Terra Dotta

International Student Services (ISS) now uses Terra Dotta software to manage international student records. All international students at Texas A&M University will be able to use the software to initiate requests using their NetID and password.  This page aims to explain how to use the Terra Dotta Software and what programs are available to students to submit requests online.

Paper requests submitted to the office and requests submitted to ISS via email are being converted to electronic records on the student's behalf. Once these requests are converted and attached to a student's record, the student will receive an email with a confirmation. We ask that students review these records for accuracy and completeness. We also ask that if they are requesting a return document from our office, to complete the mailing options questionnaire found within the request.

International Student Services plans to continue updating Terra Dotta to make more programs available. All updates in regards to Terra Dotta will be posted on this webpage. You may log-in to Terra Dotta directly at https://tamu-iss.terradotta.com/. If you have never submitted a request through Terra Dotta before, you may not have a profile and your log-in credentials won't work. Please read the How to Use Terra Dotta section below for detailed information. 

How to Use Terra Dotta

Students can log-in to the Terra Dotta system only after they have initiated a request through the system. For most students, this request is one of the Initial Document requests below. Due to this limitation, students will not be able to log-in directly into the Terra Dotta system until students have started the process of one of the requests listed below. 

If you are receiving an error in Terra Dotta and your request is not listed below, please email iss@tamu.edu with your name, UIN, and issue and one of our staff will assist you in getting the error resolved. 

Terra Dotta uses specific and unique terminology for several items in its request process.  We have put together a brief glossary to help you better understand what Terra Dotta is referencing when you are submitting a request.

Record, Program, Request: These three names all reference the same thing in regards to your submission. The program allows you to submit a request which creates a record for staff to process. It can be a bit confusing, but you may see these terms used interchangeably on the ISS website.

Learning Content: These are required readings that explain different aspects of the request you are submitting to ISS. You must read through them and click "Mark as Read" to move forward with a request submission.

Questionnaires: Questionnaires are used to collect the information necessary for ISS to process your request. Information collected can include answers to basic demographic and immigration status questions. It can also include uploaded immigration documents, such as a copy of your passport. Requests may include required questionnaires, conditional questionnaires, and optional questionnaires.  More information about specific questionnaires are available in each program.

Signature Documents / Materials: Most programs will include documentation which you must digitally sign. They may be referenced as either a signature document or material. Signatures must be complete before a program can be submitted.

To submit an electronic request through Terra Dotta, you simply have to click the URL or application text found in the areas of the page that reference our available requests. Unlike submitting a request at the front desk, you can start a request in Terra Dotta before having all the required documents. However, you will not be able to actually submit the request until you fulfill all requirements within it. Please refer to each program's instructions and learning content for relevant requirements and instructions.
 
Below is a general overview of how to interact with a program from start to finish.
  1.  Select the program you wish to submit for ISS to process. You will most likely be prompted to log-in using your NetID and password.
  2. Choose the appropriate Term for your request. Most requests may only have a few options available at one time.
    • If you are a currently enrolled student applying for an updated document or travel signature, please select the current term.
    • If the request is for a future benefit (like CPT or RCL) you may have to select the next available term.
    • If you are a new student applying for an initial document, please select the term in which you will begin your coursework.Image which displays an example of possible terms for a program. Displayed is Summer, 2020 and Fall, 2020 
  3. Complete all requirements for the program. These requirements include Learning Content, Questionnaires, Material Submissions, Document Uploads, and Recommender Submissions. Each request has specific requirements so make sure to read the instructions and learning content carefully! You can check each section and view all necessary requirements. A blank box next to a requirement means it is not complete. Once you complete the an item, the box will be filled with a check mark. In some cases, certain items are not applicable to your situation. In those cases, the box is replaced with N/A which means 'Not Applicable'. The image below shows a section including all stages for your reference.
     Image displaying an example of the three available statuses under completed. A check box indicating completion, an empty box indicating incomplete, and N/A indicating not applicable.
  4. Click submit once you complete all requirements! This is where most people get stuck. Make sure you hit the submit button when you are finished! A message with a green background should appear once your submission has been successfully logged by the system. Successful Submission
  5. Check your Texas A&M Email. All correspondence about your request will happen through your official Texas A&M email. If the message is sent through Terra Dotta, you can also view it in your User Profile.
  6. You may have to resubmit the application. If an application is missing relevant information or includes unclear or incorrect information, an ISS staff member may return the application to you for updates. Once you take the necessary actions be sure to submit your application again!

