Please do not reply to this email! I-20 / DS-2019 Extension: * If you have an I-2O or DS-2019 that expires on December 31, 2018 and you need more time to complete your degree, you must file a request to extend your I-20 / DS-2019. The I-20 / DS-2019 extension process can take 10 business days. Students who do not get their I-20s / DS-2019s extended prior to expiration will be considered in violation of their F-1 status. Save yourself time and money by applying for the extension early. Please note that the University will be closed between 12/24/2017 and 01/01/2018. Travel Plans? * If you're planning to travel outside the US during the Winter break, make sure that you have valid documents and that you have a travel signature on page 2 of your I-20 (F-1 students) or page 1 of your DS-2019 (J-1 students). * If you are completing your program in December 2018 and plan to travel after 12/12/2018, please contact us during advising hours to discuss your travel plans. Document Check-up: Traveling or not, the end of the semester is a good time to review your documents and make sure that all documents are valid. * Passport- All international students are required to have a valid passport while in the US. Check the expiration date your passport to make sure that yours is still valid. If your passport is nearing expiration, contact your country's Embassy or Consulate General for instructions on extending the validity of your passport. * I-20 or DS 2019- All international students must have a valid program document while in the US. For F-1 students that is the I-20 and for J-1 students that is the DS-2019. Check to make sure that your I-20 / DS-2019 indicates the current degree level, field of study and an expected date of completion that has not expired. Students who do not get their I-20 / DS-2019 extended prior to the expiration will be automatically out of status with the immigration service (USCIS) / U.S. Department of State (DOS) and ineligible for work including GTAs and GRAs. OPT and CPT advising made simple! * If you'll be completing your program in December 2018 and have questions about post-completion OPT, our series of OPT advising videos are available online at: http://www.uta.edu/oie/?page=services&service=opt_links * If you're not completing your program in December 2018 and are interested in CPT, our series of CPT advising videos are now available online at: http://www.uta.edu/oie/?page=forms&form=cpt_forms Students who have applied for Post-completion OPT based on December completion: * Do not begin to work until you actually have received your employment authorization document from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and only from the authorized date forward. Also if you have on campus employment, that must end by 12/12/2018 (the current semester end date). If you have questions about your documents or status, please plan to visit the OIE during advising hours, which are listed on our website at http://www.uta.edu/oie/?page=services&service=advising