After being admitted, the ISSS will review a student’s admission documents for eligibility to receive an I-20 (F-1 visa) or DS-2019 (J-1 student). All F-1 and J-1 international students are required to provide proof of financial support that equals the estimated cost for one year of study at East Texas A&M.

Once the I-20 has been issued, you will receive an email notification providing the bank and sponsor statement with their SEVIS number and the university’s school code (F visa students) or school program (J visa students). Students may use this information to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, pay the visa application fee, and schedule their visa appointment.

To learn more about applying for a visa, visit the following resources:

• HOW TO APPLY FOR THE VISA
• STUDY IN THE STATES: APPLYING FOR A VISA
• TIPS WHEN APPLYING FOR THE VISA
• VISA INTERVIEW VIDEO

Students who have traveled outside the U.S. with an expired visa will be required to renew their visa before they may re-enter the U.S. The ISSS recommends students renew their visa in their home country and have a copy of the following documents:

• Valid I-20 with a valid travel signature (travel signatures are valid for one year from the date of the signature)
• Valid passport
• Original transcript or copy of unofficial transcript
• Proof of funding for one year or study at East Texas A&M

For additional documentation or information, students may review Applying for a Student Visa or Visa Renewal When Traveling Outside the U.S.

If you are denied a visa and you are not able to arrive at East Texas A&M by your program start date of your I-20 then you will need to defer your admission.

If a visa is denied, the consular officer should give the applicant the reason(s) for the denial in writing. The denial letter will specify which section of the law was applied to your case. Please note the ISSS cannot intervene in a visa officer’s decision to deny a visa.

• If a specific document is lacking the consulate officer will give written notice to the applicant explaining what documents are needed.  This is a called a 221(g) letter.  You should collect the missing documents and arrange to deliver them to the consular officer.  You may need to return for a follow-up interview. 
• If you are denied under any section of the law other than 221(g), for example 214(b) or 212(a), you will have to reapply at a later date.
• If you are denied under 214(b) we do not recommend reapplying unless your personal circumstances, that prove your non-immigrant intent, change significantly or you feel you did not present all the information the officer would have needed to approve your visa.  

View Department of State Visa Denial Guidance for additional information.

Travel guidance for F-1 students currently studying in an academic program or the English Language Institute at East Texas A&M.

• Currently students must have a valid travel signature to re-enter the U.S. The travel signature on the second page of the I-20 is valid for 12-months from the date of the signature for re-entry to the U.S.
• Students do not need a new travel signature each time they travel outside the U.S. if their current signature on the second page of their I-20 is valid through the date of re-entry.

For more information, see the Student and Exchange Visitor Program page.

• Students who will not enroll in courses or will withdraw from courses for the fall or spring semester and will return to their home country will need to review the Authorized Early Withdrawal information.   
• Students who will not enroll in courses or withdraw from courses for the fall or spring semester and will not return to their home country will need to contact the ISSS by the 5th day of class or before withdrawing from courses to discuss their situation.  
• Make sure you read and understand maintaining your visa validity following a break in your studies or a temporary leave of absence.

If an F-1 or J-1 Exchange Visitor or their dependents (F-2 or J-2) arrive at a U.S. port of entry and do not have all signed required documents, have not paid the I-901 SEVIS Fee on their current I-20 (F visa) or DS-2019 (J visa), or have SEVIS status issue, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer may deny the individual entry into the United States.

• As an alternative, the officer has discretion to issue a Form I-515A which allows the individual temporary admission into the U.S. for 30 days.
• The individual must contact the ISSS immediately and provide the necessary documents to the SEVP I-515A processing team no later than 30 days from the date of entry into the U.S.
• To find out more information, see the SEVP Form I-515A Fact Sheet

If you are issued a Form I-515A you will need to contact the ISSS office at East Texas A&M immediately and provide a copy of the Form I-515A.

• The ISSS will review your Form I-515A and provide any additional documentation if necessary (copy of updated I-20).
• You MUST submit all required documents as stated on I-515A within 30 days to the SEVP Form I-515A processing team.
• The mailing address and instructions are provided on the I-515A.