More information on how to login to view records is in the next section.

Students with an active request in Terra Dotta are able to check on the request they have created.  You will have to log in to Terra Dotta by navigating to https://tamu-iss.terradotta.com/ and selecting LOGIN on the top right.  You will need to log in using your NetID and password. The image below is an active link to the Terra Dotta main page and will open in another window. 

Login Banner links to a new page

After you log in, you will be redirected to the User Home Page. On the User Home Page, you will be able to see all your records under the Records section. You will also see a section to update your Profile. Finally, you will be able to view all messages from International Student Services that were sent through Terra Dotta. Please be advised that not all email correspondence from ISS is handled by Terra Dotta. We will now go through each section in more detail.

To review a request, simply click on the name of the record. You will be taken to the request and will be able to review all Learning Content, Questionnaires, Signature Documents, and Document Uploads. These are always available to you, even after you complete a request! If the request has been returned to you for correction, this is where you can interact with it and make any necessary adjustments as instructed by an ISS staff member. Remember, you need to hit the submit button once you are done to notify staff you have resubmitted your request!

If you decide that you no longer want to have ISS assist you with your request, you can Withdraw the request by clicking the Withdraw button. If you withdraw a request by mistake, you may Reinstate the request.  Below are examples of records in various stages.

Record Eligible for Withdraw:
Withdraw

Record Eligible for Reinstatement:
Reinstate


 

You can see the most recent messages under the Messages section of the User Home Page. To view the message content, you simply need to click on the subject of the message.

Message

To return to the User Home Page after reading the message, simply select Return at the bottom of the page.

Return

If you wish to view all messages sent to you through Terra Dotta, simply select View All Messages. All messages will be displayed in order with the most recently sent at the top.

View all images

To view the information on your user profile, locate the profile section and select Edit Profile.

Edit Profile

Once you are redirected, you will see information already entered in your user profile. Most of this information comes from the university student information system, so if you notice an error here you will most likely have to contact the appropriate office to update information within the system. If you have a personal email that you would like notifications from the Terra Dotta system to be sent to, enter that email in the CC Email Address field.

CC Email Address Example

Many requests require that you have a valid address on file. You can see if you have an address on file by selecting the Address Info tab. 

Address Information Tab

In the example shown below, there is no US address or Foreign Address on file! If your profile is missing a required address, please make updates on the Howdy student portal.

Missing Address Information Example

More instructions on how to update your address and phone number can be found at http://iss.tamu.edu/ISS/media/ISS-Files/ISS-PDF/Current%20Students/Updating-Your-Local-Address-Phone.pdf Please be advised that changes made in the university system may take a minimum of 1 business day to feed over to Terra Dotta. 

For detailed information on understanding areas of your user profile and how to resolve issues you find, please navigate to the appropriate document listed below:

Available Programs in Terra Dotta

We are actively working on moving as many requests as we can into the Terra Dotta system. Below you will find a list of all active requests that can be submitted completely online using the Terra Dotta system. They are broken up in the following three categories:
  1. Initial Document Requests: Students who plan to attend Texas A&M University as an international student in F or J status and are needing a Form I-20 or DS-2019 from Texas A&M University will complete one of these programs. If you will be studying in a status other than F or J, you do not need to submit one of these requests.
  2. Check-Ins: All students who are identified as an international student at Texas A&M University are required to check in with International Student Services. All relevant check-in programs are listed here. Students who are sponsoring dependents on F-2 or J-2 status will also have to complete a dependent check-in.
  3. Current Student Requests: These requests are requests available for active F-1 and J-1 students at Texas A&M University.
 
We are constantly improving our processes to move more of our paper processes into the Terra Dotta system. If you are looking for an update on a request you have already submitted, please log-in to Terra Dotta at https://tamu-iss.terradotta.com/ and select the first option.
 

Initial Document Requests

Please note: All Initial Document Request Programs are currently disabled for Summer 2020.  Unfortunately, ISS will not be issuing I-20s and DS-2019s for students to enter the United States for the 2020 summer term.  Students wishing to TRANSFER their SEVIS record to Texas A&M University for Summer 2020 and are currently within the United States are not affected by this decision. 
 
