The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
International Admissions and Student Services Office of Global Engagement
Travel Endorsement
All international students must obtain a travel endorsement on the back of the I-20 from the international student advisor before leaving the USA. The travel endorsement is valid for one-year. As an international student, it is your responsibility to keep your documentation in order. Make sure to request a travel endorsement at least seven days before your departure date.
Please make sure you comply with the following expectations:
- I-20 must be signed every 12 months.
- If you have moved, you must submit a “SEVIS Address Update Form” to the IASS within 10 days.
- Any change in major or significant change in finances requires a new I-20 immediately.
- No off-campus employment permitted without IASS authorization (required internships) or an employment authorization card.
- Maximum of 20 hours per week on-campus employment during Fall and Spring semester.
- Do not drop any classes without the permission of the IASS.
- Maintain full-time enrollment in Fall and Spring semesters (12UG; 9GR). If you are not attending a class or failing, a professor may drop you from the class and it may result in a status violation; be proactive: attend class, if you are failing a class talk to your professor.
- Only 3 credit hours of on-line classes each semester may count toward the full course enrollment requirement.
- Know the expiration dates on your documents. If they expire, you are out of status:
- I-20 (If you qualify, extension requests must be submitted 45-60 days before the expiration date on your document)
- Passport
- Anytime you receive a new document (passport, visa, I-94) you must bring in a copy to the IASS immediately for your file.
- If you are no longer going to study, you must leave the U.S. and submit your I-94 to immigration.
International SOS
As of April, 2010, ALL students, faculty and staff traveling internationally on a university-sponsored trip are required to register with International SOS prior to travel. REGISTER.