Once submitted you are expected to resume your studies (current students) or continue your employment (OPT students).

• It will take SEVP an average of 2-3 months to process your I-515A and their response will be sent to the ISSS.
• If you are denied then you will need to depart the U.S. immediately.
• If you are approved then you may continue your studies or OPT employment.

The only students who will not be required to attend the ISSS International Student Orientation are listed below and will need to schedule a face-to-face orientation and check-in with an international student advisor prior to the start of the semester:

• Current East Texas A&M students who are changing their education level (example…bachelors to masters or masters to doctorate). Students completing the ELI and beginning studies in a degreed program (bachelors, masters, doctorate) will be required to attend the international student orientation.
• Current East Texas A&M students beginning a second degree at the same education level (example…beginning a second masters).
• Current East Texas A&M students on OPT who will return to begin a new academic program.
• Students who have filed for a change of visa status to F-1
  • CHANGE OF VISA STATUS FROM F-2 TO F-1
  • CHANGE OF VISA STATUS FROM H-4 TO F-1
  • CHANGE OF VISA STATUS FROM H1-B TO F-1
  • CHANGE OF VISA STATUS FROM B-2 TO F-1
  • CHANGE OF VISA STATUS FROM OTHER VISA TO F-1
• New students studying in the English Language Institute will need to attend the ELI orientation.

• All new F-1 and J-1 international students must attend a check-in and welcome session with the ISSS prior to registering for classes. Students may review the check-in schedule here.
• Students matriculating from the ELI to a degree program or starting a new degree program are required to check-in.
• Students who have attended other universities in the Texas International Education Consortium and are beginning coursework at East Texas A&M are required to check-in.
• Students who are studying at East Texas A&M under a different visa category (for example…H visa, E visa) are not required to check-in unless they have applied for a change of visa status to F-1.

All new undergraduate students are also required to attend the New Student Orientation. During the summer the ISSS will host an abbreviated orientation and check-in on the first day of the New Student Orientation (except June 2-3) from 1pm-3pm for all new undergraduate students for the fall. This orientation is only for undergraduate students. You may email [email protected] for more information.

Students in certain visa statuses may be eligible to file for a change of visa status to F-1 within the U.S. by filing a Form I-539 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Be sure to review USCIS Change of Status guidance for more information.

While USCIS guidance linked above indicates the change of status application must be submitted by the expiration of the individual’s (or principal’s) I-94 Arrival/Departure Record or the expiration of the individual’s (or principal’s) current status within the U.S. (whichever is earlier), in practice USCIS will adjudicate (process) applications received within 60 days (the 60-day “grace” period) of the expiration of the I-94 or the individual’s status (whichever is earlier).

• PLEASE NOTE whether or not an application will be accepted after the expiration of the individual’s current status is at the discretion of USCIS.

Individuals interested in changing their status from the B-2 visitor visa will need to review our guidance below very carefully because USCIS has different policies related to these applications.

Some of the benefits related to applying for a change of visa status within the U.S. include:

• You don’t incur the cost of traveling outside the U.S. or being separated from friends
• This process is generally less expensive ($290 application fee, payment of the $200 SEVIS fee, cost of mailing the application to USCIS)

Some of the disadvantages related to applying for the change of visa status within the U.S. include:

• The processing timeframe for the change of status application with USCIS may be up to 9 months or longer
• There is very limited options to request USCIS expedite of your application
• If your application is denied and your previous visa status has expired then you will not have a valid status within the U.S. and will need to leave immediately
• While the change of status is valid once approved within the U.S., the next time you travel outside the U.S. you will be required to apply for visa with the U.S. embassy or consulate before you may re-enter the U.S.

