INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN!
At Texas Global, we are glad that you have chosen to study at UT Austin. We are sure that you have many questions. In an effort to begin answering your questions and to help you get settled as a Longhorn, we have prepared this International Student Handbook. We wish you the best of luck in your studies and look forward to serving you during your time at UT Austin.
Sincerely,
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 U.S. 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 and 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 completing 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 DS-2019 expiration date. Employment or travel and reentry to the U.S. 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 U.S. 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 UTX.GLOBAL/CBP-FORMS A small number of visitors who enter by land may instead be issued a paper I-94. The I-94 should indicate
• 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 U.S. 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 for the duration of your program as listed on your DS-2019.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
THE STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN THROUGH THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN COMPLIES WITH DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS AND IS MANDATORY FOR STUDENTS ATTENDING UT AUSTIN ON A J-1 EXCHANGE PROGRAM.
The 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 about the Wilberforce Pamphlet.
If you will be working in the U.S. 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 UTX.GLOBAL/ISSS-BROCHURES.
IMMIGRATION STATUS ISSUES
If you have concerns about your status or ability to maintain status, please work closely with an international student advisor at ISSS. 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 must apply for a reinstatement through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or depart the U.S. and return with new immigration documents. The paper application process requesting reinstatement to F-1 status is lengthy and can take six to eight months or longer 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 U.S. 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 to find out their visa requirements for citizens of your country.
Admission to the U.S. is at the discretion of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
INFORMATION FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
GRADUATE STUDENT ORIENTATION The Graduate School offers an orientation specifically for graduate students. Visit GRADSCHOOL.UTEXAS.
EDU/ADMISSIONS/ORIENTATION to learn more
ENGLISH SCREENING Some graduate students who are non-native English speakers may be required to undergo English screening prior to registration. If you are subject to the screening requirement, you will be notified of a J-Hold on your Registration Information Sheet (RIS). To clear the hold, you will need to undergo a short English test and screening at the English Language Center at Texas Global. You can learn more about the J-Hold at UTX.GLOBAL/ELC-JHOLD.
INTERNATIONAL TEACHING ASSISTANTS
AND ASSISTANT INSTRUCTORS International Teaching Assistants (ITAs) and International Assistant Instructors (IAIs) must be certified to teach at UT Austin. To be certified, all nonnative English speakers MUST:
1. Receive a passing score on the “Oral English Proficiency Assessment.”
2. Attend the ITA Teaching Workshop. More information about both requirements can be found at UTX.GLOBAL/ELC-ITA.
RESIDENT TUITION REQUEST FORMS FOR STUDENTS WITH A TA, GRA, OR AI ASSIGNMENT
Students who will have a 20-hour assignment as a Teaching Assistant (TA), Graduate Research Assistant (GRA), or Assistant Instructor (AI) and are eligible to receive resident tuition rates must process their resident tuition request online. Access to the waiver form is available as soon as registration begins each semester. Tuition bills will be recalculated automatically after
the form is submitted. Students who do not meet eligibility criteria will have their waiver application revoked and will receive an add bill for the non-resident portion of tuition. This form must be completed each semester. Access the form at UTX.GLOBAL/TUITIONFORMS.
INFORMATION FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
PLACEMENT
TESTS
Some undergraduate students may be required to take placement tests—including English language tests—before they are permitted to register for certain courses. The results of these tests are used for placement at appropriate instructional levels. You may need to consider the results of such tests when choosing your courses. Check with your academic advisor to get more information on placement exams.
TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE (TSI)
Students who graduated from a Texas high school and are entering a Texas public college must comply with the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). TSI is a state-legislated program designed to improve student success in college. Some students may be exempt from TSI regulations and should consult the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) website. Students who are not exempt must take the THEA. Information about the THEA including who qualifies for an exemption can be found at UGS.UTEXAS.EDU/ TSI/START-HERE. All testing can be completed prior to arriving at the University.
