Please do not reply to this email!

Please read through carefully for important information!

I-20 / DS-2019 Extension:

· If you have an I-2O or DS-2019 that expires on December 31, 2019 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 close for winter break after 12/20/2019, and will reopen on 01/02/2020.

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).

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.

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 had previous on campus employment, that must have ended by 12/11/2019  (the current semester end date).

· If you already applied for OPT, but did not complete your program, please contact Office of International Education as soon as possible: http://www.uta.edu/oie/?page=services&service=advising

OPT and CPT advising made simple!

· OPT advising videos are available online at: http://www.uta.edu/oie/?page=services&service=opt_links

· CPT advising videos are available online at: http://www.uta.edu/oie/?page=forms&form=cpt_forms

· 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