Texas Global's International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is providng virtual advising support and facilitating immigration requests through myIO. For information about university operations, please visit the Protect Texas Together website.
As you prepare to travel from locations outside of the U.S. to Austin review the information in the Fall 2021 COVID-19 Pre-Departure and Arrival Expectations for International Travelers. These expectations were created to prioritize your health, along with the health of our campus community.
ISSS has been receiving a high volume of emails and calls for requests of student immigration documents and advising support. We understand that many of you are concerned about upcoming immigration deadlines, and we are taking action to decrease our response times. This includes adding immediate staffing assistance and recruiting additional advisors. We are confident that the timeliness of replies to your inquiries will improve in the coming weeks. See ISSS Processing Times to view specific information about CPT, STEM OPT, Initial I-20s for Fall 2021, and general information about email inquiries.
Beginning Jan. 26, 2021, all passengers entering the U.S. by air must provide a negative COVID-19 test before boarding their flight, as required by the CDC.
Passengers are required to get a test within three days of their departure. Written documentation of the negative test result must be provided to the airline before boarding, or the airline will not allow you to board. If you have previously been infected with COVID-19, but are no longer contagious, you can provide documentation of your recovery in place of a negative test result.
Upon arrival to the U.S., the CDC recommends that passengers get tested again 3-5 days after arrival and stay home for at least one week.
Effective Jan. 26, 2021, all air passengers entering the U.S. are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than three days before boarding their flight. Visit the CDC website for more information.
The current global situation is fluid. It is difficult to predict whether further restrictions will be put in place by the U.S. government for travelers, whether current restrictions will be removed, or if availability of international flights will be a concern. We recommend that you continue to check the travel and visa restrictions that may be in place at the time you are planning to travel to the U.S. We recommend that you monitor the travel updates by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) as well as resources from your own country's governmental agencies.
All travelers flying to the U.S. must obtain a negative COVID-19 test no more than three days prior to their flight.
Current Travel Restriction Countries:
India is the most recent country to be added to a list of countries facing travel restrictions (see below). The presidential proclamation regarding travel from India can be read here.
Several presidential proclamations suspend entry into the United States of noncitizens who were physically present in the following countries during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the U.S.
Students and scholars traveling from travel restriction countries may qualify for a National Interest Exception. Please see the question below for further information.
Texas Global is carefully monitoring updates from the CDC, SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program), USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), and U.S. Department of State. We will update this website as we receive new information.
The U.S. Department of State has determined that certain nonimmigrants traveling from travel restriction countries may qualify for a National Interest Exception (NIE). An NIE provides permission to individuals traveling from travel restriction countries to enter the United States. Eligibility for an NIE depends on the student's or scholar's immigration status and the country from which the student/scholar is traveling. See information below for further details.
Texas Global is carefully monitoring updates from the U.S. Department of State. We will update this website as we receive new information.
Eligibility for a National Interest Exception does not appear to be contingent on the start date of your academic program.
Texas Global is carefully monitoring updates from the U.S. Department of State. We will update this website as we receive new information.
The current global situation is fluid. It is difficult to predict whether further restrictions will be put in place by the U.S. government for travelers from high-risk countries, whether current restrictions will be removed, or if international travel to the U.S. will be restricted due to the situation within the U.S.
You will need to continue to check the travel and visa restrictions that may be in place at the time you are planning to travel to the U.S. We recommend that you monitor the travel updates by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) as well as resources from your own country’s governmental agencies.
Texas Global is carefully monitoring updates from the CDC, SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program), USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), and Department of State, and will update this website as we receive new information.
The global COVID-19 situation is dynamic and quickly changing. Please check the U.S. Department of State's visa page for announcements and updates in order to stay informed about the resumption of consular services and visa processing times. Texas Global is closely monitoring the situation and will update this page if new information becomes available. You may also wish to check the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate nearest to you for any other updates.
Please log into myIO and request a travel signature through F-1 Student Services > I-20 Travel Signature Request or J-1 Student Services > DS-2019 Travel Signature Request.
Yes, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) coordinated with both the Department of State and Customs and Border Protection to allow electronic issuance and signing of Forms I-20 for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency. Both agencies are in support of this action.
