Your Path to Become a Lion
College is the next big step in your academic journey!
Residents of foreign countries who wish to enter the university should apply to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions well in advance of the semester they plan to attend. Please note that an international student is any degree-seeking student holding a non-immigrant student visa.
All admission requirements are to be completed a minimum of three months prior to the beginning of the semester. In the case of extenuating circumstances, exceptions to this timeline may be considered on an individual basis.
Keep in mind that your transcripts must be evaluated by an independent credential evaluation agency before being considered for admission.
Consider the field of study and degree program you want to pursue at A&M-Commerce. Take some time to review our degree programs. A&M-Commerce offers over 100 different degrees as well as special programs designed to provide the support you need for success!
Request information about the degree programs that interest you.
Our admission counselors want to do everything they can to help you learn about A&M-Commerce and guide you through the process! Schedule an apportionment to meet with your admission counselor today!
Meet one of the following requirements to be automatically accepted into the Lion Pride.
- Rank in the top 30% of your graduating class
- Have a composite ACT score of 21 or better
- Minimum combined SAT (March 2016 or later) of 1060
Use the A&M-Commerce codes 4088 (ACT) and 6188 (SAT) to submit your scores on act.org or collegeboard.org
Most colleges, including A&M-Commerce, require the completion of a recommended or distinguished high school curriculum which includes:
- English Language Arts (4 credits)
- Mathematics (4 credits)
- Science (4 credits)
- Social Studies (4 credits)
- Language other than English (2 credits)
Dual credit classes are college courses that you have taken through your local community college that also counted toward your high school diploma. In order to receive transfer credit from A&M-Commerce for dual credit classes, you must submit official transcripts to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions from the community college or university where you took your dual credit classes.
For more information or questions, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 903-886-5000 or [email protected].
A&M-Commerce accepts scores on certain College Board Advanced Placement(AP) tests for credit in selected courses.
Examinations offered by the AP program are administered during late spring by high schools. Interested high school students should contact their high school counselors for information on AP courses their school offers.
AP scores should be forwarded to A&M-Commerce Student Assessment Office. The College Board code for A&M-Commerce is 6188. Scores reported from the spring AP test administration will not be received until late July.
AP Exams for Credit at Texas A&M-Commerce:
AP Course | Req. Score | TAMU-Commerce Course(s) | Sem. Cr.Hours |
American Government | 3 or higher | PSCI 2301 | 3 |
American History/U.S. History | 3 or higher | HIST 1301 or 1302 | 3 |
Art History | 3 or higher | ART 1303 | 3 |
Art, Studio-2D design | 3 or higher | ART 111 | 3 |
Art, Studio-3D design | 3 or higher | ART 140 | 3 |
Art, Studio-Drawing | 3 or higher | ART 110 | 3 |
Biology | 3 or higher | BIO 1406 | 4 |
Calculus A/B | 3 or higher | MATH 2413 | 4 |
Calculus B/C | 3 | MATH 2413 | 4 |
Calculus B/C | 4 or higher | MATH 2413 & 192 | 8 |
Chemistry | 3 or higher | CHEM 1305/1105 & 1307/1107 | 8 |
Computer Science A | 3 or higher | CSCI 126, 151 & 152 | 9 |
Computer Science A/B | 3 or higher | CSCI 126, 151, 152 & 270 | 12 |
Economics-Macro | 3 or higher | ECO 2301 | 3 |
Economics-Micro | 3 or higher | ECO 2302 | 3 |
Environmental Science | 3 or higher | ENVS 1301 | 3 |
French | 3 or higher | FREN 131 & 132 | 6 |
French | 4 or higher | FREN 131, 132, 231 & 232 | 12 |
Introduction to Sociology | 3 or higher | SOC 1301 | 3 |
Language and Composition or Literature and Composition | 3 | ENG 1301 | 3 |
Language and Composition or Literature and Composition | 4 or higher | ENG 1301 & 1302 | 6 |
Physics 1 | 3 or higher | PHYS 1401 | 4 |
Physics 2 | 3 or higher | PHYS 1402 | 4 |
Physics E&M | 4 or higher | PHYS 2425 | 4 |
Physics Mech. | 4 or higher | PHYS 2426 | 4 |
Psychology | 3 or higher | PSYC 2301 | 3 |
Spanish | 3 or higher | SPAN 131 & 132 | 6 |
Spanish | 4 or higher | SPAN 131, 132, 231, & 232 | 12 |
Statistics | 3 or higher | MATH 1324 | 3 |
World History | 3 or higher | HIST 265 | 3 |
For more information or questions, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 903-886-5000 or [email protected].
