Health Insurance
Effective Fall 2011 all international students will be required to purchase the Texas A&M University System Health Insurance at a cost of $369 per semester and $217 for summer session.
Enrollment
F-1 students must enroll full-time. The University defines full-time enrollment for graduate students as 9 hours per semester and undergraduate students as 12 hours per semester.
Students may take one online class and rest on campus.
Regulations
International students are expected to follow regulations and procedures established by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency which governs schools who participate in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), for specifics on SEVIS click here.
Social Security Information
A social security number and card is required for employment in the United States. International students wishing to work on or off campus should contact the Office of Student Affairs prior to engaging in employment opportunity. For more information click here.
Employment
International students must receive work authorization prior to engaging in an employment opportunity. Authorization is dependent on your F-1 status and your enrollment at TAMIU.
Optional Practicum Training (OPT)
OPT is a period during which undergraduate and graduate students with F-1 status who have completed their degree are permitted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to work for no more than one year on a student visa without needing to acquire a work H-1B visa. F-1 students are permitted a total of 12 months towards practical training, on being certified by the advisor of the usefulness of the works toward goals of the degree. Student Affairs will not accept OPT applications if the student has any outstanding debt to the University. To apply for OPT click here.
OPT Reporting Requirements
Students must report the name and location of their employer, as well as any time without active employment. Under continuous F-1 status, you must also report any changes to your residential address, name and Employer Information must be submitted within 10 days of employment or change in employement. To submit this information for reporting purposes click here.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is a defined to be alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers. CPT is provided to F-1 students as a means to provide work experience in situations where the works serves as an integral part of a student's academic program. Participation in a CPT program must be pre-approved by the staff at Student Affairs. To apply for CPT click here.
Taxes
All international students are required to submit tax documentation to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for more information about important dates and documents click here.
Note: All international students receiving tuition and/or fee adjustments through scholarship, fellowships or exchange agreements are subject to U.S. Internal Revenue Tax Liabilities.