UT IDS, ACCOUNTS, AND EMAIL
UT EID (ELECTRONIC IDENTITY) Your UT EID is your public username. Additionally, your UT EID and password are electronic identifiers that allow you to use secure UT Austin online services. To activate your UT EID and choose a password go to UTEXAS.EDU/EID Be sure to answer security questions to set up your online self-reset capability. Never share your password with another individual. If you want your parents or other family members to have access to your account, you will need to have them set up an eProxy account at EPROXY. UTEXAS.EDU
You will use the UT EID to identify yourself to University offices. It is good practice to list your UT EID in all email communications.
If you forget your UT EID or password, you may find them at UTEXAS.EDU/EID. Alternatively, you may call the ITS Help Desk at (512) 475–9400.
DUO (MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION)
In order to access many UT online services you will need to use DUO to log in. DUO is a multifactor authentication system that UT Austin uses to keep your information secure. You will not be able to access UT Austin accounts such as MyStatus, MyUT, UTexas Zoom, and Canvas until you have set up DUO. To set up a DUO account please follow the steps below:
1. Go to MFA.LOGIN.UTEXAS.EDU
2. Log in using your UT EID and password.
3. Follow the instructions to register your device.
4. Download the DUO Mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your device.
When asked to pair your device using the DUO Mobile app, you can use either a QR code or passcode. Both are provided during the registration process
ZOOM ACCOUNT To take part in online classes and various other virtual events, you will need to set up your UT Zoom account at UTEXAS.ZOOM.US Do not use a free account to attend UT Austin sponsored events.
UT STUDENT IDENTIFICATION CARD The UT Austin student identification card (UT ID) is used to gain access to services and facilities available only to students, faculty, and staff. It also allows you to ride the UT Shuttle as well as Austin city buses for free. Additionally, some vendors will give you a discount on services if you show your UT ID. Check the ID Center website for required documents, procedures and hours: IT.UTEXAS.
EDU/STUDENTS
A $20 fee is charged for each card issued and must be paid within 30 days on your “What I Owe” page.
UNIVERSITY EMAIL To sign up for free email service offered through UT Austin, go to GET.UTMAIL.UTEXAS.EDU and follow the step-by-step instructions to activate your mailbox name and password.
ACADEMIC RESOURCES
UT LIBRARIES UT Austin hosts 17 libraries and holds more than 10 million volumes. The expert library staff offer assistance with research, courses on using the libraries, and a special “Ask A Librarian” service. You may also reserve personal study spaces and group study spaces.
LIB.UTEXAS.EDU
SANGER LEARNING CENTER The Sanger Learning Center offers individual tutoring, study groups, and assistance with study strategies and public speaking.
UTX.GLOBAL/SANGER
UNIVERSITY WRITING CENTER The University Writing Center helps UT Austin students become more proficient, more versatile, and more confident in their writing abilities.
UWC.UTEXAS.EDU
HEALTH AND SAFETY RESOURCES
COUNSELING AND MENTAL HEALTH CENTER (CMHC) CMHC is a support service for students to facilitate academic and life goals and to enhance their personal growth and wellbeing. Either in individual or group sessions, CMHC can assist students with adjustment to the U.S. and campus or with personal and relationship issues. Meetings with CMHC staff are confidential. Visit their website to set up an appointment or access their online resources. For urgent situations, students may call the CMHC Crisis Line at 512–471–2255 to speak with a trained counselor about their situation.
CMHC.UTEXAS.EDU.
UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICES (UHS)
UHS is available to all enrolled UT Austin students regardless of whether you purchase the university-provided insurance. Services include a 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line, general medical and women’s care, immunizations, on-site laboratory and radiological services, physical therapy, and dietary consultations.
HEALTHYHORNS.UTEXAS.EDU
ABILITY AND ACCESS SERVICES (D & A)
D&A ensures students with disabilities have equal access to their academic experiences by determining eligibility and approving reasonable accommodations.
DISABILITY.UTEXAS.EDU
UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT (UTPD)
UTPD serves and protects the UT Austin community. The department regularly partners with faculty, staff, and students on crime prevention and law enforcement programs. Services for the community include bicycle registration, call trace services, emergency call boxes, and Rape Aggression Defense System training.
