Important Alerts


Updated ISS COVID-19 Updates Webpage

Please review the latest content at https://iss.tamu.edu/Current-Students/Traveling-and-Coronavirus. This updated content provides clarification for both new and current international students. Some of the key topics include the following:

  • Fall 2021 Enrollment Requirements for F-1 and J-1 Students
  • Guidance for students who will arrive late or will be unable to arrive in the U.S. for Fall 2021
  • Travel Restrictions and National Interest Exemptions (NIEs)

 
ARO-DSO Support Letter for F-1 and J-1 International Students

ISS has published a support letter that all F-1 and J-1 international students can download and use as needed for requesting an emergency visa interview and as a supporting document during their visa interview and/or arrival at a U.S. Port of Entry.


Travel Restrictions: Travel from India to the United States: Effective May 4, 2021

Please visit the ISS COVID-19 webpage for updates regarding the Presidential Proclamation restricting travel from India to the United States.  Be sure to read the section about National Interest Exceptions.


USCIS Receipt Delays 

February 26, 2021: USCIS announced greater flexibility related to delayed I-765 receipts.  USCIS Extends Flexibilities to Certain Applicants Filing Form I-765 for OPT

  • 14 month OPT Period Flexibilities: the 12 month OPT is required to be completed within 14 months from the end of their program.  Because of the delay will allow the 14 month period to start from the date of approval of the OPT.  This means the student should be eligible for 12 months of OPT. 
  • If a student is eligible for 12 months of OPT, but did not receive the 12 months, then the student should follow the instructions in the link above.
  • The guidance provides flexibility if an OPT was rejected and how to refile.

January 12, 2021: ISS has updated our website to provide currently known information and how to provide ISS information about USCIS receipt delays.  We will provide any updates to the following website.  Go to the widget called "Important Updates Regarding USCIS Receipts."
https://iss.tamu.edu/Current-Students/F-1-Status/Optional-Practical-Training/Form-I-765


FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY!
If a student is experiencing problems at the port-of-entry or is being detained by the government, call 979-845-1824 and press 2 to be taken to the call attendant.  More information about informing ISS about an emergency can be found at http://iss.tamu.edu/Current-Students/Safety-Information/Informing-ISS-about-an-Emergency.

Scam Calls (February 10, 2021)

International Students are being targeted by scam calls.  DO NOT PURCHASE GIFT CARDS TO PAY THE SCAM CALLER!!!
https://iss.tamu.edu/Resources/Safety-Information/Receiving-Scam-Calls

 

Spring 2021 Guidance Update

January 29, 2021

We have updated our COVID-19 FAQ page with up to date information for all students (prospective, current, and graduated). Please review these pages as there have been substantial updates. You can find the updated pages at http://iss.tamu.edu/Current-Students/ISS-COVID-19-Updates   

December 9, 2020
A news article stated, "Nonimmigrant students should continue to abide by SEVP guidance originally issued in March 2020," said the spokeswoman, Carissa Cutrell. "The guidance enables schools and students to engage in distance learning in excess of regulatory limits due to the public health emergency generated by COVID-19."  https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2020/12/09/federal-guidance-foreign-students-remains-same-spring



Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of State have not yet published Spring 2021 guidance related to COVID-19 and F or J regulations.  Please visit the ISS COVID-19 FAQ for more information.  ISS will be updating the FAQ to reflect the recent statement from SEVP.


ISS Customer Service Updates/EAB Navigate

February 1, 2021

 Effective February 1, 2021, ISS will be using EAB Navigate to support three of our customer service efforts:  

  1. Virtual advising appointments with ISS advisors 

  1. Virtual drop-in advising times with ISS advisors 

  1. Front desk appointments for document pick-up at the ISS office 

For all three services, students can now click Get Assistance in EAB Navigate and select “ISS - International Student Services.” Visit https://studentsuccess.tamu.edu/NAVIGATE/For-Students to view a video with step-by-step instructions. 

Please visit https://iss.tamu.edu/Events-and-Programs/TAMU-EAB-Navigate  for more information about the change to EAB Navigate.


Terra Dotta Subpage Updated

October 22, 2020

We have updated our iss.tamu.edu/terra-dotta page to present information for students in a clearer and more concise way. We hope that these edits will help alleviate confusion on where students can submit requests. We appreciate the feedback we have been receiving from students. If you have any additional feedback, please let us know.