International Student Services
Immigration Basics for F-1
International Student Services (ISS) is an advocate for international students at Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK). Staff at ISS are available to answer your questions, especially questions involving immigration issues, while you are a student. However, it is your responsibility to maintain your legal status.
Sponsored students are funded by resources other than private or TAMUK funds, such as foreign/domestic governments, companies, agencies, or institutions. Sponsored students are responsible for following the federal regulations for their visa type. Also, they must meet with ISS staff to discuss additional financial sponsor requirements or restrictions.
Request for less than Full-Time Enrollment
Maintain Full-Time Enrollment
You must complete the following number of hours each semester.
Undergraduates – 12 credit hours each fall and spring
Graduates – 9 credit hours each fall and spring
IEP students – as determined by the Intensive English Program
If summer is your first semester at TAMUK, first semester in a new academic program, or last semester in your academic program, you must register full-time. Summer is considered vacation time if it is not your first or last semester and you are not required to take classes for immigration purposes. Consult your department concerning university rules on summer registration.
If you need to fall below the required hours, contact ISS before you Q-drop the classes. You may or may not be eligible to fall below hours legally. Ask about a full-course waiver. In order to maintain legal immigration status, a full-course waiver must be approved by the DSO prior to dropping below hours.
If you want to take classes at another school, including TAMUK Intensive English Program, during the summer or in conjunction with your TAMUK classes, you need to complete a co-enrollment form. Co-enrollment must be authorized by ISS. During the Spring and Fall Semesters, you should be taking at least half of your courses at TAMUK.
Do not change your degree level (bachelors, masters, PhD or non-degree program), begin a second degree or pursue a double major without consulting ISS first.
Obtain Work Authorization
Work authorization is depend on your legal F-1 status and your enrollment at TAMUK.
On-Campus Work
As long as you are in legal F-1 status and meet TAMUK requirements, you are eligible to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the Spring and Fall Semesters. You are eligible to work full-time on campus during vacation periods and during the summer sessions.
Off-Campus Work
You must get proper work authorization prior to working off-campus. You will be out of status and eligible for deportation if you work without USCIS authorization. Do not risk it. Work is considered anything for which you are compensated, such as being given cash, food, or room/board.
Speak to ISS staff concerning Optional Practical Training, Curricular Practical Training, or economic hardship work authorization.
Traveling Outside the United States While You Are A Student
Your I-20 should be signed by the DSO before you leave the United States. The signature is valid for up to one year or until you graduate if you graduate less than a year. Be sure that you enter the United States on your F-1 visa. Always make sure your I-94 card is marked “F-1” and “D/S.” If you are given a 30-day entry, come to ISS immediately. Do not enter the United States on a tourist (B) visa, the visa waiver program, or on a border-crossing card. You will no longer be on a student visa and you will lose all student visa benefits such as work authorization.
Dependents
You may bring your dependents (spouse and/or unmarried children under age 21) to the U.S. Please consult with ISS about the procedure. Dependents on an F-2 visa CANNOT work or receive compensation for services, such as baby-sitting. Dependents may attend TAMUK part-time if accepted by TAMUK and they are taking avocational or recreational courses only. Dependents who wish to pursue a degree must change status to F-1 or J-1. Dependents must travel with the proper paperwork, such as your I-20 signed for