CHANGE OF VISA STATUS FROM F-2 TO F-1

CHANGE OF VISA STATUS FROM H-4 TO F-1

CHANGE OF VISA STATUS FROM H1-B TO F-1

CHANGE OF VISA STATUS FROM B-2 TO F-1

CHANGE OF VISA STATUS FROM OTHER VISA TO F-1

Individuals who wish to change their status (COS) to F-2 will need to be sure to file the change of status while their current visa status is still valid. This will be determined by the expiration of the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record or other relevant document(s). Individuals in the U.S. under a B-1/B-2 visa are strongly encouraged to depart the U.S. and re-enter with an F-2 visa and I-20.

The F-1 principal’s visa status must be valid during the duration of the review application review process with USCIS. If the F-1 principals status should expire while the change of status application is pending then it will be denied by USCIS.


• While USCIS general processing times are 2-3 months, most change of status applications will take much longer. Many change of status applications have taken up to nine (9) months for USCIS to process and some schools have reported a processing time of over twelve (12) months. Students should plan for a minimum USCIS processing time of between four (4) and nine (9) months.
• Applicants may contact USCIS after 90 days from their application receipt notice date to inquire about their application. There are very limited options to request an expedite for an application and to learn more about USCIS’s expedite policy go to USCIS Expedite. The ISSS cannot intervene with USCIS to request an expedite.
• Once the application is filed you cannot travel outside the U.S. or your change of visa status will be considered abandoned.
• Once your change of visa status is approved, the next time you travel outside the U.S. you will be required to apply for an F-2 visa before you will be permitted to re-enter the U.S.

Eligibility to Study: The Student Exchange Visitor Program allows an F-2 to study at a college or university on a part-time basis but whether a change of status to F-2 applicant may study will depend upon the relevant regulations for the applicant’s current visa status. If the applicant’s current visa status allows them to study then the individual may study while they await the approval of their change of status. If the applicant’s current visa status does not allow them to study then the individual cannot study until their change of status is approved by USCIS.

To apply for a change of status you will need to follow the steps below. All documents must be
emailed to [email protected] with the subject line “Change of status to F-2.” DO NOT copy
any alternate email or drop your documents off in person at the ISSS. It is your responsibility to
provide all documents listed below. Incomplete applications will not be processed:

1. Copy of all applicable documents listed below for individual applying for change of status:
   1. Visa
   2. Passport data and picture page only
   3. I-94 Arrival/Departure record
   4. All I-20’s if previously in the U.S. as an F-1 student (if applicable)
   5. Employment Authorization Document (if applicable)
   6. USCIS Approval Notice (if applicable)
2. Copy of all of the applicable documents listed below for F-1 principal:
   1. Most recently issued I-20. The most recent I-20 issued is the I-20 you possess that has the most recent DATE ISSUED on page 1 under the SCHOOL ATTESTATION section.
   2. Visa
   3. Passport data and picture page only.
   4. I-94 Arrival/Departure record. If paper copy I-94 then copy of front and back. If electronic record then print out from www.cbp.gov/I94.
   5. Employment Authorization Document (if applicable)
   6. USCIS Approval Notice (if applicable)
3. If any additional dependent’s will be included in the application for the change of status to F-2 please provide the following documents:
   1. Visa
   2. Passport data and picture page only
   3. I-94 Arrival/Departure record
   4. All I-20’s if previously in the U.S. as an F-1 or F-2
   5. Employment Authorization Document (if applicable)
   6. USCIS Approval Notice (if applicable)
4. Proof of funding for additional $3000 per dependent. For example, for a grad student who is adding one dependent proof of funding is $26,000 + $3,000=$29,000. Applications that do not include all the documentation listed below will not be processed.
   1. The proof of funding may be a bank statement (checking or savings account) or certificate of deposit and statements for three (3) consecutive months is required.
   2. The financial statements must be within 6 months of the date the change of status application is submitted to the ISSS. A letter from a bank or employment letter is not sufficient.
   3. Applicants will need to include the ISSS affidavit (sponsors outside the U.S.) or the I-134 (sponsors in the U.S.) at Funding Requirement for I-20 or DS2019.
5. Copy of marriage license or official documentation verifying relationship. Must be translated into English through with translator’s certification.
6. Letter stating reason for change of status

Once all documentation has been received the ISSS will review the documentation and issue the F-2 I-20 within 10 business days. A business day is Monday through Friday. All applications must be submitted to USCIS for adjudication and approval. Instructions for submitting your application to USCIS will be provided with your F-2 I-20.