UT Austin follows the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which offers different guidelines for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
Please review the Fall 2021 COVID-19 Pre-Departure and Arrival Expectations for International Travelers. These expectations were created to prioritize your health, along with the health of our campus community.
UT is offering in-person, hybrid, and online classes in Summer and Fall 2021, with a majority of classes being in-person in Fall 2021. On April 26, 2021, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) confirmed that the current immigration guidance in response to the COVID-19 crisis will remain in effect for the 2021-2022 academic year. According to this guidance, 100% online enrollment is not permitted for the following students, who are considered “new” students for immigration purposes:
All new students entering the U.S. to begin their studies in Summer or Fall 2021 must enroll full-time and in at least one hybrid or in-person class. Enrolling in 100% online classes as a new student in the U.S. is a violation of your student visa status and will result in immigration problems.
All F-1 and J-1 students are required to enroll full-time. You will be required to enroll in at least one in-person or hybrid class. Enrolling in 100% online classes would be a violation of your student visa status and would result in immigration problems.
If you have not already done so, you should apply for a student visa if you do not have one. You should also make sure that you have an updated I-20 or DS-2019 indicating your intended semester start date, i.e., the start date of the first semester you will be physically present in the U.S.
The current global situation is fluid. It is difficult to predict whether further restrictions will be put in place by the U.S. government for travelers, whether current restrictions will be removed, or if availability of international flights will be a concern.
Continue to check the travel and visa restrictions that may be in place at the time you are planning to travel to the U.S. We recommend that you monitor the travel updates by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) as well as resources from your own country's governmental agencies.
All students flying to the U.S. must obtain a negative COVID-19 test no more than 3 days prior to their flight.
COVID-19 travel bans still apply to several countries. However, the U.S. Department of State has announced National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) for China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, the UK, Ireland, and the Schengen area.
Texas Global is carefully monitoring updates from the CDC, SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program), USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), and U.S. Department of State. We will update this website as we receive new information.
Please complete all required forms in myIO to request your transfer document. Avoid all non-essential international travel, as you may not be able to re-enter the U.S. due to constantly changing travel restrictions, visa issuance suspension, and the evolving health situation.
Please complete all required forms in myIO indicating your current status and schedule an appointment with an international student advisor to discuss your options and situation.
UT Austin follows the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which offers different guidelines for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
Please review the Fall 2021 COVID-19 Pre-Departure and Arrival Expectations for International Travelers. These expectations were created to prioritize your health, along with the health of our campus community.
In order to receive fellowship money, a student must have a U.S. address or a U.S. bank account and an active F-1 or J-1 immigration status. Since those cannot be obtained from outside of the U.S., you will need to defer the fellowship when you are able to enter the U.S. Contact your Graduate Coordinator with a request to defer your fellowship.
Unfortunately, new students who have not worked for UT Austin before will not be able to begin jobs if they are studying from outside the U.S. We recommend students contact their departments to see if other sources of funding are available.
If you have started your UT Austin program of study but have not yet been in the U.S. in F-1/J-1 status, you are considered a “new” student for immigration purposes. If you are returning to UT Austin after a gap in your studies, you are also considered a “new” student. Please see the “FAQs for New International Students” section above.
UT plans to offer in-person, online, and hybrid classes in Fall 2021, with a majority of classes being in-person in Fall 2021. All F-1 and J-1 students must enroll full-time to maintain their status. On April 26, 2021, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) confirmed that the current immigration guidance in response to the COVID-19 crisis will remain in effect for the 2021-2022 academic year. According to this guidance, continuing students in active F-1 status can maintain their immigration status by enrolling in online classes or in a combination of online, hybrid, and in-person classes.
If you have started your UT Austin program of study but have not yet been in the U.S. in F-1/J-1 status, you are considered a “new” student for immigration purposes. If you are returning to UT Austin after a gap in your studies, you are also considered a “new” student. Please see the “FAQs for New International Students” section above.
All F-1 and J-1 students must enroll full-time to maintain their status. On April 26, 2021, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) confirmed that the current immigration guidance in response to the COVID-19 crisis will remain in effect for the 2021-2022 academic year. According to this guidance, continuing students in active F-1 status can maintain their immigration status by enrolling in online classes or in a combination of online, hybrid, and in-person classes. Continuing students outside the U.S. with an active F-1 I-20 can enroll in online classes and maintain their valid immigration status.
