Immigration News September 2024
September 4, 2024
Time Sensitive Reminders for F-1 Students
F-1 Optional Practical Training
If you graduated in the summer 2024 semester, you may be eligible for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information attend an OPT workshop on iComet or visit the ISSO Optional Practical Training webpage.
If you plan to graduate in the fall 2024 semester, the first day to apply for Post-Completion OPT is September 22, 2024. Please keep in mind that prior to requesting your OPT I-20, you must do the following (see link above for additional details):
- Attend an OPT workshop
- Apply for graduation (unless you are applying by oral exam/ defense date)
- Pay the Post Completion Practical Training Fee
In-person F-1 Employment Workshops Available Sept-Nov
Have questions about your employment options as an F-1 student? Come to one of the ISSO employment workshops!
On-Campus Employment Workshop (Tomorrow, Sept 5)
See instructions for registration on the respective Comet Calendar pages above. Registration for each session opens 30 days in advance of the listed dates, so some future dates will not yet be open to register. Note that while completing the CPT and OPT workshops is required to apply for each benefit, you are not required to attend these workshops in-person. You may also complete these workshops online in iComet for your application requirements.
Fall 2024 Current Student Check In and Enrollment Reminders
The Current Student Check In eForm is now live in iComet. All continuing F-1 students who enroll in fall must complete the Check In before Census Day (September 4) to verify that you are physically present to attend the in-person components of our courses. See our Travel web page for more information.
In addition, you must be meeting your F-1 enrollment requirements or be authorized for Reduced Course Load by the Census Day deadline to maintain your status for fall. Review the F-1 Enrollment Requirements to ensure that you are correctly enrolled.
Tornado Season
While tornados are rare, the International Center would like you to be prepared. Review the Tornadoes and Watch vs. Warning information on the UT Dallas Emergency Preparedness Information webpage, under the “Know Your Hazards” section. In the event that International Center staff are unavailable due to an emergency, call the UT Dallas Police Department at 972-883-2222. If the UT Dallas Police are unavailable, and you need critical immigration assistance or evacuation, contact the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) at SEVP@ice.dhs.gov, or call 703-603-3400
Not All On-Campus Employment is Allowed for F-1 Students
On-campus employment options depend on where the work is physically located and who the employer is. F-1 students may work on campus, employed by UT Dallas, or by on-campus commercial firms that directly serve the UT Dallas student population (Chartwells, University Bookstore, etc.). Positions with third parties not providing services directly to students (alumni call center) or personal services for faculty or staff (housekeeping, lawn care) is not allowed. Refer to information on the F-1 Student Employment page for more information.
Report Visa Fraud
If you are aware of visa fraud or international students working unlawfully in the U.S., report it here: Email or Call 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.
Help Keep our Campus Safe and Welcoming
All members of our University community share in a collective responsibility to make our campus peers feel welcome, safe and comfortable. Stand up and step in by recognizing potentially harmful situations (physical, mental, social or emotional) affecting individuals or groups, and respond in a way that could positively influence the outcome. For more information, visit Comet Voice.
ISSO is here for you
There are many ways to contact the ISSO. You can reach out through your iComet Portal, join us for a Live Chat online, or schedule an appointment. You can also check us out on Facebook Instagram, and LinkedIn. Watch the Comet Calendar for upcoming workshops and events!