• To change your status by traveling outside the U.S. you will need to contact the ISSS to provide all required documents for the I-20.
  • Once your request has been processed you will need to depart the U.S. preferably to your home country (strongly recommended to travel to your home country), apply for the visa status you would like to re-enter the U.S., and once your visa is issued you will return to the U.S.
  • For students changing their status to F-1 they may enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days prior to your I-20 program start date.
  • Please note that students changing to the F-1 visa status will be required to attend International Student Orientation and a Check-in and Welcome Session.
• The advantages to traveling to change your visa status include:
  • Avoiding the USCIS change of status processing time of up to 9 months or longer
  • Upon re-entry you will be entitled to the benefits related to your visa status immediately
  • Traveling can lead to a quicker timeframe to become the desired visa status
• Some disadvantages to consider related to traveling to change your visa status include:
  • The cost related to traveling outside the U.S.
  • We recommend students travel to their home country to apply for the new visa (we do not recommend traveling to Canada or Mexico)
  • Possible delays in issuing the visa and the risk of denial
  • The “eligibility clock” requiring enrollment for one academic year (fall and spring) before an F-1 student is eligible for practical training (OPT and CPT) is reset if a student travels outside the U.S. and re-enters to change their visa status

• The ISSS can only provide guidance for change of status applications for students changing to the F-1 visa to study at East Texas A&M or individuals changing to the F-2 visa status whose F-1 principal is currently studying at East Texas A&M or is on OPT after completing their studies at East Texas A&M.
• Students desiring to change their visa status to other visa categories or who desire to file for a permanent resident will need to consult USCIS’s Change of Status Guidance or consult an immigration attorney.

2020-2021 Student Health Plan

• All F-1 and J-1 international students are required to enroll in the Texas A&M University System Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP).
• The SSHIP is through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) of Texas, and Academic Health Plans (AHP) provides management and administrative services for East Texas A&M.
• Students are automatically enrolled each semester and the insurance premium charge is placed on an international student’s account as a separate charge with their tuition and fees during the second week of classes.
• The ISSS does not set the cost of the insurance.
• The cost of the insurance is set by criteria and a bidding process at The Texas A&M University System. The SSHIP is for all Texas A&M University System universities.

• For general information about the System Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP), please review the ISSS SSHIP Frequently Asked Questions.
• Students also may find important information about the SSHIP by going to ETAMU MyAHPCare.
• BCBSTX 24/7 Nurseline
• Blue Access for Members
• Find a Doctor or Hospital
• Find a Pharmacy
• Summary of Benefits
• Tips for Using the SSHIP

The Texas A&M University System has established the following circumstances in which an F-1 or J-1 international student can request a waiver of SSHIP and provide alternative health insurance coverage that is comparable to SSHIP.

• 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 is 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.
• Student is involved in intercollegiate athletics and coverage for all medical insurance is provided through a policy as part of the current sports accident medical policy approved by System Risk Management.

Only students who meet one of the A&M System-allowed exceptions on the Waiver Guidelines page may apply for a waiver.

Although a student may have alternate health insurance coverage, the student is not necessarily eligible for a waiver.

Insurance Waiver Dates

Please note the following:

• Students will need to allow Academic Health Plans (AHP) up to ten business days to process waiver requests
• It is your responsibility to provide any additional documents to AHP regarding your waiver request
• Failure to respond to any document request from AHP or failure to
• The ISSS will not review waiver requests
• Students who fail to submit a waiver by the deadline will be required to pay the SSHIP charge on their student account and no refunds will be issued for the student.

To submit a waiver, go to ETAMU Waiver Request.