POLICE.UTEXAS.EDU
GENERAL RESOURCES
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AND SCHOLAR SERVICES
(ISSS) ISSS advisors can provide you with guidance on maintaining your immigration status and accessing benefits of your status. Advisors are not only a great immigration resource, but can help refer you to other resources on campus and assist with any adjustment and transition issues that international students face while living in the U.S. GLOBAL.UTEXAS.EDU/ISSS
STUDENT OUTREACH AND SUPPORT (SOS) SOS helps students and their families during difficult or emergency situations. Assistance includes outreach, advocacy, intervention, support, absence notes for class, and referrals to relevant campus and community resources.
DEANOFSTUDENTS.UTEXAS.EDU/SOS/INDEX.PHP
U.S. TAXES Filing correct federal income tax forms is the personal responsibility of each international student. All F-1 and J-1 students and their dependents present in the U.S. for one or more days in an F or J visa status and considered a nonresident
alien for tax purposes, must complete the IRS tax related Form 8843, regardless of whether or not you earned income in the U.S. ISSS provides Sprintax, an online tax preparation service for nonresidents for tax purposes. ISSS also offers tax seminars and general tax assistance during the tax season (February–April) to help students and scholars with their tax obligations.
UTX.GLOBAL/ISSS-ADVISING-SERVICES
STUDENT OMBUDS SERVICES The Student Ombuds helps students by confidentially discussing interpersonal difficulties, university policies, university bureaucracy, and conflict resolution techniques.
OMBUDS.UTEXAS.EDU/STUDENT
TITLE IX OFFICE Title IX is a segment of federal law that forbids exclusion on the basis of gender from any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. UT Austin does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs and activities and encourages any student or non-student who thinks that he or she has been subjected to sex discrimination, sexual harassment (including sexual violence) or sexual misconduct by another student, member of the faculty or staff, or campus visitor or contractor, to immediately report the incident.
TITLEIX.UTEXAS.EDU
UNDERSTANDING YOUR RIGHTS ISSS has developed a guide to understanding your rights should you be stopped by police, immigration agents, or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
UTX.GLOBAL/ISSS-KNOW-YOUR-RIGHTS
STUDENT CONDUCT AND ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
This office upholds the University’s standards of student conduct and academic integrity through a fair and objective process.
DEANOFSTUDENTS.UTEXAS.EDU/CONDUCT
for one academic year before requesting CPT and must either obtain credit for the employment or fulfill a mandatory degree requirement. Your academic advisor must recommend the employment and verify how it is related to your course of study. CPT is authorized by an international student advisor in ISSS. You may not start any work until you receive a new I-20 with the CPT authorization on page 2 from ISSS.
OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING FOR F-1
STUDENTS
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is also temporary employment authorization where the work is directly related to your academic program. However, OPT does not require you to obtain course credit for the employment. You must be enrolled full time for one academic year before requesting OPT. Applications are made to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with the help of an international student advisor. You must receive OPT authorization from USCIS before you begin employment. It takes an estimated three to five months to receive approval, so advanced planning is required.
The two main types of OPT are pre-completion OPT and post-completion OPT. Most students apply for post-completion OPT in their final semester at UT Austin to work in the U.S. after they graduate. Pre-completion OPT is used by students who don’t otherwise qualify for CPT and are still enrolled in their program.
ACADEMIC TRAINING FOR J-1 STUDENTS
Academic training (AT) is temporary employment authorization directly related to your academic program. Unlike CPT for F-1 students, AT does not require enrollment in a course or the fulfillment of degree requirements. However, your academic advisor must explain how the employment is related to your major and why it is an integral or critical part of your degree program. An international student advisor at ISSS will then authorize the employment.
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER INFORMATION
DO I QUALIFY FOR A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER?
To qualify for a Social Security Number (SSN), F-1 and J-1 students must first have an offer of employment. Students who receive scholarships and fellowships with no employment are not eligible for an SSN and should apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. If you are not employed and do not have a scholarship or fellowship, then you do not qualify for an SSN or ITIN.