  • Initial I-20 Requests ARE NOW LIVE FOR FALL 2020.
  • Transfer I-20 Requests ARE NOW LIVE FOR SUMMER 2020 AND FALL 2020.
  • Initial DS-2019 Requests ARE NOW LIVE FOR FALL 2020.
  • Transfer DS-2019 Requests ARE NOW LIVE FOR SUMMER 2020 AND FALL 2020.
  • J-1 Reciprocal Exchange Initial DS-2019 Requests ARE NOW LIVE FOR FALL 2020
    • ​Students participating in this exchange will receive an email from the Education Abroad office with further instructions on how to submit your request to Internaitonal Student Services. 

Now Live for Fall 2020.

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ:
International Student Services reviews requests on a first-come, first-served basis. In peak season, Initial I-20 processing time is two weeks and will ONLY begin after ALL required steps have been completed correctly in Terra Dotta. Keep in mind that the processing time of two weeks does not include mail delivery time. Please note that our office handles requests for over 8,000 new, current and former international students and that we will work diligently to get your request completed in a timely manner.

Requesting an Initial I-20 from ISS

International Student Services (ISS) now uses Terra Dotta software to manage international student records. You will complete your I-20 request on ISS Terra Dotta using your NetID and password.
  1. Valid Passport: Most Recently Issued
    1. If you will have any F-2 dependents, you must upload a valid passport for each F-2 dependent.
    2. You will also have to complete questionnaires to provide us with their information.
  2. Proof of English Proficiency: ISS will not issue a Form I-20 or DS-2019 for any student who has not met the Office of Admissions requirements for English proficiency.
    1. Information about English Proficiency requirements can be found on the Office of Admissions website: http://admissions.tamu.edu/international/english
  3. Financial Documents:  Please reference our webpage dedicated to acceptable forms of finances at http://iss.tamu.edu/Prospective-Students/Estimated-Cost-of-Attendance#0-AcceptableFormsofFinancialDocumentation
  4. Update address & phone number in Howdy portal: Detailed instructions for updating your address can be found: http://iss.tamu.edu/ISS/media/ISS-Files/ISS-PDF/Current%20Students/Updating-Your-Local-Address-Phone.pdf
  5. You may be required to prepare Additional Documents based on your situation.
    1. International Non Degree or Special Program Department Information Form
    2. Approved Waiver for Two Year Residency Requirements
Detailed instructions on how to complete the request are found within the Terra Dotta Program. You may start this request at any time but will not be able to submit the request until all required items have been completed.

Submit an Initial I-20 Request at https://tamu-iss.terradotta.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Students.Apply&Program_ID=10067 or click "Apply Now" below. 

Now Live for Summer and Fall 2020.

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ:
International Student Services reviews requests on a first-come, first-served basis. In peak season, Initial I-20 processing time is two weeks and will ONLY begin after ALL required steps have been completed correctly in Terra Dotta. Keep in mind that the processing time of two weeks does not include mail delivery time. Please note that our office handles requests for over 8,000 new, current and former international students and that we will work diligently to get your request completed in a timely manner.

 

Transferring an Active SEVIS Record to Texas A&M University

Students who will have their F-1 SEVIS record transferred to Texas A&M from another U.S. institution will need to communicate with the institution that currently manages their active F-1 SEVIS record to request that they transfer the SEVIS record to the appropriate campus below. Please note that ISS cannot issue the Form I-20 until the SEVIS record has been transferred and successfully received by Texas A&M University. Students may begin a Transfer I-20 request before their record is transferred. However, they will not be able to complete the request until they have communicated their intent to transfer with their current school and set a SEVIS transfer release date. 

In certain situations, transfer students may instead elect to leave the United States and request an Initial I-20 instead. Please be advised that if a student chooses to request an initial document, they will not be allowed to enter the country until up to 30 days before the program start date on their I-20. Ultimately it is the student's decision which request they should submit.

F-1 SEVIS School Codes managed by ISS:

When working with your school to transfer your SEVIS record to Texas A&M University, please provide the correct campus code based on the campus you will be attending. We have provided a list of campus codes below.