If you have applied to East Texas A&M be sure to notify the ISSS if you will have any F-2 dependents with you during your studies at East Texas A&M. Students holding an F-1 visa who want to bring their dependent(s) to the U.S. will need to provide the following documentation to the ISSS:

• Copy of passport for each dependent
• Country of birth, country of citizenship, country of residence, date of birth, city of birth and relationship for each dependent
• Updated financial support: If the current financial information on record with the ISSS is more than one year old the F-1 student will need to provide updated financial support to show funding for at least one year of study ($26000 graduate, $28000 undergraduate). The F-1 student will also need to show an additional $3000 per dependent.
• Copy of marriage license (translation to English required) if inviting spouse

F-2 dependents are not permitted to be employed either on-campus or off-campus while in the U.S.

Effective May 29, 2015, the Student Exchange Visitor Program will permit individuals in the F-2 visa to enroll on a part-time program even if the course of study done on a part-time basis lead toward or counts toward a degree or completion of a program.

• Study as an F-2 may only be part-time (6 hours during the fall/spring, 3 hours per summer session).
• F-2’s that have filed for a change of status to F-1 may not study full-time until their change of status has been approved by USCIS.

Below is general information for F-1 students currently studying in an academic program or the English Language Institute at East Texas A&M.

TRAVEL GUIDANCE FOR CURRENT STUDENTS

TRAVEL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS SEVP

Currently students must have a valid travel signature to re-enter the U.S. The travel signature on the second page of the I-20 is valid for 12-months from the date of the signature for re-entry to the U.S.

Students do not need a new travel signature each time they travel outside the U.S. if their current signature on the second page of their I-20 is valid through the date of re-entry.

Students who travel outside the U.S. with an expired visa will need to renew their visas before they will be allowed to re-enter the U.S.

Also, students who do not have a visa due to an approved change of status application within the U.S will need to apply for a visa before they may re-enter the U.S.

The ISSS does not recommend that students travel to Canada or Mexico to renew their visa unless they are citizens of those countries.

• VISA RENEWAL INFORMATION
• TRAVEL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS SEVP
• VISA RENEWAL AFTER BREAK IN STUDIES (5 MONTHS OR MORE)
• VISA INTERVIEW INFORMATION VIDEO
• HOW TO COMPLETE DS-160 VIDEO

Students who will not enroll in courses or will withdraw from courses for the fall or spring semester and will return to their home country will need to review the Authorized Early Withdrawal guidance below.

Students who will not enroll in courses or withdraw from courses for the fall or spring semester and will not return to their home country will need to contact the ISSS by the 5th day of class or before withdrawing from courses to discuss their situation.

TEMPORARY ABSENCE FROM STUDIES (LEAVE OF ABSENCE)

VISA VALIDITY FOLLOWING A BREAK IN STUDIES

If an F-1 or J-1 Exchange Visitor or their dependents (F-2 or J-2) arrive at a U.S. port of entry and do not have all signed required documents, have not paid the I-901 SEVIS Fee on their current I-20 (F visa) or DS-2019 (J visa) or have SEVIS status issue, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer may deny the individual entry into the United States.

• As an alternative, the officer has discretion to issue a Form I-515A “Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor.” This document allows the individual temporary admission into the U.S. for 30 days.
• The individual must contact the ISSS immediately and provide the necessary documents to the SEVP I-515A processing team no later than 30 days from the date of entry into the U.S.

STUDY IN THE STATES FORM I-515A

SEVP FORM I-515A FACT SHEET

If you are issued a Form I-515A you will need to contact the ISSS immediately and provide a copy of the Form I-515A.

• The ISSS will review your Form I-515A and provide any additional documentation if necessary (copy of updated I-20).
• You must submit all required documents as stated on the Form I-515A within 30 days to the SEVP Form I-515A processing team.
• The mailing address and instructions are provided on the Form I-515A.

Once submitted you are expected to resume your studies (current students) or continue your employment (OPT students).

• It will take SEVP an average of 2-3 months to process your I-515A and their response will be sent to the ISSS.
• If you are denied then you will need to depart the U.S. immediately.
• If you are approved then you may continue your studies or OPT employment.