HOW DO I GET AN SSN?
If you have obtained on-campus employment and need an SSN, you must first complete the Social Security
Employment Verification Letter found at UTX.GLOBAL/ISSS-SSN
After the letter is signed by your hiring department and ISSS, take your immigration documents to the Social Security Administration office. You can find a list of instructions and available offices at UTX.GLOBAL/ISSS-SSN
HOW SOON MAY I APPLY FOR THE SSN?
Please note that you must wait ten days after arriving in the U.S. AND two days after you register for classes before you may apply for the SSN. The Social Security Administration office will be unable to process your application outside of this timeframe.
Apart from academics, figuring out life in Austin can be difficult. What happens if I get sick? Do I need a driver’s license to get around? How will I find friends? We hope the following information will guide you as you explore the boundaries of UT Austin and broaden your experience in the United States.
HEALTH INSURANCE
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
The UT System Board of Regents requires that all international students in F or J status maintain health insurance for the full duration of their academic program, including summers. The student insurance fee is added automatically to your tuition and fee bill twice yearly. You can get information about the insurance requirements at UTX.GLOBAL/INSURANCE
WAIVING THE INSURANCE REQUIREMENT
Students that present evidence of alternate medical insurance may be eligible for a waiver of the student insurance fees. To determine your eligibility and deadlines visit, UTX.GLOBAL/ISSSWAIVER.
Graduate students who have a 20-hour per week, benefits-eligible assignment as a TA, GRA, or AI will qualify for a waiver. However, the waiver doesn’t include the mandatory, onemonth supplemental early-arrival coverage (for new students only). The waiver for graduate students with a benefits-eligible assignment can be processed prior to deadline at UTX.GLOBAL/ ISSS-WAIVER.
THE STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN
1. Newly admitted students in the fall and summer are charged a one-time supplemental insurance fee that begins August 1 for the fall or May 1 for the summer. Students and dependents arriving before
this period should have private insurance until the student insurance goes into effect.
2. The student insurance plan provider is BlueCross/BlueShield of Texas, administered by Academic HealthPlans. To view and download the student insurance plan, go to UTAUSTIN.MYAHPCARE.COM/BENEFITS.
INSURANCE ID CARDS
New students can access their ID card:
1. Go to the AHP website to “Find Group” and “Member ID” using your EID and date of birth. UTX.GLOBAL/FINDCOVERAGE
2. Once you have obtained your Group and Member ID, you can create an account within the Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Access for Members (BAM) system.
UTX.GLOBAL/BCBS-SERVICES
3. Click on the ID card icon on the left side.
4. Download a digital copy to keep on your phone for instant access. You can also print a copy.
5. If you want a physical card, you must first confirm or update your mailing address within the BAM system mentioned above. You must also update your local Austin address in UT Direct (UTX.GLOBAL/MYADDRESSES). The default mailing address for all new international students is Texas Global; Texas Global cannot accept your insurance card on your behalf, and it will be destroyed upon receipt.
For questions about health insurance email the insurance team at INTLINSURANCE@AUSTIN.UTEXAS.EDU
SEEKING MEDICAL CARE
The most affordable medical care for UT Austin students is through University Health Services (UHS), located in the Student Services Building on Dean Keeton Street. For more information about UHS, visit HEALTHYHORNS.UTEXAS.EDU
Note: dependents are not eligible to use UHS.
A complete, searchable list of medical providers in the BlueCross/BlueShield network is available through your online account found at UTAUSTIN.MYAHPCARE.COM/BENEFITS.
If you receive treatment outside UHS, you may be required to pay for a portion of your medical bill. In the event that you are admitted to a hospital, you will need to provide the hospital with your insurance information within 72 hours. If you must pay a medical bill out-of-pocket because you do not have your ID card with you, be sure to keep all receipts. Information about how to file a claim for reimbursement is available at UTAUSTIN.MYAHPCARE.COM.
