Now that you have arrived as an international student at UTB/TSC you are probably wondering what you are permitted to do. The following questions will guide you during your stay at this campus.

 

What do I do with my new immigration documents?

Once you obtained your student visa and processed the I-20 at the Port of entry at your arrival in the U.S., you need to present them to the Admissions Office in Tandy 115 or bring them to the International Multicultural Student Services Office in MRC North 103. It is very important that we keep a copy of these important documents in our files.

 

What does it mean to “fall out-of-status”, “to  lose your status, or “to be out of status?”

When you entered the U.S., an I-94 form (small white paper stapled to your passport) was issued at the port of entry and you paid $6.00 for it. At this moment, you were granted a student “legal status” in the U.S.  On this form there is a stamp indicating the day of your arrival, the place of your arrival and “D/S” appears instead of a departure date. D/S means “duration of status”. This allows you to remain in the U.S. with a legal status as long as you continue enrolled in school and maintain your student status by obeying all the F-1/M-1 regulations (for specific regulations see immigration information in your orientation packet). Whether you disobey an immigration law by choice or by ignorance, the penalty is the same.  Breaking the rules places you “off legal status”. At the moment of your violation, you are considered to be unlawfully present in the U.S. If you have violated your status, you should make an appointment to see an International Student Advisor Immediately! Otherwise, you will be terminated on the SEVIS system with a negative indicator and will have to withdraw from school.

 

If I am failing classes can I drop a class without authorization from the International advisor?
Advisor?

If you are a full time student with a student visa, you should never drop (or withdraw) from any classes that will leave you with less than 12 credits (9 for master-level students) during the fall or spring semester if you are carrying an F-1/M-1 full time visa. This action will make you “fall off status”. If you find yourself in this situation please make an appointment with the International Advisor as soon as possible (call 882-7092 or 882-7983) immediately. Keep in mind that there are limited numbers of reasons for dropping below full-time hours/credits that is acceptable to the Office of Immigration Service. Only an international advisor can give you an immigration-related authorization to drop below full-time.

 

Will I be in violation of my student status if the Dean, professor or academic
Advisor gives me permission to drop below full-time hours?

Yes. Your Dean, teacher or academic advisor may give you permission academically to drop a class; however, this will not protect your student immigration status. Only the International Student Advisor (D.S.O.) has been authorized by the Immigration Service to give you permission to drop below full-time hours. As mentioned before, This is only allowed under very strenuous circumstances.

 

Can I work on campus?

Yes. But only if you are a full-time student and have successfully completed one semester of classes with a 2.00 GPA (graduate students can start working during the first semester). You need to follow the same procedure as any other U.S. student. You can work only part time and it must be authorized by the
International Student advisor before you can begin employment. Please visit the section on Employment Opportunities or MY UTBTSC Blackboard International Students Virtual Office.

 

Is it true that during the summer months I can work anywhere and do not need permission from anyone?
obtain special permission?

No. This is false! If you are in good standing with a full-time F-1 status, you may work anywhere on-campus during the summer (full-time or part-time). However, off-campus employment is only authorized by the Immigration Office after you graduate from the university.

 

If my degree requires a practicum experience or internship, do I need
the authorization of the International Student Counselor before I begin
employment?

Yes. Only staff from this office can help you obtain the necessary authorization to start working on your internship.

 

Do I have to notify someone every time I move from one address to another?

Yes. By law you must inform, the Admissions Office at this university (T-115) and the Immigration Office, within 10 days of the change. The AR-11 (Alien’s Change of Address Card) is available at the International//Multicultural Student Services Office or on Blackboard’s Immigrations Alerts. This must be reported every time you change your address. Failing to report the change within 10 business day will result in “falling out of status”.

 

What do I have to do if I decide to change degree plans?

You must visit with the academic advisor for the new career you chose. Visit the International Counselor to request a new I-20 form with the required documentation (a copy of your new signed degree plan and proof of financial support).