Texas A&M University SNA214F00334000 (located in College Station, TX)
Texas A&M University Galveston SNA214F00334001
Texas A&M University School of Law SNA214F00334003
Texas A&M Health Science Center Kingsville HLG214F09976000
Texas A&M Health Science Center McAllen HLG214F09976001
Texas A&M Health Science Center Houston HOU214F00582000
Texas A&M Health Science Center Bryan SNA214F00127000
Texas A&M Health Science Center College Station SNA214F00127003
Texas A&M Health Science Center Round Rock SNA214F00127002
Texas A&M Health Science Center Temple SNA214F00127001
Texas A&M College of Dentistry DAL214F00190000

Requesting a Transfer I-20 from ISS

International Student Services (ISS) now uses Terra Dotta software to manage international student records. You will complete your I-20 request on ISS Terra Dotta using your NetID and password. You will need to prepare the following for your Transfer I-20 request:

  1. Valid Passport: Most Recently Issued
    1. If you will have any F-2 dependents, you must upload a valid passport for each F-2 dependent.
    2. You will also have to complete questionnaires to provide us with their information.
  2. I-94: If you entered the United States on F-1 status, you will need to upload this document. Instructions on how to access this document are available in the Terra Dotta program.
  3. Port of Entry Stamp(s): If present on the visa pages of your passport you will need to upload these
  4. Proof of English Proficiency: ISS will not issue a Form I-20 or DS-2019 for any student who has not met the Office of Admissions requirements for English proficiency.
    1. Information about English Proficiency requirements can be found on the Office of Admissions website: http://admissions.tamu.edu/international/english
  5. Financial Documents: Please reference our webpage dedicated to acceptable forms of finances at http://iss.tamu.edu/Prospective-Students/Estimated-Cost-of-Attendance#0-AcceptableFormsofFinancialDocumentation
  6. Update address & phone number in Howdy portal:  Detailed instructions for updating your address can be found: http://iss.tamu.edu/ISS/media/ISS-Files/ISS-PDF/Current%20Students/Updating-Your-Local-Address-Phone.pdf
  7. You may be required to prepare Additional Documents based on your situation.
    • International Non Degree or Special Program Department Information Form
    • Approved Waiver for Two Year Residency Requirements
    • Past Change of Status Approval Notices
Detailed instructions on how to complete the request are found within the Terra Dotta Program. You may start this request at any time but will not be able to submit the request until all required items have been completed.

Submit an Transfer I-20 Request at https://tamu-iss.terradotta.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Students.Apply&Program_ID=10068 or click "Apply Now" below. 

International Student Services is updating the process for new students requests for I-20s and DS-2019s.   In response to COVID-19, ISS has shifted it’s paper based processes to digital.  In order to do this, we had to shift resources from launching the new student I-20 and DS-2019 requests.  We will send out notices when they are launched.​

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ:
International Student Services reviews requests on a first-come, first-served basis. In peak season, initial document processing time is two weeks and will ONLY begin after ALL required steps have been completed correctly in Terra Dotta. Keep in mind that the processing time of two weeks does not include mail delivery time. Please note that our office handles requests for over 8,000 new, current and former international students and that we will work diligently to get your request completed in a timely manner.

Requesting an F-1 Reciprocal Exchange I-20 from ISS

International Student Services (ISS) now uses Terra Dotta software to manage international student records. You will complete your I-20 request on ISS Terra Dotta using your NetID and password.
  1. Valid Passport: Most Recently Issued
    1. If you will have any F-2 dependents, you must upload a valid passport for each F-2 dependent.
    2. You will also have to complete questionnaires to provide us with their information.
  2. Proof of English Proficiency: ISS will not issue a Form I-20 or DS-2019 for any student who has not met the Office of Admissions requirements for English proficiency.
  3. Financial Documents:  Please reference our webpage dedicated to acceptable forms of finances at http://iss.tamu.edu/Prospective-Students/Estimated-Cost-of-Attendance#0-AcceptableFormsofFinancialDocumentation
  4. Update address & phone number in Howdy portal: Detailed instructions for updating your address can be found: http://iss.tamu.edu/ISS/media/ISS-Files/ISS-PDF/Current%20Students/Updating-Your-Local-Address-Phone.pdf

Detailed instructions on how to complete the request are found within the Terra Dotta Program. You may start this request at any time but will not be able to submit the request until all required items have been completed.