TEXAS DRIVER’S LICENSE AND IDENTIFICATION CARD
ISSS recommends that all students obtain either a Texas identification card or driver’s license as another form of government issued identification. Since you will want to keep your passport in a safe
place, this is a way to have official identification with you at all times. Keep in mind that if you leave the Austin area, you should have your original passport and other original immigration documents with you.
UTX.GLOBAL/ISSS-DRIVERS-LICENSE
TEXAS IDENTIFICATION CARD Students who don’t wish to obtain permission to drive in the U.S. can apply for a Texas identification card. While it is an official ID, it does not permit you to drive a motor vehicle.
TEXAS DRIVER’S LICENSE Students who will be in the U.S. for longer than 30 days and plan to drive a car should obtain a Texas driver’s license. If you already have a driver’s license from another U.S. state or foreign country, you may continue to use it up to 90 days after moving to Texas. After that time, you should apply for a Texas driver’s license.
CHECKLIST FOR NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
☐ REVIEW YOUR PRE-ARRIVAL RESOURCES:
Attend an ISSS Pre-Arrival Webinar and explore the International Student Orientation Course in Canvas. A few months before arrival, students will receive a Canvas invitation for the course.
☐ MAKE HOUSING ARRANGEMENTS:
You should begin the housing search before you arrive in Austin so you are familiar with the options and the neighborhoods around campus. While we cannot assist students with finding accommodations, UT Austin has a list of housing resources.
UTX.GLOBAL/UHS-HOUSING
☐ CHECK IN WITH ISSS: Once you have arrived in Austin, complete your check-in modules in myIO. You will need a U.S. phone number to complete your check-in.
UTX.GLOBAL/NEWSTUDENT-CHECKIN
☐ COMPLETE YOUR MEDICAL CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS IF YOU STILL HAVE A REGISTRATION HOLD: Medical requirements for international students are described on the UHS website. If you need additional immunizations or a TB test, please attend one of the international student clinics. Clinic times and registration information are available on the website.
UTX.GLOBAL/INTSTUDENT-HEALTH
☐ MAKE BANKING ARRANGEMENTS: To open a bank account in the U.S. you will need your passport and immigration document, along with a small deposit ($5–$20). Feel free to choose a bank that best fits your needs.
☐ GET YOUR UT ID CARD: The ID Center is in the Flawn Academic Center (FAC). You must present official photo identification, such as a passport, to obtain an ID card. A $20 fee is charged for each card issued and must be paid within 30 days.
IT.UTEXAS.EDU/STUDENTS
☐ PREPARE FOR REGISTRATION: Review the information in this handbook or visit with your academic advisor for assistance.
☐ GET A TEXAS DRIVER’S LICENSE OR IDENTIFICATION CARD: Use this ID instead of your passport for official identification purposes.
UTX.GLOBAL/ISSS-DRIVERS-LICENSE
☐ ATTEND INTERNATIONAL ORIENTATION PROGRAM ACTIVITIES: Meet other students and learn about UT Austin resources during the ISSS orientation events.
UTX.GLOBAL/ISSS-ORIENTATION
Listed below are some of the frequently-visited buildings on campus. For a more complete campus map, please visit MAPS.UTEXAS.EDU
B
LIST IS READING BUILDINGS FROM NORTH TO SOUTH
• Student Services Building (SSB)
• Texas Global (N24)
• Texas Union (UNB)
• Peter T. Flawn Academic Center (FAC)
• Main Building/Tower (MAI)
C
A A TEXAS
B
• William C. Powers, Jr. Student Activity Center (WCP)
• Gregory Gymnasium (GRE)
• Perry-Castañeda Library (PCL)
• Rec Sports Center (RSC)
• UT Administration Building (UTA) Graduate and International Admissions Center Human Resources
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PHYSICAL AND MAILING LOCATION
2400 Nueces Street, Suite B Austin, TX 78705
CONTACT
(512) 471-2477
hotline@austin.utexas.edu
OFFICE HOURS
Monday–Friday
8 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
WEBSITE