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is a rigorous pre-university program, primarily aimed at students aged 16 to 19, available worldwide through the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).
In compliance with SB111, TAMUC offers at least 24 hours of credit to all IB diploma candidates with subject exam scores of 4 or higher. Students with IB certificates or courses are evaluated on a subject by subject basis upon receipt of an IB transcript. TAMUC must have an official score report sent directly from IB to award credit.
View a list of IB Exams offered for credit at A&M-Commerce.
All international undergraduate students applying to A&M-Commerce must complete the freshman ApplyTexas application for international students.
Undergraduate Deadlines – Fall/May 1, Spring/Oct. 1 and Summer/March 1
Use ApplyTexas and choose Texas A&M University-Commerce as your school of choice.
Please submit an official, sealed copy of your transcript from each school you previously attended so we can process your admission application. Include a transcript from all schools, including proprietary/career schools, regardless of how long it’s been since you last attended.
Dual-credit freshmen must also submit an official transcript from the institution that offered the dual-credit classes. If you are a senior in high school, please send a transcript through your junior year.
To submit a transcript to A&M-Commerce, contact your previous/current academic institution(s) and request that they mail the transcript to:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
For faster delivery, you may check to see if your previous/current academic institution(s) can submit an electronic version of your transcript to the Undergraduate Admissions Office.
If they offer electronic transcript service, they will provide you with further instructions about how to use this option. A&M-Commerce accepts SPEEDE, National Clearinghouse and Escript-Safe electronic transcripts.
As an international student, you must show proof of successful completion of a course of study equivalent to that required of a U.S. citizen. Your international transcript must be evaluated by an independent credential evaluation agency before we consider you for admission to A&M-Commerce. For freshman admission, high school transcripts need only be evaluated to determine U.S. high school equivalency.
Please contact one of the following agencies for an evaluation of your academic transcript.
FOREIGN CREDENTIALS SERVICES OF AMERICA
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC CREDENTIAL EVALUATORS, INC.
EDUCATIONAL CREDENTIAL EVALUATORS, INC.
WORLD EDUCATION SERVICES, INC.
Upon completion of your evaluation, please ask the agency to provide a copy to:
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Office of Admissions
P.O. Box 3011
Commerce, TX 75429-3011
Dual-credit freshmen must also submit an official transcript from the institution that offered the dual-credit classes.
ACT or SAT test scores are optional for admission. Use the A&M-Commerce codes 4088 (ACT) and 6188 (SAT) to submit your scores on act.org or collegeboard.org
As an applicant, you must be adequately proficient in English to pursue a course of study at the university. A score of at least 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based or 79 internet-based on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and an official report of these scores must be submitted to the Office Undergraduate Admissions prior to admission. Please keep in mind that Education Testing Service (ETS) will not release scores that are older than two (2) years.
Undergraduate Exemptions:
- Students who have completed Eng 1301 and Eng 1302, at a U.S. institution, with a grade of “C” or better. Students may provide a certified older score if they have been continuously studying at a U.S. college or university.
- Students who have successfully completed the Texas International Education Consortium (TIEP’s) advanced-level program as defined in the information provided by TIEP and who are seeking admissions to our campus.
- Students who have completed a minimum of one year of study in a Texas public high school with the completion of English III or English IV (including Advance Placement/AP) with a grade of “B” or better.
- Students who are citizens of Australia, New Zealand, the British Virgin Island, Jamaica, United Kingdom, Ireland, Antigua, Northern Ireland, Scotland, South Africa, St. Lucia, Wales, Bahamas, Barbados, Switzerland and Canada (excluding French-speaking Quebec). Proof of citizenship must be provided such as birth certificate or passport.
- Students who have one of the following tests and scores:
CAE: B or Higher
CPE: C or Higher
AT II E: 968 or Higher
IELTS: Overall band 6.0 or Higher
SAT Verbal: 500 or Higher
ACT Verbal: 19 or Higher - Students who have obtained one of the following foreign high school diplomas/tests/scores:
GCE, GCSE, IGCSE: C or higher in English Language
WASC, KCSE, SSCE or equivalent national exams: C or higher in English Language IB (International Baccalaureate): Grade 4 or higher in English subject
A Sponsor’s Statement (signed by the sponsor) with a current bank statement showing a balance of at least $28,109.00 USD must be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Sponsor’s statements and bank statements must be less than one year old at the time of application.