Students who will be participating in an F-1 Reciprocal Exchange with Texas A&M University will receive an email with the direct link to the Terra Dotta Program. 

Students who will be participating in a J-1 Reciprocal Exchange with Texas A&M University will receive an email with the direct link to the Terra Dotta Program from the Education Abroad office. 

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ:
International Student Services reviews requests on a first-come, first-served basis. In peak season, initial document processing time is two weeks and will ONLY begin after ALL required steps have been completed correctly in Terra Dotta. Keep in mind that the processing time of two weeks does not include mail delivery time. Please note that our office handles requests for over 8,000 new, current and former international students and that we will work diligently to get your request completed in a timely manner.

Requesting an J-1 Reciprocal Exchange DS-2019 from ISS

International Student Services (ISS) now uses Terra Dotta software to manage international student records. You will complete your DS-2019 request on ISS Terra Dotta using your NetID and password.
  1. Valid Passport: Most Recently Issued
    1. If you will have any J-2 dependents, you must upload a valid passport for each F-2 dependent.
    2. You will also have to complete questionnaires to provide us with their information.
  2. Proof of English Proficiency: ISS will not issue a Form I-20 or DS-2019 for any student who has not met the Office of Admissions requirements for English proficiency.
    1. English Proficiency requirements for students participating in exchange programs are met as part of your application with the Education Abroad office. 
    2. If there are any issues with verifiying English Proficiency requirements, ISS staff will work with Education Abroad staff to resolve. No action is required by the exchange student.
  3. Financial Documents:  Please reference our webpage dedicated to acceptable forms of finances at http://iss.tamu.edu/Prospective-Students/Estimated-Cost-of-Attendance#0-AcceptableFormsofFinancialDocumentation
  4. Update address & phone number in Howdy portal: Detailed instructions for updating your address can be found: http://iss.tamu.edu/ISS/media/ISS-Files/ISS-PDF/Current%20Students/Updating-Your-Local-Address-Phone.pdf
Detailed instructions on how to complete the request are found within the Terra Dotta Program. You may start this request at any time but will not be able to submit the request until all required items have been completed.

Students who will be participating in a J-1 Reciprocal Exchange with Texas A&M University will receive an email with the direct link to the Terra Dotta Program from the Education Abroad office. 
Now Live for Fall 2020.

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ:
International Student Services reviews requests on a first-come, first-served basis. In peak season, Initial I-20 processing time is two weeks and will ONLY begin after ALL required steps have been completed correctly in Terra Dotta. Keep in mind that the processing time of two weeks does not include mail delivery time. Please note that our office handles requests for over 8,000 new, current and former international students and that we will work diligently to get your request completed in a timely manner.

Requesting an Initial DS-2019 from ISS

International Student Services (ISS) now uses Terra Dotta software to manage international student records. You will complete your I-20 request on ISS Terra Dotta using your NetID and password.
  1. Valid Passport: Most Recently Issued
    1. If you will have any J-2 dependents, you must upload a valid passport for each J-2 dependent.
    2. You will also have to complete questionnaires to provide us with their information.
  2. Proof of English Proficiency: ISS will not issue a Form I-20 or DS-2019 for any student who has not met the Office of Admissions requirements for English proficiency.
    1. Information about English Proficiency requirements can be found on the Office of Admissions website: http://admissions.tamu.edu/international/english
  3. Financial Documents:  Please reference our webpage dedicated to acceptable forms of finances at http://iss.tamu.edu/Prospective-Students/Estimated-Cost-of-Attendance#0-AcceptableFormsofFinancialDocumentation
  4. Update address & phone number in Howdy portal: Detailed instructions for updating your address can be found: http://iss.tamu.edu/ISS/media/ISS-Files/ISS-PDF/Current%20Students/Updating-Your-Local-Address-Phone.pdf
  5. You may be required to prepare Additional Documents based on your situation.
    1. International Non Degree or Special Program Department Information Form
    2. Approved Waiver for Two Year Residency Requirements
Detailed instructions on how to complete the request are found within the Terra Dotta Program. You may start this request at any time but will not be able to submit the request until all required items have been completed.