 

Do I have to attend classes every semester?

Yes and no. You must attend classes every Fall and Spring semesters if you are a full-time student; however, you can take vacations or time off during the summer months.

 

Can I transfer to another university?

Yes, you can transfer to another school. However, you must follow certain procedures. For more details please contact the International advisor at Cardenas North Hall 103-G/H.

 

Do I have to tell anyone if I do not plan to continue in school and wish o return to my country
of origin?

Yes, you must inform the international advisors at MRC North 103 of your plans. In turn they will advise you about the procedures to follow and where to return your immigration documents. 

 

Can I travel anywhere in the United States with my F-1 or M-1 visa?

Yes, any student on good standing may travel within the United States. You do not have to request permission from the immigration services. You do need to carry your current passport, visa and I-20 with you and make sure they are still valid.

 

Do I need to request a new I-20 form every semester if I am a Border Commuter?
Student and attend school part time?

Yes. You need to request a new I-20 form before the beginning of every semester; otherwise, you will not be able to register for classes for the following semester. You need to bring new documentation to the Admissions Office or International Office in order to obtain your new I-20 form.

 

When do I have to take my I-20 to the Bridge?

You must take it to the bridge as soon as you receive it from the Admissions Office. It must be processed before the first day of classes with no exceptions.

 

What do I do if my passport expires and my visa is still valid?

You will need to obtain a new passport before it expires. You must apply for a new passport at the closest Embassy or consulate representing your country in the U.S.  You will have to carry both passports at all times. Remember, it is your responsibility to verify that all your documents are valid at all times.

 

What do I do if my passport is stolen or lost?

You will need to report this to the nearest police department. With this report you must apply for a new passport at the closest embassy or consulate, apply for a new I-20 form, with all the required documentation, and apply for a new visa again. Considering this process is time consuming and expensive, you must be extra careful with your immigration documents.

 

Do I have to apply for a tuition waiver for Mexican students every semester?

No. The application for this subsidy is valid for the duration of your studies. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

 

Can I take online classes or distance education classes during the semester?

Yes, you can take only one 3-hour course online or via distance education during the semester. You will be breaking immigration rules and be off status if you take more than one 3-hour course. There is no limit during the summer months.

 

Do I have to pay for health insurance every semester?

Yes, with exception of students from Mexico, all international students must pay for health insurance. The cost for the insurance is charged automatically with your tuition.

 

What is the penalty for working on campus more than 20 hrs per week during the
long semester?

You will “fall out of status “(violations of immigration law) and your file will have to be closed on the SEVIS System. You will need to apply for a new I-20 and apply for reinstatement or re-enter the country. You will have to stop working immediately.

 

Can I work in U.S. as a Mexican citizen with a student visa after I finish college?

Yes, the immigration Office may allow you one year of Optional Practicum Training (O.P.T.) upon graduation. Approval of OPT does not guarantee that you will obtain a job, The job MUST be related to your field of studies. It will be up to your employer to petition for a work visa if the company wishes to keep you once the year expires. This not necessarily a pathway to permanent residency.

 

Can I apply for the subsidy for Mexican students (MTW) if my intention is to
immigrate to the United States later on?

No, the rules set up by the T.H.E.C.B (chapter 21.932) state very clearly that the student’s intention is to return to his/her country (Mexico) at the end of the studies including one year of O.P.T.

 

Must I leave the U.S. after I complete my degree program?

You  have up to 60 days after you complete your degree ( graduation) to leave the U.S. You may stay longer in the following circumstances:

• If  you begin another degree program. For example, after you finish a bachelor’s degree, you may begin a master’s degree program. In this case, you will need to apply for a new I-20 for a new program of study.
• If you applied for Optional Practical Training (O.P.T.). Again, your foreign student advisor will be glad to help.
• If you have changed to another immigration status and you must bring your documents to the international advisor immediately.
  
  
• If you transfer to another university.