All educational and living expenses (including medical/repatriation insurance) are the responsibility of the student.
Important Note:
When submitting documents, please keep in mind that mail between the United States and other countries can take as long as four weeks. Sufficient time should be allowed for processing documents. The application deadline is ninety (90) days prior to the beginning of the semester of enrollment. At that time, all required forms (listed above) must be on file with the Texas A&M University-Commerce Office Undergraduate Admissions.
New International Student Guidebook
The International Student Guidebook provides very important pre-arrival and arrival information for our new students. The OIP has compiled information for the most frequently asked questions our new international students have each semester.
Once you are admitted, your admission file is forwarded to the International Student & Scholar Services for processing the I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students). Follow the steps on our internal resources page to finish preparing to arrive on campus.
You’re taking a huge step by continuing your education far away from home. International Student Support Services is here to help make the process easier. Here are some important steps you need to take on your way to becoming a Lion.
For more assistance, contact us at [email protected].
ISSS Guide :: How to Receive an I-20 or DS-2019
- All F-1 and J-1 international students are required to show “sufficient funds to cover expenses” for their program of study in the U.S. SEVP regulations state that an applicant must show available funds to meet the expenses (living expenses, health insurance, tuition, fees and other costs) for the first year of study. A student must also demonstrate that adequate funds will be available for each subsequent year of study. See below the required proof of funding for the estimated cost for one year of study at A&M-Commerce.
- Funding Requirement for English Language Institute
- Funding Requirement for Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Once an international student is admitted to A&M-Commerce their admission file is forwarded to the ISSS for processing of the I-20 (F visa) or DS-2019 (J visa). As soon as the ISSS receives a student’s admission file we will send the student an email requesting some additional information and also explaining the process for issuing the I-20. We understand that students need the I-20 as quickly as possible so they can apply for the student visa and we appreciate students being patient while we review their admission and issue the I-20.
- International students currently studying in the U.S. or on Optional Practical Training employment who want to study at A&M-Commerce will need to have their SEVIS record and I-20 transferred to our university after being admitted.
- Your SEVIS record will need to be transferred to A&M-Commerce no later than 60 days from your final class day or end date of your OPT.
- To transfer your SEVIS record please take the following steps:
- Complete a Transfer Release Form (form is below) and have your current international advisor complete the form and email to [email protected].
- Provide your current school with your A&M-Commerce acceptance letter emailed to your myLEO email.
- Request that your current school transfer your SEVIS record to Texas A&M University-Commerce school code DAL214F00099000.
- The ISSS will update your SEVIS record and your continued attendance I-20 from A&M-Commerce will be issued the second week of classes.
- Students who plan to travel outside the U.S. may request a Transfer Pending I-20 for travel by emailing [email protected].
- Transfer students will not be permitted to register for courses until they have completed a check-in and welcome session, provided the required proof of funding per SEVP regulations, and had their SEVIS record transferred to Texas A&M University-Commerce school code DAL214F00099000.
- TRANSFER RELEASE FORM
- ** WE HAVE ABANDONED OUR CHANGE OF STATUS PROCESS. WE WILL NOT BE PROCESSING ANY CHANGE OF STATUS REQUESTS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.**
- Individuals that would like to change their status to F-1 or F-1 have the option to complete this by travel or by application in the United States. For more information check the links below.
If you have NOT received a confirmation from your DSO indicating your document is available for pickup, please DO NOT request shipment at this time. Ordering shipment prior to receipt of this notification can delay the processing/ shipment of your documents.
The ISSS uses an express mail service (Eshipglobal) that will allow students to receive their documents within the U.S. or outside the U.S.
(I-20, receipt notice, EAD card) through FedEx or DHL shipping. This service is at the expense of the student.
Shipments are processed and mailed within 2-5 business days once we receive notification.
If you experience any difficulty in registering and processing the shipment, please use the “Help” link in the site for step by step instructions.
If you have additional questions about how to use this service, please e-mail [email protected].
If you have NOT received a confirmation from your DSO indicating your document is available for pickup, please DO NOT request shipment at this time. Ordering shipment prior to receipt of this notification can delay the processing/shipment of your documents.