Submit an Initial DS-2019 Request at https://tamu-iss.terradotta.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Students.Apply&Program_ID=10072 or click "Apply Now" below. 

Now Live for Summer and Fall 2020.

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ:
International Student Services reviews requests on a first-come, first-served basis. In peak season, Initial I-20 processing time is two weeks and will ONLY begin after ALL required steps have been completed correctly in Terra Dotta. Keep in mind that the processing time of two weeks does not include mail delivery time. Please note that our office handles requests for over 8,000 new, current and former international students and that we will work diligently to get your request completed in a timely manner.

Transferring an Active SEVIS Record to Texas A&M University

Students who will have their J-1 SEVIS record transferred to Texas A&M from another U.S. institution will need to communicate with the institution that currently manages their active J-1 SEVIS record to request that they transfer the SEVIS record to Texas A&M University's J-1 Program. Please note that ISS cannot issue the Form DS-2019 until the SEVIS record has been transferred and successfully received by Texas A&M University. Students may begin a Transfer DS-2019 request before their record is transferred. However, they will not be able to complete the request until they have communicated their intent to transfer with their current school and set a SEVIS transfer release date. 

In certain situations, transfer students may instead elect to leave the United States and request an Initial DS-2019 instead. Please be advised that if a student chooses to request an initial document, they will not be allowed to enter the country until up to 30 days before the program start date on their DS-2019. Ultimately it is the student's decision which request they should submit.

J Program Number managed by ISS: Texas A&M University P-1-00260

Requesting a Transfer I-20 from ISS

International Student Services (ISS) now uses Terra Dotta software to manage international student records. You will complete your I-20 request on ISS Terra Dotta using your NetID and password. You will need to prepare the following for your Transfer DS-2019 request:

  1. Valid Passport: Most Recently Issued
    1. If you will have any J-2 dependents, you must upload a valid passport for each J-2 dependent.
    2. You will also have to complete questionnaires to provide us with their information.
  2. I-94: If you entered the United States on J-1 status, you will need to upload this document. Instructions on how to access this document are available in the Terra Dotta program.
  3. Port of Entry Stamp(s): If present on the visa pages of your passport you will need to upload these
  4. Proof of English Proficiency: ISS will not issue a Form I-20 or DS-2019 for any student who has not met the Office of Admissions requirements for English proficiency.
    1. Information about English Proficiency requirements can be found on the Office of Admissions website: http://admissions.tamu.edu/international/english
  5. Financial Documents: Please reference our webpage dedicated to acceptable forms of finances at http://iss.tamu.edu/Prospective-Students/Estimated-Cost-of-Attendance#0-AcceptableFormsofFinancialDocumentation
  6. Update address & phone number in Howdy portal:  Detailed instructions for updating your address can be found: http://iss.tamu.edu/ISS/media/ISS-Files/ISS-PDF/Current%20Students/Updating-Your-Local-Address-Phone.pdf
  7. You may be required to prepare Additional Documents based on your situation.
    • International Non Degree or Special Program Department Information Form
    • Approved Waiver for Two Year Residency Requirements
    • Past Change of Status Approval Notices
Detailed instructions on how to complete the request are found within the Terra Dotta Program. You may start this request at any time but will not be able to submit the request until all required items have been completed.

Submit a Transfer DS-2019 Request at https://tamu-iss.terradotta.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Students.Apply&Program_ID=10073 or click "Apply Now" below. 

Check-Ins

Please note: All Check-In Programs are currently disabled for Summer 2020 and Fall 2020. If you attempt to submit a check-in you will receive an error message stating that there are no available programs for you to submit. We will be launching these check-ins shortly after we launch initial document programs.  As these programs are made live, they will be listed below.
  • F-1 Transfer Check-In is NOW LIVE FOR SUMMER 2020 AND FALL 2020
  • Distance Learner Check-In is NOW LIVE FOR SUMMER 2020 AND FALL 2020

Please be advised that students entering the United States on Initial F-1 documents cannot submit the Initial F-1 Student Check-In until AFTER they have arrived in the United States. Students entering the United States in Initial F-1 status are not permitted to enter more than 30 days prior to the program start date listed on their Form I-20. Please plan accordingly.

