​​International Student and Scholar Services​

The F-1 visa is for full-time academic study in the United States. It is issued to international students accepted into a SEVP-certified institution like SHSU. F-1 students must maintain a full course load (12 credits for undergraduates; 9 credits for graduate students) and keep their SEVIS record updated. This visa allows for on-campus employment and may allow for off-campus work authorization under CPT or OPT, if approved. The Global Engagement Center issues all I-20 documents for F-1 students and provides immigration advising. 

The F-2 visa is for the spouse and children of an F-1 student. F-2 dependents may not work under any circumstances. Spouses may study part-time, while children may attend K-12 schools. F-2 dependents must maintain valid status as long as the F-1 student remains in the U.S. in lawful status. 

The J-1 visa is for students, researchers, and faculty participating in approved exchange programs. SHSU sponsors J-1 visitors through categories such as Degree-Seeking Student, Research Scholar, Professor, and Short-Term Scholar. The purpose of the J-1 visa is to promote educational and cultural exchange. J-1 visa holders must maintain health insurance coverage that meets Department of State (DOS) requirements and are advised by Alternate Responsible Officers (AROs) in the Global Engagement Center. 

The J-2 visa is for dependents (spouse or children) of J-1 exchange visitors. J-2 dependents may apply for work authorization through USCIS and are eligible to study in the U.S. J-2s are also required to maintain health insurance that complies with DOS regulations and must keep valid status based on the J-1’s program duration. 

• The H-1B is an employer-sponsored visa for professionals in “specialty occupations” requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific field. At SHSU, this visa is used for eligible faculty and staff roles when no suitable U.S. workers are available. The position must meet prevailing wage and Department of Labor requirements. The visa is typically valid for up to 6 years (initial 3 years + 3-year extension) and involves coordination between Human Resources and employer. 

• The H-1B is an employer-sponsored visa for professionals in “specialty occupations” requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific field. At SHSU, this visa is used for eligible faculty and staff roles when no suitable U.S. workers are available. The position must meet prevailing wage and Department of Labor requirements. The visa is typically valid for up to 6 years (initial 3 years + 3-year extension) and involves coordination between Human Resources and the Global Engagement Center. 

• The TN visa allows eligible Canadian and Mexican citizens to work temporarily in the U.S. in pre-approved professional occupations under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA) treaty. Common TN roles at universities include professors, researchers, and scientific technicians. Applicants must show proof of citizenship, a valid job offer, and relevant educational credentials. The TN is often used for shorter-term or renewable academic appointments. 

• Permanent Residency is a legal status that does not require a visa. It may be obtained in various ways such as family sponsorship, political asylum, diversity lottery, or employment based. 

• PERM Processing for Permanent Residency – PERM stands for Program Electronic Review Management process and refers to processing one type of permanent residency that is based on employer sponsorship; PERM requires a Labor Certification process as part of an employer-based petition for permanent residency. SHSU handles PERM processing in the office of the Provost. 

The quickest way to check your admission status is to visit the SHSU Check Application Status. 

You can calculate your tuition cost using the Cost Calculator. If you receive a $1000 scholarship for the academic year you qualify for in-state tuition. Otherwise, you would pay out-of-state/international tuition.  

We recommend that once you pay the fee, print your receipt immediately and take it with you to your appointment. You may want to wait at least 3 to 5 days after paying the fee for the data to reach the system at the Department of Homeland Security. 

You are eligible for scholarships and assistantships (for graduate students) depending on the availability. These of course are competitive in nature, and awarded by the department. Please check with your college/department to check on the availability of each. Please visit Scholarships4Kats for more information on scholarships. 

Yes, Insurance enrollment process for all F1 students upon check-in. Insurance waivers can be approved for student who has purchases insurance form a company within the United States. 

Yes, F1 students can travel outside of the country “after obtaining a travel endorsement from the Designated School Official (DSO).” F1 student are free to traveling within the USA using their I-20 and passport.

Please contact gec@shsu.edu to make arrangements for a new I-20 with Travel Endorsement. 

International students in F-1 status who are maintaining legal student status and are enrolled for a full course of study at the University may work on-campus for no more than 28 hours per week while school is in session. During holidays and vacation periods, you may work full time. 

Your spouse will have F-2 status and will be able to attend school but on a part-time basis. If your spouse wants to attend school as a full-time student, your spouse will need to apply for a change of status to F-1. 

Your spouse on F-2 status will not be able to work in the United States and your spouse will not be eligible for a social security number. 

SEVIS is a secure online system maintained by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to manage records of F-1 and J-1 students and scholars. SHSU must be SEVP-certified to issue immigration documents and report student information in SEVIS. Designated School Officials (DSOs) and Alternate Responsible Officers (AROs) must complete federal training and follow strict reporting requirements.

The ISSS Portal is your personalized immigration platform. You can submit requests, download your I-20 or DS-2019, view announcements, and manage your SEVIS record. Think of it as your "MySam" for immigration.

A DSO is a university official authorized by SEVP to support and advise F-1 students. DSOs manage SEVIS records, issue I-20s, and help you stay in compliance with immigration rules. At SHSU, DSOs are part of the Global Engagement Center..

The I-20 is an immigration document issued to F-1 students by a DSO. It’s required to apply for an F-1 visa, enter the U.S., and complete essential tasks like getting a driver’s license, social security number, or starting on-campus work. The I-20 expiration date determines how long you may remain in the U.S. 

An SHSU official designated to support J-1 exchange visitors. AROs issue DS-2019s, manage SEVIS records, and advise students on how to maintain legal status during their J-1 program. 

The DS-2019 is required for J-1 visa applicants and is issued by an ARO. Like the I-20, it’s needed for visa appointments, entering the U.S., and completing various official tasks. If SHSU is your sponsor, your DS-2019 is managed by the Global Engagement Center. If your sponsor is another agency (e.g., Fulbright), you’ll report to that sponsor’s ARO.

Off-campus work authorization for F-1 students engaged in internships or training directly related to their field of study. CPT is typically available after two full-time semesters and must be tied to a course for academic credit.

OPT allows F-1 students to work off-campus in their field of study for up to 12 months, usually after graduation. OPT is recommended by your DSO and approved by USCIS. You must maintain your F-1 status and report updates while on OPT.

A 24-month extension of OPT available to F-1 students with degrees in approved STEM fields. To qualify, your major’s CIP code must be listed on the DHS STEM Designated Degree List. Students apply through their DSO and USCIS and must meet additional reporting requirements.

J-1 students may qualify for Academic Training, which allows off-campus work in their academic field during or after their program. AT is approved by your ARO. Most students may use up to 18 months, with extended options for Ph.D. students.