Immigration News November 2024

Time Sensitive Reminders for F-1 Students

I-20 Program Extensions

F-1 students are required to complete their academic programs within the time listed on their I-20s. If your I-20 will expire this year, and you are not able to complete your program within this period of time, you may apply for a program extension. You may apply for your extension during the semester that your I-20 is set to expire.

• NOTE: If your I-20 expires on 12/31/2024, the ISSO must receive your I-20 extension request no later than December 13 in order to process your extension before the university closes for winter break.

ISSO Services over the Holidays

ISSO services will be limited during some periods around the holidays. The ISSO will be closed on November 28 and 29 for Thanksgiving weekend, and from December 23 through January 1 for the university’s winter break. We will reopen Thursday, January 2. Complete requests submitted before December 13, 2024 will be processed before the ISSO closes for break on December 20, 2024. 

Travelling soon?

You will need a travel endorsed I-20 to re-enter the U.S. Check your current I-20 for a travel endorsement on page 2. If it was issued within 12 months (for current students) or 6 months (for OPT students), then you may use the I-20 you already have for travel. The travel endorsement must be valid on the date you re-enter the U.S.  If the endorsement is expired, or you do not have an endorsement on your I-20, submit a Travel Signature Request in iComet to request a new I-20. The ISSO will send your new I-20 with travel endorsement by email. You will print and sign it to use for travel.

F-1 Travel Group Chats

Have questions about travelling while in F-1 status? Join one of ISSO’s Travel Group Chats on Microsoft Teams. The chats will be available on November 19 and December 3 at 1pm. Maximum of 40 attendees per session. If you register and later plan to not attend, please cancel your registration so others can join. You can register for a Travel Group Chat here:

F-1 Travel Group Chat Registration

Live F-1 Employment Workshops Available in November

Have questions about your employment options as an F-1 student? Come to one of the ISSO employment workshops!

CPT Workshop (In-Person, SSA 12.471, Nov 11 – 2pm)

OPT Workshop (Live on Teams, Nov 21 – 10am)

Register through the links above. 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.

Unlock Your Financial Future
Looking for tips on managing your finances as an international student? Join ISSO and the Money Management Center for an in-person workshop where you’ll learn about budgeting, saving, and exploring work opportunities. The workshop will be held on November 13 from 3:00 – 4:00 PM in Founders FA-OGE 2.206 (The Office of Graduate Education). Advisors from the International Center will also be available to answer any questions you may have.

Register here: utd.link/2lq

Crafting Impactful Resumes & Cover Letters: A Step-by-Step Guide for Success

This workshop will guide you in creating compelling resumes and cover letters that stand out to hiring managers. Through expert tips and strategies, we’ll cover the essential components, formatting techniques, and language needed to showcase skills and experiences effectively. We’ll also cover key work authorization questions for F-1 students. The workshop will be held on November 8 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM in JSOM 11.214. Advisors from the International Center will also be available to answer any questions you may have.

Register here: utd.link/2lq
 

Student Success Specialist Support

At the ISSO, we’re dedicated to ensuring the success of our international students.  Our Student Success Specialist is here to support you if you face any outside barriers that could impede your success at UT Dallas. Whether you’re dealing with academic challenges, mental health concerns, or personal issues, we’re ready to work with you to develop an action plan tailored to your needs. Appointments are available on Mondays and Fridays from 1:30 PM to 3 PM, and Wednesdays from 9 AM to 11 AM. To book an appointment, please email InternationalSuccess@utdallas.edu.
 

UTDISEF UTD Impact

Support your fellow Comets by contributing to the UT Dallas International Student Emergency Fund! A donation of just $5 – $25 provides critical aid to international students facing unexpected challenges that could disrupt their studies, immigration status, or graduation. Together, our contributions build a vital safety net for students with limited income options, helping them continue their academic journeys. Every dollar counts—your support makes a lasting difference!

Donate here: UTDISEF ImpactUTD
 

DHS Announces Special Student Relief Employment Benefits to Lebanese Students

On October 17, 2024, the U.S Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a Federal Register Notice announcing the suspension of certain regulatory requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant students from Lebanon who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a result of the current humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. This notice provides Special Student Relief (SSR) for eligible students from Lebanon from July 26, 2024, until Jan. 25, 2026. This notice temporarily suspends applicable on-campus and off-campus employment regulations for eligible Lebanese students. To see more details about eligibility, application, and rules of SSR, see the ISSO’s Economic Hardship & Special Student Relief web page.

Do Not Delay Your Graduation

Postponing graduation when you have completed all the courses required to earn your degree is a violation of the immigration regulations. For more information visit the Graduation and Beyond webpage.

Report Visa Fraud and Unauthorized Employment

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. The ISSO will only initiate unauthorized employment investigations that are reported by campus stakeholders, or where there is a student admission of their own unauthorized employment, all others will be referred directly to DHS.

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.

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 and  safe. 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 or Instagram. We offer virtual workshops for OPT and CPT in iComet, and we are making plans to resume some in-person workshops on-campus this spring. Watch the Comet Calendar for upcoming events!