TRAVEL SIGNATURE Signature from an international student advisor that verifies a student is in good immigration standing and eligible to return to the United States after a temporary absence. The travel signature can be found on page 2 of the I-20 or page 1 of the DS-2019. The signature is valid for one year for enrolled students, and for six months for students on Post-Completion OPT.

VISA The entry permit affixed in a foreign visitor’s passport. It indicates the visa classification, the period during which entry is allowed, and the number of entries permitted. The visa may be obtained only outside of the United States. The expiration date of the visa stamp pertains to entry eligibility only. Students may remain in the United States with an expired visa as long as their I-20 or DS-2019 is valid and they are otherwise maintaining status. Please note, Canadian students are exempt from the visa requirement but must enter the U.S. with an I-20 or DS-2019.

HOW TO MAINTAIN STUDENT VISA STATUS

In order to be lawfully present in the United States, you must maintain your status. Additionally, you must be in status to be eligible for immigration benefits such as employment. To maintain your status, you must:

• Report to the university specified on your student visa and Form I-20/DS-2019, for initial admission to the United States • Maintain a passport that is valid at least 6 months into the future at all times • Pursue a full course of study for each fall and spring semester. Summer enrollment is not required unless it is the first semester of your program. In this case, you must enroll fulltime.

Full time enrollment is defined as a minimum of 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 through distance education. • Make normal progress towards completing your educational program • Obtain a new I-20 or DS-2019 when: · There is a change in your major · There is a change in your degree level · You will not graduate by the expiration date listed on the I-20/DS-2019 • Work only when properly authorized • Report any changes of address, phone number, and email through UT Direct within 10 days • Complete a timely immigration transfer if transferring between schools • Abide by UT Austin’s Code of Conduct and

Student Honor Code • Abide by U.S. federal laws and Texas state laws

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR J-1 STUDENTS

If you have a DS-2019 and a J-1 visa, there are additional requirements you must follow in order to maintain your visa status. • Dependents: You are required to provide detailed information about your J-2 dependents to ISSS including their email addresses and dates of departure should they permanently leave the

United States before your departure date. • Insurance: You and your dependents must obtain

and maintain health insurance that meets the U.S. Department of State insurance requirements (see next page) for the duration of your program as listed on your form DS-2019.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

COVERAGE MINIMUM REQUIREMENT

MEDICAL BENEFITS (PER ACCIDENT OR ILLNESS) $100,000

MEDICAL EVACUATION $50,000

REPATRIATION OF REMAINS $25,000

DEDUCTIBLE PER ACCIDENT OR ILLNESS $500

The student health insurance plan through The University of Texas at Austin complies with United States Department of State requirements. Note: The student health insurance plan is mandatory for students attending UT Austin on a J-1 exchange program.

The United States Department of State has developed an Exchange Visitor Program Welcome Brochure for J-1 program participants. In it you will find information on:

• The purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program • Terms that are unique to the Exchange Visitor

Program • General rules, regulations, and laws by which you must abide • Department of State contact information • Link and information on the Wilberforce

Pamphlet

If you will be working in the United States during your Exchange Visitor Program, please take time to read the Wilberforce Pamphlet, which describes your rights as an employee.

You can find the Exchange Visitor Program Welcome Brochure and Wilberforce Pamphlet in its entirety on the ISSS website at

GLOBAL.UTEXAS.EDU/ISSS/IMMIGRATION/J-1/ RESOURCES.

IMMIGRATION STATUS ISSUES

If you have concerns about your status or ability to maintain status, please work closely with an International Student Advisor at Texas Global. We can provide you with resources and assist you with regaining your status, if needed. If you violate your status, you will no longer be eligible to work either on or off campus. However, you may still register for classes.

In order to regain lawful status you would need to apply for a reinstatement through United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, or by departing the United States and returning with new immigration documents. The paper application process requesting reinstatement to F-1 status is lengthy and can take six to eight months to be processed. Students who have violated status may resume employment eligibility only after they have regained lawful status. Interruption in status may also impact practical training eligibility.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL If you plan to travel to another country other than the United States or your home country, be sure to work with your consulate to determine any precautions they suggest. Additionally, you will need to contact the consulate of the country where you plan to travel in order to find out visa requirements for citizens of your country.

Admission to the United States is at the discretion of the United States Customs &

Border Protection. To minimize risk, carry all recommended documents with you when traveling. Speak with an advisor if you have concerns before departing the United States.

REENTRY TO THE UNITED STATES When you return to the United States, be sure to have the following documents with you:

• I-20/DS-2019 with a valid travel signature.

Travel signatures are valid for one year or until the end date on your form I-20 or

DS-2019. For students on OPT, the travel signature is only valid for six months. • Valid F-1 or J-1 visa • Valid passport. Remember that passports should be valid for at least six months into the future upon entry to the United States. • Additional recommended documents listed

at GLOBAL.UTEXAS.EDU/ISSS/IMMIGRATION/ BEFORE-TRAVEL

A NOTE ABOUT FORM I-94 This form verifies that you made a legal entry into the United States, and indicates your entry status and amount of time that you are permitted to stay in the country. All visitors who enter by air, and most visitors who enter by land, will be issued an electronic I-94, which can be printed online

at I94.CBP.DHS.GOV/I94 TRAVEL WITHIN THE UNITED STATES When you leave the Austin area, it is good practice to take all of your original documents with you, even if you don’t plan to leave the United States. You may be required to prove that you are legally present in the United States if you travel within 100 miles of an international border.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT & SCHOLAR SERVICES CONTACTS

You can obtain information from ISSS through a variety of methods. Our website has extensive information about immigration procedures and requests, as well as featured workshops and presentations on topics such as taxes, employment, and health insurance. You can also send an email to our general inbox for basic questions or schedule an appointment with an advisor. Additionally, the ISSS Blog is a great resource for immigration updates, reminders, and announcements regarding social programs and events.

BE SURE THAT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS CORRECT:

• Admit Until Date should be D/S for “duration of status” if you have an F-1 or J-1 visa • Name as it appears on your passport • Birth date • Passport Number • Passport Country of Issuance • Most Recent Date of Entry • Class of Admission (F-1 or J-1) If any of the above information is incorrect on your I-94, contact ISSS for assistance.

SCHEDULE AN ADVISING APPOINTMENT ONLINE:

GLOBAL.UTEXAS.EDU/ISSS/ADVISING PHONE (512) 471-2477 EMAIL HOTLINE@AUSTIN.UTEXAS.EDU ISSS BLOG ISSS-BLOG.GLOBAL.UTEXAS.EDU