[Intl-stu] [PLEASE READ] Important Updates From OIP

International Students intl-stu at tamuc.edu
Thu May 30 21:22:01 CDT 2024


Dear International Students,

I hope this email finds you well. I want to provide you with an update regarding The Office of International Programs (OIP) staffing, processing times, and other important pieces of information to ensure smoother experiences.

Due to a high volume of requests, we regret to inform you that we are unable to expedite services or process urgent requests. Rest assured that every submission will be handled with care and processed in the order in which it was received.

To mitigate any further delays, we kindly ask you to consider the appropriate application timeframes for submission. Additionally, please allow OIP 7-10 business days to process requests involving USCIS.

Here are some helpful tips and timelines to keep in mind:

  1.  Plan Ahead: Begin your application process well in advance to avoid last-minute rush and ensure timely processing.
  2.  Complete Applications: Make sure all required documents and forms are accurately filled out and submitted to prevent any delays in processing.
  3.  Be Informed: Familiarize yourself with the specific timelines and requirements for your particular request or application.
  4.  Communication: If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application or processing times, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at intl.stu at tamuc.edu<mailto:intl.stu at tamuc.edu> or stop by our office. We’d love to see you! We are open Monday-Friday 8am- 5pm. We're here to help!

If you have sent an email within the last 14 days, we are working expeditiously to prepare a response. Your patience is greatly appreciated during this time.

We understand the importance of timely processing for our international students and are committed to making the process as smooth as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

P.S: Here are some helpful links that you may need presently or within the immediate future. Please take a moment to review the items below and save this email for reference as it will be very helpful for you to inform you about what you need to do, how you need to do it, and where you need to do it.

Staffing Update: Pri Risal, Mariah Brown, Jazmynn Miller, and Gowtham Vempati are no longer employed with Texas A&M University- Commerce. Each of them have found new and exciting opportunities. We are sad to see them go, but even happier to see them grow! We are currently hiring to replace these roles and hope to e-introduce you to them all next month.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Please read below. 95% of you questions you now have the answers to at your fingertips!

Transferring

Are you seeking to transfer out of Texas A&M- Commerce to another university? Please complete this form<https://dms.tamuc.edu/Forms/OIP-Student>. Under “Request For””, select “Transfer”. This form is to be used by F-1 international students to request a transfer of their SEVIS record (I-20) from Texas A&M University- Commerce to another school within the U.S.  *(Type of transfer = Transferring out)*, *Anticipated Transfer= [click what term you will start classes at the new university]

Dependent I-20

Are you seeking an I-20 for a child or spouse? Please complete this form<https://dms.tamuc.edu/Forms/OIP-Student>. Under “Request For””, select “Dependent I-20”. This form is to be used by F-1 international students seeking a dependent I-20 of a child or spouse. CURRENT STUDENTS need to show financial support: $3000/ per dependent. OPT STUDENTS need to show: $12000 + $3000/per dependent. Be sure to complete the financial sponsor statement form and upload (located within the form). Bank statements need to clearly be in the name of the financial sponsor and indicate at least the minimum amount needed for the amount of dependents. F-1 students are permitted no more than 5 dependents. For more information, click here<https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/get-started/bringing-dependents-to-the-united-states>.

Travel I-20

Are you preparing to travel? Need a travel signature? Need a travel I-20? Please complete this form<https://dms.tamuc.edu/Forms/OIP-Student>. Under “Request For””, select “Travel I-20”. Be sure to complete all the required fields. Travel I-20s do not require a wet signature. You will receive a digitally signed version via email from a DSO. You will need this document to return back into the United States. More information about traveling as an international student can be found here<https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/study/traveling-as-an-international-student>.

12 Month OPT

12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 visa students the opportunity to gain part-time or full-time work experience in their field of study (academic major) after completion of their course of study. All F-1 students planning to apply for OPT are required to attend an OPT workshop. The workshop is on-demand information can be found here<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEH-pX2YoUs>. Then, please complete this form<https://dms.tamuc.edu/Forms/OIP-Student>. Under “Request For””, select “12 Month OPT”. Please be sure to complete all the fields required. More information about OPT can be found here<https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/optional-practical-training-opt-for-f-1-students#:~:text=Eligible%20students%20can%20apply%20to,period%20of%20post%2Dcompletion%20OPT.>. Need some help filling out Form I-765? Click this link here<chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https:/inside.tamuc.edu/campuslife/campusServices/internationalStudentServices/opt/doc/Guidance_for_STEM.pdf>

OPT Reporting

All F-1 students are required to report their employment status, work address, and employer information to the OIP while on approved on a 12-month Optional Practical Training within 10 days of starting a new employment or any change. Changes include: Start of employment, any change of employment, multiple employers, change of employer, address, supervisor, any change in your current physical address/ where you reside. All information must be reported through the OPT Reporting Form. After you have submitted your request, OIP will input your information to report your employment in SEVIS and report to Department of homeland security within 4-5 business days. Here is the link for the OPT Reporting Form:  OPT Reporting Form.<https://dms.tamuc.edu/Forms/opt-reporting> Further information can be found here<https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/sevp-portal-help/maintain-information/opt-student-reporting-requirements>.

