MinerAlert
MinerAlert
The guidance on this page reflects the most current government regulations. If any policies change or new updates are released, you will receive an email from global@utep.edu. The information provided follows the policies and regulations set by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Department of State (DOS), and the Exchange Visitor Program (EVP).
If you have questions related to your immigration status, please email global@utep.edu. Emailing allows our advisors to review your full immigration record and provide accurate, comprehensive guidance.
When visiting the office in person, please note that the front desk is able to assist only with document pick-up and general questions. If you need to speak with an international advisor, we encourage you to join our virtual advising sessions for personalized support.
OIP advisors are available weekly to meet virtually with students. Click on the correct day during the designated timeframe to join the session through Zoom:
OIP advising is hosted over Zoom. Please ensure your device has Zoom installed before joining the session. You can download Zoom here: https://zoom.us/download. Make sure you have a stable internet connection. If you are disconnected, you may lose your place in line.
During virtual advising, students meet with an international student advisor on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure we can assist everyone, please keep your questions within 10–15 minutes. Wait times may vary depending on the number of students in line. If you join during the scheduled advising hours, you will be placed in the waiting room. Advisors will meet with students in the order they joined. Once it is your turn, you will be admitted to the session.
Students may always email global@utep.edu for assistance. Many questions are best handled through email because it allows advisors to review your entire record.
The OIP office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can reach us by email at global@utep.edu or by phone at (915) 747-5664.
The front desk staff are available to answer general questions and assist with document pick-up. For questions specific to your case or immigration record, we recommend emailing global@utep.edu or attending a virtual advising session for personalized support.
Continuing students: Students who are maintaining F-1 status with an Active SEVIS record and continuing in their same degree program at UTEP.
Transfer students: Students who are new to UTEP because they just finished a degree at another U.S. school, or are leaving another U.S. school to continue their degree at UTEP. For immigration purposes, "transfer" refers to students with an Active SEVIS record only.
Change of Level students: UTEP students who completed a degree at one academic level and are starting a new degree at a different level, or starting a second degree at the same level.
Students who would otherwise fit into any of the three categories above, but who have allowed their F-1 status to expire, are considered New/Initial students. Please see that section below for more information.
New / Initial students: These are typically students who are abroad and not yet in F-1 status, and have recently been admitted to a program at UTEP.
Students who have previously held F-1 status at UTEP or another U.S. school but allowed their status to expire are also considered New/Initial. This includes students who took a leave of absence or students who continue to enroll with an expired SEVIS record and are in violation of their immigration status.
What steps you take to defer your admission depend on your degree level:
Graduate students: Must contact their academic department and the Graduate School.
Undergraduate students: Must contact the Office of Admissions & Recruitment.
Both undergraduate and graduate students MUST contact the OIP to inform us of their plans.
Upon your new admission term, you will receive an email with instructions to apply for a new I-20 for that term. You will need to reapply for an I-20 with updated documents even if you were issued an I-20 for your initial admission term.
If you decide not to attend UTEP, please email global@utep.edu to notify OIP.
In addition, you must contact your academic department and the Graduate School if you are a graduate student, or the Office of Admissions & Recruitment if you are an undergraduate student, to inform them of your decision and follow their procedures.
To determine whether you need an F-1 visa to study at UTEP, visit our Who Can Study? page for detailed information.
In general, international students who plan to study in the U.S. and do not already have permanent resident or U.S. citizenship status will need an F-1 visa. This includes students entering UTEP for the first time, transferring from another U.S. school, or changing their academic level.
If OIP has contacted you and you do not need an F-1 visa to study, please email global@utep.edu to inform us. This ensures your records are accurate and up-to-date.
All students should have the following on them and readily available:
You must have a valid passport at all times. Maintaining a valid passport is required to keep your F-1 status active. Start the renewal process 6–12 months before expiration with your country's consulate or embassy. Do not attempt to enter the U.S. with an expired passport.
Yes. Your I-20 must have a valid travel signature. While technically valid for one year, CBP typically expects it to be signed within the last 6 months. Submit a travel signature request via Sunapsis and obtain the updated travel endorsement before traveling.
You may only be outside the U.S. for 5 months or less while maintaining active F-1 status. Exceeding this period will result in automatic cancellation of your F-1 status, I-20, and U.S. visa.
Do not travel unless eligible for automatic visa revalidation. Consult OIP through virtual advising before traveling internationally.
If you are traveling in the U.S. as a non-border commuter, make sure you carry the following:
You may be required to present these items if and when you are pulled over by local authorities.