If you currently have a valid I-20 with a travel signature on page 2 that will be no more than 12 months old on your date of re-entry into the U.S., you do not need an updated I-20. If you are traveling internationally and do not have a valid travel signature, you can request a travel signature in myIO.
You have three options:
Continuing graduate students who will be studying online from their home countries may not begin on-campus employment unless they have previously worked on campus for UT Austin. If you are continuing previous employment, please work with your department and supervisor to make sure that you are able to meet all of the appointment requirements remotely.
No, you do not need to make a new CPT request for this. We recommend you emailthe international student advisor who approved your CPT to let them know you will be working remotely. The advisor will make a note in your records with that information.
You should enter the employer's address in the employer address section of the CPT Request form.
USCIS recently introduced an online option to file the I-765 application for OPT/STEM OPT.
CAUTION: If you choose to file your I-765 application online, you must first receive an OPT/STEM OPT I-20 from ISSS, showing an OPT/STEM OPT recommendation on page 2, before beginning the online filing process. The OPT/STEM OPT I-20 is an essential part of the application; without it, your application will be denied.
You must be physically present in the United States at the time you submit your Optional Practical Training (OPT) application. If you're in your home country and have questions about how this will affect your ability to apply for OPT, then please contact us to discuss your case.
ISSS will continue to process OPT applications via myIO. We strongly encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
No, it is not necessary to update your site of employment in the SEVP Portal or to update your I-983 (for those on STEM OPT) for remote work due to COVID-19.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has not issued a statement concerning changes to the normal unemployment limits. We advise all students to stay within 90 days of unemployment to maintain their F-1 status and OPT. Prior to reaching 90 days of unemployment, students on OPT are required to depart the United States or make other plans to maintain their status.
No, this will not count as unemployment. SEVP is making a temporary exception for anyone still working, but working less than 20 hours per week because of the COVID-19 crisis.
USCIS is currently experiencing delays in issuing receipt notices for OPT and STEM OPT applications. It may take 4-6 weeks to receive your receipt notice. USCIS has acknowledged these delays and they are extending some flexibility to students whose OPT or STEM OPT applications were received between October 1, 2020 and May 21, 2021.
You can remain in the U.S. and await your receipt notice if you have proof that USCIS has received your application. Examples of proof: you have confirmation that your application was delivered (e.g., through online express mail tracking) or confirmation that your I-765 fee has been processed.
Per F-1 regulations, students whose OPT is approved after the end of their 60-day grace period get less than 12 months of OPT. USCIS has temporarily* agreed to approve OPT applications for a full 12 months in these cases. This prevents students from losing time on OPT due to USCIS delays. If your OPT is approved for significantly less than 12 months, you can request a corrected EAD. To do this, you will need to follow USCIS’s instructions, and this includes sending your original EAD back to USCIS. It can take 1-2 months for USCIS to then issue you a corrected EAD (possibly longer due to COVID delays). You will not be able to travel internationally, go through a hiring process, or apply for an SSN or driver’s license while you are without your original EAD, so we strongly recommend that you first use your EAD for any of required purposes BEFORE sending it to USCIS for a correction.
Per F-1 regulations, students whose OPT applications are rejected after the end of their 60-day grace period are normally ineligible to reapply. USCIS is temporarily* allowing students to refile after their grace period ends as long as their first (rejected) application was filed on time. If your application was rejected, it is critical that you contact us before applying again. A “rejection” is different from a “denial”; if your application is rejected, your entire application packet will be returned to you with a rejection notice. If your application is denied after your 60-day grace period ends, you will not be eligible to reapply.
*For OPT applications received by USCIS on or after 10/01/2020 through 05/21/2021, inclusive.
F-1 students who file a STEM OPT application with USCIS prior to the expiration of their 12-month OPT EAD are eligible to remain in the U.S. and work for up to 180 days past the 12-month OPT EAD end date while the STEM OPT application is pending. You may wish to show your employer proof that your STEM OPT application was delivered to USCIS, in addition to your 12-month OPT EAD and your STEM OPT I-20, as evidence of your continued employment eligibility.