STEM OPT

Students in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) majors may seek additional temporary employment authorization through the 24-month OPT STEM Extension. Students in certain STEM eligible degrees are eligible to apply for the OPT STEM Extension and eligibility is based on the academic major’s Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code. The STEM OPT workshop can be found online here<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEH-pX2YoUs&t=2142s>. If you are interested in filing for a OPT STEM extension, please complete this form<https://dms.tamuc.edu/Forms/OIP-Student>. More information about STEM OPT can be found here<https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/stem-opt-hub/additional-resources/stem-opt-extension-overview>. Need some help completing Form I-983? Click this link here<chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https:/www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/i983Instructions.pdf>.

STEM OPT Reporting

To maintain F-1 status during STEM OPT you must comply with U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employment and reporting requirements. DHS requires students to report all changes of address and periods of employment and unemployment while authorized for STEM OPT. To meet your reporting obligations, you must report the information to OIP. Please note, while you may also make some updates using the SEVP Portal, you are still required to submit a reporting form<https://dms.tamuc.edu/Forms/OIP-Stem-Extension> to OIP. You must report within 10 days of receiving your STEM EAD card, submit validations reports every 6 months, and report updates no later than 10 days after any subsequent change.

Social Security Number Letter

A Social Security number (SSN) is a taxpayer identification number issued by the Social Security Administration. It does not represent permission to work, nor is it proof of US citizenship or permanent residence. Once you obtain an SSN, it is your number forever and may be used on subsequent visits to the US. The Social Security Administration does not consider SSN requests for driver’s licenses, loans, rental agreements, etc.  If you are paid in the US, you must have an SSN to file a US income tax return. 

Once your employer has issued the letter, you need to apply for a SSN letter through this link here<https://dms.tamuc.edu/Forms/SSN-Request>. OIP will issue you a SSN letter and a DSO will verify and signed it. SSN letters cannot be sent to you digitally and must be picked up in-person as the Social Security Administration required a wet signature/ hardcopy.

Graduation & Graduation Letters

Preparing for graduation? Great! Please submit your graduation letter request using this link here<https://dms.tamuc.edu/Forms/Graduation-Invitation-Letter>. Your parents/spouse may want to apply for a B2 visa with the U.S. embassy to enter the U.S. to attend the graduation ceremony. Your parents/spouse may want to apply for a B2 visa with the U.S. embassy to enter the U.S. to attend the graduation ceremony. Need more information on how to apply? Learn more<https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/forms/ds-160-online-nonimmigrant-visa-application.html> about completing the DS-160<https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/>.  

Should you have questions about graduation, postponing graduation, tickets, etc… please visit this helpful link here<https://inside.tamuc.edu/admissions/registrar/graduation/default.aspx>.

Ordering a Transcript

Do you need a copy of your official transcript? There are two ways to order an official transcript. For more information, please click here<https://inside.tamuc.edu/admissions/registrar/transcript/order-transcript.aspx>.

Update your Address

International students in the United States who move to a new residence should update their address with their DSO (Designated School Official) within 10 days of the change. This must be done by completing and submitting this form<https://dms.tamuc.edu/Forms/Address-Update-Request>. The DSO will then update the your SEVIS record with the new information. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) uses the mailing address on file in SEVIS to contact students for official government business. Please note: This request does not update your address with the university, you will need to do that via MyLeo. This request does not update your address with USCIS, if you have any pending cases with their office, you will need to do that via the SEVP portal. In addition: It is recommended to file an AR-11 with USCIS as well.  You can do that online here<https://www.uscis.gov/ar-11>.

Best Regards,
Jayson Douglas, MS, CDE (he, him, his)<https://www.mypronouns.org/>


Executive Director, Student Access & Success/
Principal Designated School Official (PDSO)

Division of Student Affairs<https://www.tamuc.edu/division-of-student-affairs/> |  Halladay, 107C


P: 903.468.6079  |  F: 903.468.3117



Mail: P.O. Box 3011, Commerce, TX 75429

Ship: 2600 S Neal Street, Commerce, TX 75428



[TAMUC logo]<https://www.tamuc.edu/>



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