If you are a border commuter student who wishes to travel within the U.S., please consult our office by joining virtual advising before doing so.
If you plan to take fewer than a full-time course load—for example, if you are enrolled in a thesis or dissertation course, are graduating, or have an approved medical reason—you must apply for a Reduced Course Load (RCL) before the start of the semester.
For more information and instructions, please visit the "Reduced Course Load (RCL) " tab in Maintaining F-1 Status.
Students should always contact OIP for advising before dropping a course. If you are informed that you will be dropped from a course and this will cause you to fall below full-time enrollment, contact OIP immediately. An advisor will review your options on a case-by-case basis.
OIP cannot prevent a professor from dropping a student from a class for any reason. Students should stay in close contact with their professors and advisors to ensure they are keeping up with required coursework and meeting enrollment requirements.
All F-1 students, except part-time border commuters, are eligible for on-campus employment. You must submit an on-campus employment letter request in Sunapsis before starting work. While school is in session, students may work up to 20 hours per week (UTEP HR limits this to 19 hours/week for student positions other than graduate assistantships). During school breaks, students may work up to 40 hours per week, depending on employer/department need and availability of funds.
No. Undergraduate, Master’s, and Doctoral students are not allowed to work on-campus jobs remotely. All work must be performed on UTEP campus unless otherwise authorized by OIP.
Any work outside the University without proper authorization is considered unauthorized and a federal offense. Examples include plasma or blood donation for income, Uber driving, food delivery, working for cash at a restaurant, or babysitting. Unauthorized employment may result in termination of your F-1 status.
CPT is a type of work authorization that allows F-1 students to gain practical experience in their field of study while enrolled in their academic program. This includes internships, fellowships, clinical rotations, teaching residencies, or other practical experiences.
You must carefully review the CPT website, obtain a valid offer letter, and submit your CPT application through Sunapsis. Applications must be submitted at least two weeks before your intended start date or onboarding process, whichever comes first. Full-time enrollment during the Fall or Spring term is required unless otherwise authorized.
If you plan to participate in CPT outside the El Paso area, you must update your I-20 to a non-border commuter I-20 by submitting an Updated Confirmation of Financial Resources e-form in Sunapsis, including living expenses. Students with on-campus employment may only be authorized for part-time CPT unless your UTEP employer submits a letter stating you will not be working during CPT.
Yes. Accumulating 12 months of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) upon program completion.
OPT is a benefit that allows F-1 students to work temporarily in the U.S. after completing their academic program. All employment must be directly related to your major.
Students may receive up to 12 months of OPT through USCIS. Those in STEM fields may be eligible to apply for an additional extension.
All students under OPT/STEM OPT must report to OIP according to the guidelines on the OPT website to maintain F-1 status. Failure to comply can result in loss of status.
You are only eligible to apply for a Social Security Number if you have secured on-campus employment or have been approved for CPT or OPT.
Before you apply, you must obtain an employment verification letter and submit an SSN Letter Request through Sunapsis. OIP will issue your SSN support letter once all requirements are met.
You will then apply in person at a Social Security Administration office. Make sure to bring your:
For detailed steps, please review the SSN INFORMATION PAGE for complete guidance.
All F-1 students who reside in the United States (non–border commuters) must obtain a Texas Driver's License to legally drive. You must also maintain valid auto insurance and ensure your vehicle is properly registered in the State of Texas.
Before applying, you must submit an Enrollment Letter Request through Sunapsis and indicate that you will be applying for a driver's license. OIP will issue a modified enrollment letter for your appointment.
You can then follow the steps provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety at:
Driver’s License Application Instructions
Lawful Presence Requirements
Please read all DPS instructions carefully before scheduling your appointment. You must bring your immigration documents, passport, and proof of lawful presence.
For additional driving and vehicle registration guidance, consult Register your Vehicle
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is issued by the IRS to individuals who need a U.S. taxpayer number but are not eligible for a Social Security Number.
F-1 students generally only need an ITIN if they are receiving scholarships that require tax reporting but are not working. If you are receiving a taxable scholarship, the University may instruct you to apply for an ITIN.
To apply, students must submit Form W-7 along with supporting documents. Your academic department or employer will usually inform you if an ITIN is required.
For more information, consult **IRS ITIN INFORMATION PAGE**.
UTEP offers a wide variety of helpful resources for both students and parents. These official pages gather information about admissions, financial aid, campus life, academic support, tutoring services, student employment, housing, safety, technology, and many other programs available to the UTEP community.