Immigration News September 2025
September 3, 2025
Time Sensitive Reminders for F-1 Students
F-1 Optional Practical Training
If you will graduate in the summer 2025 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 2025 semester, the first day to apply for Post-Completion OPT is September 21, 2025. Please keep in mind that prior to requesting your OPT I-20, you must do the following:
- Apply for graduation
- Attend an OPT workshop (either online or in person)
- Pay the ISSO Practical Training Fee
Graduation Application Deadline for Fall Graduates
Fall 2025 F-1 graduates must apply for graduation by 11:59pm on September 10, 2025 in order to maintain their immigration status. Please note that the immigration deadline is earlier than the university deadline. For more information about how to apply for graduation visit the Registrar Office.
Breaking News
ISSO Special Walk-in Hours, September 2025
For the month of September, all walk-in advising hours at the ISSO will be on Wednesdays from 10 am to 4pm, with the exception of September 24. We hope this will better accommodate international students seeking walk-in services as we begin the new school year.
International Student Events
ISSO Employment Workshops Fall 2025
Have questions about your employment options as an F-1 student? Come to one of the ISSO employment workshops!
On-Campus Employment Workshop (This Friday, September 5!)
Register through the links above – registration opens 30 days in advance. 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.
Seasonal Reminders
Fall 2025 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 10) 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.
Understand How to Protect Your Personal Information
The UTD Directory is a repository of information on students, faculty, staff, and guests with UTD accounts. The directory includes information including your name, local address, email address, telephone number, place of birth, and more. Students may ensure their directory information is not shared with outside sources by completing a FERPA – Request for Confidentiality. Instructions for completing a confidentiality request can be found on the Electronic Forms and Other Resources page. Current students may log in to Galaxy and their Orion Self-Service to request confidentiality on their account.
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.
Submit Processing Requests to ISSO Early
ISSO receives a high volume of student and alumni requests. Don’t wait until the last minute! Submit requests to ISSO 3-4 weeks in advance of when you need them.
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!
