International Student Regulations
F-1 Student Regulations
- Students arriving for the first time from overseas or transferring to A&M-Texarkana must check in with the Director of International Studies in order to update your SEVIS record. SEVIS requires that all students be registered within 30 days of first day of classes.
- Students beginning a new degree or program at A&M-Texarkana – need to file a change of level with SEVIS if you plan to stay at A&M-Texarkana for an additional degree at the same level of study (e.g. second bachelors or masters) or if you are moving from one level of study to another (e.g. bachelors to masters or masters to Ph.D.) A new I-20 will be issued in SEVIS from the International Studies office. Contact the Director of International Studies to inform the staff of this change prior to the start of the semester.
- Students transferring from another U.S. university – must contact the Director of International Studies in order to obtain a transfer I-20. The International Studies Director will need your transcript from the previous school, all original I-20’s, passport, I-94, and a completed A&M-Texarkana transfer form. The transfer must be completed in SEVIS within 21 days of class beginning. You will be required to obtain a transfer I-20 and a SEVIS a registration in order to be “in status” with BCIS.
- Students needing additional time to complete degree requirements are required to file for a program extension if you are not able to complete your current degree by the date indicated in item number 5 on the original I-20 issued to you when you were admitted to A&M-Texarkana. The program extension is based on a justified academic reason for not completing degree in a timely manner.
- Students changing their major need to visit with their academic department and complete the appropriate forms to indicate the change in the A&M-Texarkana student system. You will need to contact the Director of Student Life to report the change. The Director of Student Life will make the change in SEVIS and issue a new I-20 indicating the change in major.
- Students on a reduced course load must seek permission to drop a class prior to dropping the class through the Registrar’s Office or on line. SEVIS requires the Director of International Studies to give permission to drop the class prior to dropping the class. If the student drops the class prior to approval by the Director of International Studies the student will be “out of status”.
Questions to ask yourself before traveling on OPT:
Will your travel signature be less than 6 months old when you return?
Yes: Perfect, keep your travel signature updated every 6 months.
No: Visit ISO for a new travel signature. If you’re not in the local area, contact
ISO about mail-in services.
Will your passport be valid when you return?
Yes: Looks good, make sure your passport will remain valid throughout OPT.
No: Make arrangements to renew your passport through your embassy or outside the
U.S.
Will your F-1 visa be valid when you return?
Yes: Fantastic, a valid F-1 visa is required for entry on OPT.
No: Make arrangements to apply for a new F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy during your trip.
You must have a valid EAD card to apply for a new F-1 visa after the end date of your
I-20. Visas CANNOT be renewed inside the U.S. Contact the ISO before you leave
to discuss the visa application process if needed.
Do you have a valid EAD card?
Yes: Great! A valid EAD card is required for entry while on OPT.
No: Contact an ISO advisor to discuss your options. Travel with your I-797C. Notice of
Action receipt is permissible, but leaving the U.S. with a pending OPT application has
risks. If OPT has been approved, you must carry your EAD card for entry.
Do you have proof of employment, such as a job offer letter?
Yes: Good, this may be requested when you pass through customs.
No: Request a letter from your supervisor or contact an ISO advisor if you are not
currently employed.
Documents to carry with you:
If OPT or OPT STEM application is APPROVED
- Valid passport with unexpired F-1 visa stamp
- Most recent OPT or STEMI-20 with valid travel signature
- Unexpired EAD card
- Proof of employment
If OPT or OPT STEM application is PENDING
- Valid passport with unexpired F-1 visa stamp
- Most recent OPT or STEMI-20 with valid travel signature
- I797C Notice of Action receipt
- Proof of employment (recommended)
F-1 International Student Health Insurance Requirement
All F-1 and J-1 international students are required to have the Texas A&M University System Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP). 2020-2021 cost: $2,999
Waivers will only be considered if one of the following criteria are met:
- Student is sponsored by the United States government;
- Student is sponsored by a foreign government recognized by the United States or certain international, government-sponsored or non-governmental organizations, and covered under a health plan that is compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). If the health plan does not include medical evacuation and repatriation, a rider must be purchased providing coverage at equal limits to the SSHIP;
- Student is enrolled in an employer-provided group health plan that is compliant with the ACA. If the health plan does not include medical evacuation and repatriation, a rider must be purchased providing coverage at equal limits to the SSHIP
Waiver Process
Social Security Card Information
Take the following with you to obtain a social security card. The local Social Security Administration office is located at 5735 Summerhill Road, Texarkana, Texas 75503.
- Current semester's continued attendance I-20
- Passport/Visa
- I-94
- Social Security Car Application https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf
- Letter from your supervisor on company letterhead (Letter should include job title and how many hours per week you are expected to work)
- International Studies Office Student Status Letter