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| INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES |
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- How do I maintain my F-1 Status?
- How do I apply for a social security card?
- How do I apply for a driver's license?
- What do I need to do when I want to travel?
- What employment opportunities are available students on an F-1 visa?
- Can I travel while my Optional Practical Training (OPT) application is pending?
- What is the difference between an I-20 and a visa?
- Can I stay in the U.S. with an expired I-20?
- Can I stay in the U.S. with an expired visa?
- Can I renew my visa in the U.S. before it expires?
- How do I maintain my F-1 Status?
More information on maintaining F-1 status can be found here.
- How do I apply for a social security card?
Per federal regulations, an F-1 visa holder must have a job in order to apply for a Social Security number. If/when you do secure employment, on or off campus, the process is:
- Complete a status letter request form.
- Bring your original offer/employment letter from your employer. OISSS will make a copy for your file.
- The international student advisor will issue you a Social Security letter if your request is approved.
- You will bring these documents with you to the Social Security Office:
- Original offer/employment letter
- Letter from the international student advisor
- Current UST I-20
- Passport
- Visa
- I-94
When you receive your Social Security card in the mail, it is important to keep it in a safe place. We strongly advise that you do not carry it on your person since you may risk losing it.
- How do I apply for a driver's license?
International students and scholars who reside in Houston may obtain a driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety. The process for obtaining a Texas Driver's License (TDL), although not difficult, may be rather confusing. The first step to take is to acquire the TEXAS DRIVERS HANDBOOK, published by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). This is a very informative publication, and you may want your own copy. To obtain a driver's license, study the handbook and then go to the nearest DPS office.
Be prepared to stand in line for a long time - a two or three hour wait is not unusual.
- Passport, I-94, I-20 and letter from International Student Advisor.
- $24.00- cash only
Present the fee and additional documentation to the examiner who will take your picture and thumbprints, and give you a vision test.
You will then be admitted to the written test which consists of two parts, road rules and road signs. The passing score is 70% on these two sections. If you pass that test, you will be instructed to make an appointment for the driving (skills) test, probably the next working day.
When you go to the DPS office to take the skills test, you must have a properly registered and insured car to drive. The DPS officer who administers the test will inspect the vehicle before setting out on the road. A score of 70% is also required for passing. If you do not pass, you may take the skills test two more times within 90 days without having to pay the fee again. If you pass that test, a receipt will be issued. This will reflect your driver's license number and may be used for 60 days or until you receive your license in the mail.
For further information, consult the DPS web-site at http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/
- What do I need to do when I want to travel?
If you are traveling within the U.S., you are not required to obtain a travel endorsement on your I-20. You are advised to bring your UST I-20, passport, visa and I-94 during your travels.
If you plan to travel outside the U.S., you will be required to obtain a travel endorsement on your I-20. Please plan at least two weeks in advance to get your I-20 signed by an international student advisor. We also advise you to bring your passport and visa so we may check their validity.
- What employment opportunities are available students on an F-1 visa?
You can read more about empolyment opportunities for F-1 stuendet here.
- Can I travel while my Optional Practical Training (OPT) application is pending?
The regulations have been edited and now state that you may travel outside of the U.S. while you have a pending application. However, if you are able to postpone your travels until after you receive your card, that would be best.
If and when you do receive your OPT card/employment authorization document, it is not intended to be used for travel purposes. If you do decide to travel outside of the U.S. after you receive your card, there is no guarantee of re-entry into the country.
- What is the difference between an I-20 and a visa?
An I-20 is the Certificate of Eligibility that includes biographical information, intended major, length of program and financial support. It is used to apply for a visa and is used to validate one’s status in the U.S.
A visa, found in your passport, is used for travel purposes only. It must be valid upon your departure and arrival to and from the U.S.
- Can I stay in the U.S. with an expired I-20?
No. Your I-20 is a document that must remain valid while you reside in the U.S. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that it is still valid and to extend the end date before it expires. If your I-20 expires while you’re still in the U.S., then you would have jeopardized your status and will be considered “out of status.”
- Can I stay in the U.S. with an expired visa?
Yes, your visa, in your passport, may expire while you reside in the U.S. Keeping your passport and I-20 valid while following the F-1 rules and regulations are the most important things to remember.
- Can I renew my visa in the U.S. before it expires?
Visas may only be issued and renewed at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside of the U.S.
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