F-1 students must complete the Initial F-1 Student Check-In through Terra Dotta in order to have the ISS Check-In registration hold removed. Students who were accompanied by dependents are also expected to complete the F-2 Dependent Check-In in order for the Initial F-1 Student Check-In to be considered complete. 

Required Documents:

  • Passport

  • Visa

  • I-94

  • CBP Entry Stamp, if available

  • A signed copy of your initial form I-20, all pages.

Special Situations which Require Additional Programs for Check-In:

Detailed instructions and information on how to complete the Initial F-1 Student Check-In are available within the program in Terra Dotta.

Submit your Initial F-1 Student Check-In at http://tamu-iss.terradotta.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Students.Apply&Program_ID=10058 or by clicking Apply Now below.


 

F-1 students who transferred their SEVIS record from another SEVP Certified School to Texas A&M University must complete the Transfer F-1 Student Check-In through Terra Dotta in order to have the ISS Check-In registration hold removed. Students who were accompanied by dependents are also expected to complete the F-2 Dependent Check-In in order for the Transfer F-1 Student Check-In to be considered complete.

Possible Required Documents, based on student's situation:

  • Passport
  • Visa
  • I-94
  • CBP Entry Stamp, if available
  • A signed copy of your "Transfer Pending" Form I-20 issued by Texas A&M University, all pages.
  • Change of Status Approval Notices

Special Situations which Require Additional Programs for Check-In:

Submit your Transfer F-1 Student Check-In at http://tamu-iss.terradotta.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Students.Apply&Program_ID=10126 or  by clicking Apply Now below.

In order to make sure that the dependent information is correct, the F-1 primary visa holder needs to verify their F-2 dependents' information by completing the F-2 Dependent Check-In process through the Terra Dotta System.

Possible Required Documents, based on student's situation:

  • Dependent(s) Passport(s)
  • Dependent(s) Visa (s)
  • Dependent(s) I-94 (s) showing they entered in F-2  status
  • A signed copy of your dependent(s) Form I-20(s), all pages.
  • Change of Status Approval Notices for your Dependents, if applicable

For additional resources related to F-2 dependents, please visit http://iss.tamu.edu/Side-Menu/Dependents.

Detailed instructions and information on how to complete the Transfer F-1 Student Check-In are available within the program in Terra Dotta.

​Submit your F-2 Dependent Check-In at https://tamu-iss.terradotta.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Students.Apply&Program_ID=10060 or by clicking Apply Now below.

Please be advised that students entering the United States on Initial J-1 documents cannot submit the Initial J-1 Student Check-In until AFTER they have arrived in the United States. Students entering the United States in Initial J-1 status are not permitted to enter more than 30 days prior to the program start date listed on their Form DS-2019. Please plan accordingly.

J-1 students must complete the Initial J-1 Student Check-In through Terra Dotta to have the ISS Check-In registration hold removed. Students who were accompanied by dependents are also expected to complete the J-2 Dependent Check-In for the Initial J-1 Student Check-In to be considered complete.

Required Documents:

  • Passport
  • Visa
  • I-94
  • CBP Entry Stamp, if available
  • A signed copy of your Texas A&M Issued Form DS-2019

Special Situations which Require Additional Programs for Check-In:

Detailed instructions and information on how to complete the Initial J-1 Student Check-In are available within the program in Terra Dotta.

Submit Initial J-1 Student Check-In at http://tamu-iss.terradotta.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Students.Apply&Program_ID=10059 or by clicking Apply Now below.


 

J-1 students who transferred their SEVIS record from another SEVP Certified School to Texas A&M University must complete the Transfer J-1 Student Check-In through Terra Dotta in order to have the ISS Check-In registration hold removed. Students who were accompanied by dependents are also expected to complete the J-2 Dependent Check-In in order for the Transfer J-1 Student Check-In to be considered complete.

Possible Required Documents based on student's situation:

  • Passport
  • Visa
  • I-94
  • CBP Entry Stamp, if available
  • A signed copy of your Texas A&M Issued Form DS-2019, all pages.
  • Change of Status Approval Notices

Special Situations which Require Additional Programs for Check-In:

Detailed instructions and information on how to complete the Transfer F-1 Student Check-In are available within the program in Terra Dotta.