Students whose STEM OPT applications are rejected after the end of their 12-month OPT period are normally ineligible to reapply. USCIS is temporarily* allowing students to reapply after their OPT EAD expires as long as their first (rejected) application was filed on time. If your application was rejected, it is critical that you contact us before applying again. A “rejection” is different from a “denial”; if your application is rejected, your entire application packet will be returned to you with a rejection notice. If your application is denied after your 12-month OPT ends, you will not be eligible to reapply.
*For STEM OPT applications received by USCIS on or after 10/01/2020 through 05/21/2021, inclusive.
We advise against sending in a second OPT/STEM OPT application as this could cause severe complications and/or further delays for your application. Instead, we recommend that you continue to wait for your receipt notice and keep proof that your application was delivered to USCIS. Please note that sending in a second application without consulting our office first could lead to a denial of your OPT/STEM OPT application.
If your receipt notice is taking longer than USCIS says it should, you can try the following options.
No. The June 22, 2020 Presidential Proclamation and the subsequent extension does not limit individuals from changing their status to H-1B within the United States. However, through March 31, 2021, your ability to leave the U.S. and apply for an H-1B visa for reentering the country will be limited.
No. The June 22, 2020 Presidential Proclamation does not apply to these visa types.
The current COVID-19 situation is rapidly evolving and unpredictable. It remains unclear how long the travel bans or other global travel restrictions may remain in effect for re-entry to the U.S. and how your entry could be impacted. Reach out to your department to determine if there are ways to continue your work remotely from your home country. If this is not a possibility, contact us, so that we can work with you to determine the best path forward for your specific situation.
Please contact us to request a travel signature on your DS-2019. Please keep in mind that with the current global travel restrictions and global pandemic, we strongly encourage you to postpone any non-essential international travel.
Please coordinate any early departure with your department. If you depart the country more than 15 days before your DS-2019 end date and you do not intend to return to the U.S. for the remainder of your J program, contact us so your DS-2019 end date can be updated accordingly.
Contact your home country embassy or consulate in the U.S. to let them know your situation. You may use the website here to find foreign consulates in the U.S.
Also, please work with your department to determine if you can temporarily extend your appointment. If it can be extended, your department will work with you and ISSS to extend your DS-2019. If an extension is not possible, we will recommend that you contact an immigration attorney about the best path to extend your stay in the U.S.
Please contact ISSS to discuss your situation. If the situation is beyond our area of expertise we will recommend that you contact an immigration attorney about the best path to extend your stay in the U.S.
The June 22, 2020 Presidential Proclamation and the subsequent extension does not limit individuals from changing their status to H-1B within the United States. However, through March 31, 2021, you will be limited in your ability to leave the country and apply for an H-1B visa for reentering the United States. Please work closely with your department and ISSS about any questions you have about your H-1B petition process.
Yes. The June 22, 2020 Presidential Proclamation and the subsequent extension does not limit individuals from transferring or extending their H-1B within the United States. Please work closely with your department and ISSS about any questions you have about your H-1B petition process.
Due to the June 22, 2020 Presidential Proclamation and the subsequent extension issuance of new H-1B visas is limited until March 31, 2021. Please work with your department and ISSS to explore potential visa alternatives.
No. The June 22, 2020 Presidential Proclamation and the subsequent extension does not pertain to J-1 exchange visitors in the categories that are sponsored by UT Austin (professor, research scholar, short-term scholar, specialist, and student). However, obtaining a J visa from a U.S. consular post may be more limited currently.
The current COVID-19 situation is rapidly evolving and unpredictable. It is unclear how long the travel bans or other global travel restrictions may remain in effect for re-entry to the U.S. and how your entry could be impacted. We will work with our J-1 scholars on a case-by-case basis to determine the best path forward. If your start date and documents should be adjusted, please consult with your department, and contact us if there will be any changes to your program dates.
Once you have been able to secure travel arrangements to enter the U.S., please consult your department about your ability to be physically present on campus.
UT Austin follows the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of State.
Get tested 3-5 days after travel AND stay home for 7 days after travel. Even if you test negative, stay home for the full 7 days. If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.
