Important Alerts


​Updated ISS Office Hours and Services

Effective Monday, August 30, 2021:

  • New Office Hours (ISS Phone Line and Front Counter Lobby)
    • Open Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 12:00pm and 1:00pm - 5:00pm
    • Closed Monday - Friday, 12:00pm - 1:00pm for lunch
  • Virtual Drop-In Advising (Zoom)
    • Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:30am - 11:30am
    • Tuesday & Thursday, 1:30pm - 4:30pm
  • Front Counter Drop-In Advising (Lobby)
    • Monday & Friday, 1:00pm-5:00pm
    • Tuesday & Thursday, 8:00am - 12:00pm

Visit the updated Connect with ISS webpage for full details.
 

Updated ISS COVID-19 Updates Webpage (8/20/2021)

The ISS COVID-19 Updates Webpage has been updated again with the latest information related to Fall 2021. Please visit https://iss.tamu.edu/Current-Students/Traveling-and-Coronavirus for full details.


Updated ISS COVID-19 Updates Webpage (6/17/2021)

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

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