Submit your Transfer J-1 Student Check-In at http://tamu-iss.terradotta.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Students.Apply&Program_ID=10127 or by clicking Apply Now below. 

To ensure that the dependent information is correct, the J-1 primary visa holder needs to verify their J-2 dependents' information by completing the J-2 Dependent Check-In process through the Terra Dotta System.

Possible Required Documents, based on student's situation:

  • Dependent(s) Passport(s)
  • Dependent(s) Visa (s)
  • Dependent(s) I-94 (s) showing they entered in J-2  status, if applicable
  • A signed copy of your dependent(s) Form DS-2019(s), all pages.
  • Change of Status Approval Notices for your Dependents, if applicable

For additional resources related to J-2 dependents, please visit http://iss.tamu.edu/Side-Menu/Dependents.

Detailed instructions and information on how to complete the Transfer J-1 Student Check-In are available within the program in Terra Dotta.

Submit your J-2 Dependent Check-In at https://tamu-iss.terradotta.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Students.Apply&Program_ID=10061 or by clicking Apply Now below.

Newly admitted international students in statuses other than F-1 or J-1 must complete this check-in for their ISS check-in hold to be removed.

No documents are required to submit this check-in.

Detailed instructions and information on how to complete the Other Immigration Status Check-In are available within the program in Terra Dotta.

Submit your Other Immigration Status Check-In at https://tamu-iss.terradotta.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Students.Apply&Program_ID=10047 or by clicking Apply Now below.

(update button with link)

F-1 and J-1 international students participating in one of the Engineering Academy Programs or TEAM will need to complete this check-in to have the initial ISS Check-In registration hold removed.

F-1 and J-1 international students participating in one of these programs should consult their home institution regarding issuance of an initial Form I-20 or Form DS-2019. ISS at Texas A&M University will not issue the Form I-20/DS-2019 until the student is ready to enter a degree-granting major.

No documents are required to submit this check-in.

Detailed instructions and information on how to complete the Co-Enrollment Partnership Check-In are available within the program in Terra Dotta.

Please visit http://iss.tamu.edu/Side-Menu/Campuses/Co-enrollment-Partnership for additional information.

Submit your Co-Enrollment Partnership Check-In at https://tamu-iss.terradotta.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Students.Apply&Program_ID=10051 or by clicking Apply Now below.

Newly admitted international students who will be completing their enrollment as a distance education student must complete this check-in for their ISS check-in hold to be removed. This includes the following groups of students:
 
  • Students who will fully enroll in their academic program from outside of the U.S.
  • Students who will fully enroll in their academic program from inside the U.S. but do not plan to physically attend any on-campus classes.
  • Students who will be Co-Enrolling at Texas A&M University in F or J student status

For most students, no documents are required to submit this check-in.
 
Detailed instructions and information on how to complete the Distance Learner Check-In are available within the program in Terra Dotta.

Submit your Distance Learner Check-In by navigating to http://tamu-iss.terradotta.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Students.Apply&Program_ID=10135 or by clicking Apply Now below. 

Current Student Requests

Federal immigration regulations require students on F and J status have a valid passport at all times. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months into the future. International Students Services requires that a copy of that passport is on file.
 
If you have recently renewed or updated your passport please complete the Passport Renewal program through Terra Dotta.

Submit a Passport Renewal at https://tamu-iss.terradotta.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Students.Apply&Program_ID=10052 or by clicking Apply Now below.

International Student Services is in the process of transitioning all paper and email requests submitted to our office into electronic records housed in Terra Dotta. Students may submit applications and documentation by email to iss@tamu.edu. Please submit all required documents in PDF format. A record will be made in Terra Dotta and students will receive an email within 24 hours of the record being created. This record is then assigned to an advisor for processing.
 
After the student receives the email, they will be able to see the submitted application and upload any missing documents to the record by logging into Terra Dotta. Instructions for how to log in to Terra Dotta can be found above. 

The advisor will contact the student if they need any additional information.  If the student is contacted by the advisor or something is missing from their application, the student should upload any requested document into the Terra Dotta record. Do not email and additional documents directly to the advisor. 

To review a record created on your behalf, you may log-in to Terra Dotta at https://tamu-iss.terradotta.com. DO NOT delete or update any documentation found within the record unless instructed to do so by an advisor.  

Terra Dotta