If you don’t get tested, it’s safest to stay home for 10 days after travel. Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not.
Always follow state and local recommendations or requirements related to travel.
The current COVID-19 situation is rapidly evolving and unpredictable. It's unclear how long the travel bans or other global travel restrictions may remain in effect. ISSS continues to issue DS-2019s for future start dates. Please discuss with your department a practicable future start date.
No. If you have your J-1 visa stamp, please check the validity date. In most cases you will not need to re-apply to a U.S. embassy or consulate, even though your arrival date will change. You will use the combination of your J-1 visa stamp and your DS-2019 with updated dates to enter the U.S.
Please complete the "J-1 Scholar Arrival Notification" and "J-1 Scholar Arrival Form" in myIO and contact us to schedule a virtual check-in. UT Austin follows the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of State.
Get tested 3-5 days after travel AND stay home for 7 days after travel. Even if you test negative, stay home for the full 7 days. If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.
If you don’t get tested, it’s safest to stay home for 10 days after travel. Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not.
Before coming to campus, review UT’s latest safety protocol and guidelines.
New international faculty/researchers who are unable to enter the US and need to begin employment in their home country are not prevented from doing so from an immigration standpoint. However, complexities lie in the hiring and payment of individuals living abroad as each country has distinct labor and tax laws. Individuals hired from abroad will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, Please contact Payroll Services with cc: to Texas Global for further information.
The presidential proclamation of June 22, 2020 does not pertain to J-1 exchange visitors in the categories that are sponsored by UT Austin (professor, research scholar, short-term scholar, specialist, and student). Please initiate your J-1 scholar request at least 2-3 months prior to the scholar’s start date at UT.
Note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic visa issuance services may be delayed or not available in certain countries. They situation is dynamic and quickly changing. Please check the U.S. Department of State's visa page for announcements and updates in order to stay informed about the resumption of consular services and visa processing times. Additionally, the federal administration has placed entry restrictions for those who are traveling from certain countries. These factors might affect whether your scholar will be able to arrive by the anticipated start date. Stay in close contact with ISSS to assess your scholar’s situation.
The June 22, 2020 Presidential Proclamation and its subsequent extension does not limit individuals from changing their status to H-1B within the United States. However, through March 31, 2021, they would not be able to leave the U.S. and apply for an H-1B visa for reentering the United States. Individuals in H-1B status who do not currently have a valid H-1B visa stamp in their passport should not travel internationally while the proclamation is in effect.
Many of our international tenure and tenure-track professors are employed and enter the U.S. on an H-1B visa. Departments should consult with Texas Global to explore possibilities for future new hires.
Unfortunately, new students who have not worked for UT Austin before will not be able to begin jobs in the spring semester if they are studying from outside the U.S. We recommend departments see if other sources of funding are available.
SEVP has extended the exemption from the in-person course requirement to the Spring 2021 semester. Continuing F-1/ J-1 students will be able to take as many online courses as appropriate for their academic program. They will need to enroll full-time in order to maintain F-1 or J-1 status. New students coming to the US will need to enroll in at least one face-to-face or hybrid course and will need to enroll full-time in order to maintain F-1/ J-1 status.
Yes, new students may enroll in online classes if they do not plan to arrive in Austin for the start of the semester. ISSS will need to work with these students to adjust their immigration documents according to their plans.
The tuition portion of a fellowship can be paid since it applies directly to the student’s tuition bill.The class modality does not impact this.If the fellowship includes money being paid directly to the student, then you will not be able to pay it.FRMS requires information about the student’s F-1 or J-1 visa and that the student has either a U.S. address or U.S. bank account in order to pay out.If the fellowship is from another unit (like the Graduate School), work with that unit regarding any need to defer a fellowship.
If the student has decided not to defer but to decline admission and not come to UT, then consult with whoever is providing the fellowship for whether it can be reallocated to another student. If the student is deferring or arriving late in the semester, that money has already been promised to that student and cannot be reallocated to someone else.
The Graduate Coordinator should contact the unit that is funding the fellowship to request the deferral.
