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EMPLOYMENT

• I-20: Do not let your I-20 expire. If you need an extension to the completion date on the I-20, please contact ISS. If your I-20 expires before you graduate, you will be out of legal status. Keep all of your I-20s for your records.

• Passport: Do not let your passport expire. It is best if you extend your passport six months prior to the expiration date at your country's Consulate in the United States or when you go back home. You cannot work with an expired passport.

• I-94 Card or I-797: Keep your I-94 card. It must state "F-1" and "D/S" (Duration of Status). If you have an expiration date on your I-94 card, then you should speak to an ISS advisor immediately.

• Visa Stamp: It is ok for your visa to expire while you are in the United States; however, you may need to renew it if you travel outside the United States. Pay attention to the number of entries into the United States you are allowed. It is acceptable for your visa to have another school's name on it. Contact ISS for information concerning going to Mexico or Canada with an expired visa.

• Permanent Address: You must maintain a permanent address outside the United States to which you intend to return.

FULL-TIME ENROLLMENT

As an undergraduate student you must complete 12 Semester Credit Hours (SCH) - usually the equivalent of 4 courses) per semester, and as a graduate student 9 SCH.  Note: If you need to fall below the required hours, please contact ISS before you drop the classes. You may or may not be eligible to fall below hours legally. Please ask about a full-course waiver.

If summer is your first semester at TAMIU, first semester in a new academic program, or first semester after being out of school or out of legal status. Summer is considered vacation time if it is not your first or last semester and you are not required to take classes for immigration purposes. Please consult your department concerning university rules on summer registration.

If you want to take classes at another school during the summer or in conjunction with your TAMIU classes, then you need to complete a co-enrollment form. Co-enrollment must be authorized by ISS. During the Spring and Fall semesters, you should be taking at least half of your courses at TAMIU. 

Do not change your degree level (bachelors, masters, Ph.D. or non-degree program), begin a second degree or pursue a double major without consulting ISS first.

OBTAINING WORK AUTHORIZATION

Work authorization is dependent on your F-1 status and your enrollment at Texas A&M University.

ON-CAMPUS WORK

As long as you are in legal F-1 status and meet TAMIU requirements, you are eligible to work on campus for up to 19 hours per week during the Spring and Fall semesters. You are eligible to work full-time on campus during vacation periods and during the summer semester.

OFF-CAMPUS WORK

You must get proper work authorization prior to working off-campus. You will be out of status and eligible for deportation if you work without USCIS (INS) authorization. Do not risk it. Work is considered anything for which you are compensated, such as being given cash, food, or room/board.

OPT/CPT

Speak to ISS concerning Optional Practical Training, Curricular Practical Training, or economic hardship work authorization.

TRAVELING OUTSIDE THE US WHILE YOU ARE A STUDENT

Your I-20 should be signed by an International Student Advisor before you leave the United States. The signature is valid for up to one year or until you graduate if you graduate in less than a year. Be sure that you enter the United States on your F-1 visa. Always make sure your I-94 card is marked "F-1" and "D/S". If you are given a 30-day entry, come to ISS immediately. Do not enter the United States on a tourist (B) visa, the visa waiver program, or on a border-crossing card. You will no longer be on a student visa and you will lose all student visa benefits such as work authorization.

DEPENDENTS

You may bring your dependents (spouse and/or unmarried children under age 21) to the United States. Please consult ISS about the procedure. Dependents on an F-2 visa CANNOT work or receive compensation for services, such as baby-sitting. Dependents must travel with the proper paperwork, such as your I-20 signed for travel.

OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES

Student Center 226 - Tel. 956.326.2280

Email: iss@tamiu.edu