On Jan. 20, 2021, President Biden issued the Proclamation Ending Discriminatory Bans on Entry to the United States rescinding former President Trump's executive order that prohibited travel for citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, and North Korea to the United States. Previously, only students and scholars from those countries were permitted to enter the country. Now, all citizens may apply for visas to visit the United States.
On May 29, 2020, the President issued Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Nonimmigrants of Certain Students and Researchers from the People’s Republic of China. The order affects Chinese nationals who have ties to an entity in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) that implements or supports the PRC's Military-Civil Fusion (MCF) strategy.
Individuals impacted by the order include:
The order does not affect:
There are still many unknowns that we do not have sufficient information on yet. Texas Global is closely monitoring the situation and will update this website once additional information becomes available.
The order also directs the Secretary of State to determine whether to cancel visas of graduate students and researchers present in the United States and who have ties to entities that support the MCF strategy. The cancellation of a visa generally does not mean that the individual must depart the US. However, those who have a canceled visa and leave the country would no longer be able to reenter in F or J status.
ISSS provides access to a Glacier Tax Prep, a software that will assist you with non-resident tax filing. We are not able to provide individual tax advising, but can answer your questions at intltax@austin.utexas.edu.
Support Services will hold a Tax Information Session via Zoom on Feb. 16, 2021, at 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Register to attend.
Under the CARES Act, Congress has provided for a one-time, $1,200 payment to “eligible individuals” who meet certain income thresholds. A second payment of $600 was provided in December 2020. However, nonresident aliens are specifically excluded from the definition of “eligible individuals” under the Act; therefore, a nonresident alien will not receive a payment under the CARES Act. This means that most international students are not eligible to receive these funds.
You may have received these funds 1) in error; 2) because you filed the incorrect tax paperwork when submitting your 2018 or 2019 tax return; or 3) because you are considered a resident alien for tax purposes as you have been in the U.S. for a sufficiently long period of time.
If you have received the finds in error either through your error or an IRS error, please do not keep the funds and return them to IRS. If you have received the stimulus payment because you complete the wrong tax return forms, please reach out to the tax assistant for guidance on how to file the correct forms.
Texas Career Engagement Center now offers a new service designed specifically for international students. Interstride provides a one-stop shop for international students, including visa and immigration information; companies that sponsor employment visas; guidance on intercultural networking; job listings, real-time hiring trends, and employer information; and tailored assessment tests.
The UT Outpost is an on campus food pantry that can help students who are experiencing food insecurity. In response to COVID-19 they are providing contactless pick up of pre-packaged items to students in need.
Bias incidents are offenses against individuals or groups that are motivated by perceived identity such as age, citizenship, national origin, gender, and gender expression. Examples of bias incidents include verbal harassment, hateful written comments, and derogatory graffiti.
If you observed or have personally experienced a bias incident, we urge you to report the details. Please refer to this list of offices that can receive your report. If you encounter a situation that requires immediate police, medical, psychological, or other emergency service, you should always call 911 first.
We all belong to the UT family and we want to make sure that everyone in the community is welcomed and respected.
Stay safe and well during the pandemic.
Protect Texas Together website is your one stop resource for all policies and resources for Covid-19. If you are physically coming to campus, be sure to download the Protect Texas Together phone app to obtain your daily campus pass.
University Health Services is your on-campus wellness resource. In addition to their regular services they currently provide tele-appointments as well as COVID-19 screening and testing.
It is important to stay healthy both physically as well as in the mind and spirit. The Counseling and Mental Health Center continues to provide services to all international students. Telehealth appointments as well as virtual drop-in groups are available.
All enrolled international students are automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) which provides very comprehensive coverage for any COVID-19 related expenses.
Longhorn Connection brings UT Austin students together with their friends, peers, and campus community, no matter how far from the Forty Acres they are. Longhorns are stronger when we connect with each other. Use this website as a resource to engage with your community, prioritize your wellness, and enjoy creativity through virtual events and various activities.
ISSS has also planned a number of engaging virtual events for you. Keep up to date with upcoming events on our website. Finally, follow Texas Global ISSS on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and join the International Student Facebook Group to connect with international longhorns around the world.
If you submitted an email to ask for an update on your myIO request, know that we are processing immigration applications taking into consideration document expiration dates and employment start dates. Rest assured that an ISSS advisor will respond to your inquiry.