Students in the U.S. may have their documents mailed to them within the U.S. mailing through USPS Priority Mail (Insured/Uninsured). Â
This mailing option has a general delivery time of 2-5 business days (Monday through Friday).
Please allow the ISSSO up to 2 business days (Monday through Friday) to process your shipment.
Students requesting their EAD card may choose the EAD CARD USPS Priority Mail Insured for a cost of $14.00.
This option includes insurance of up to $500 in case the EAD card is lost in transit.
USPS terms and conditions apply to all insurance claims. Please read over USPS terms and conditions.
All new F-1 and J-1 international students will be required to attend a check-in and welcome session before they may register for classes. F-1 and J-1 international students will also be required to attend the International Student Orientation.
Transfer students (students already studying in the U.S. or on approved OPT) will also be required to provide additional documents before they may register. See the transfer student tab above for more information.
- All new F-1 and J-1 international students are required to attend a check-in and welcome session and provide all required documents before they may register for classes.
- For more information on who must attend check-in go to Who Must Attend Orientation and Check-in?
- The ISSS has a registration hold on all new F-1 and J-1 students accounts that will only be lifted once the student has completed check-in and met any additional requirements with the ISSS.
- Once you have registered for the check-in and welcome session you will receive an email confirmation with important information.
- If you do not receive an email confirmation when your registration was not received.
- Please note:
- Complete all documents and make all copies BEFORE you arrive for check-in
- Copies of documents (I-20, passport, visa, I-94) are required…please bring the original documents (I-20, passport, visa) with you to check-in
- Students need to arrive at the check-in location at least 15 minutes prior to their appointment time
- DO NOT arrive late (late arrivals will not be processed)
- DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR CHECK-IN
ISSS Guide :: Applying for a Visa
After being admitted, the ISSS will review a student’s admission documents for eligibility to receive an I-20 (F-1 visa) or DS-2019 (J-1 student). All F-1 and J-1 international students are required to provide proof of financial support that equals the estimated cost for one year of study at A&M-Commerce.
Once the I-20 has been issued, you will receive an email notification providing the bank and sponsor statement with their SEVIS number and the university’s school code (F visa students) or school program (J visa students). Students may use this information to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, pay the visa application fee, and schedule their visa appointment.
For more information about SEVIS 1901 fees, visit the following helpful resources:
To learn more about applying for a visa, visit the following resources:
Students who have traveled outside the U.S. with an expired visa will be required to renew their visa before they may re-enter the U.S. The ISSS recommends students renew their visa in their home country and have a copy of the following documents:
- Valid I-20 with a valid travel signature (travel signatures are valid for one year from the date of the signature)
- Valid passport
- Original transcript or copy of unofficial transcript
- Proof of funding for one year or study at A&M-Commerce
For additional documentation or information, students may review Applying for a Student Visa or Visa Renewal When Traveling Outside the U.S.
If you are denied a visa and you are not able to arrive at A&M-Commerce by your program start date of your I-20 then you will need to defer your admission.
If a visa is denied, the consular officer should give the applicant the reason(s) for the denial in writing. The denial letter will specify which section of the law was applied to your case. Please note the ISSS cannot intervene in a visa officer’s decision to deny a visa.
- If a specific document is lacking the consulate officer will give written notice to the applicant explaining what documents are needed. This is a called a 221(g) letter. You should collect the missing documents and arrange to deliver them to the consular officer. You may need to return for a follow-up interview.Â
- If you are denied under any section of the law other than 221(g), for example 214(b) or 212(a), you will have to reapply at a later date.
- If you are denied under 214(b) we do not recommend reapplying unless your personal circumstances, that prove your non-immigrant intent, change significantly or you feel you did not present all the information the officer would have needed to approve your visa. Â
View Department of State Visa Denial Guidance for additional information.
Travel guidance for F-1 students currently studying in an academic program or the English Language Institute at A&M-Commerce.
- Currently students must have a valid travel signature to re-enter the U.S. The travel signature on the second page of the I-20 is valid for 12-months from the date of the signature for re-entry to the U.S.
- Students do not need a new travel signature each time they travel outside the U.S. if their current signature on the second page of their I-20 is valid through the date of re-entry.
For more information, see the Student and Exchange Visitor Program page.
- Students who will not enroll in courses or will withdraw from courses for the fall or spring semester and will return to their home country will need to review the Authorized Early Withdrawal information.  Â
- Students who will not enroll in courses or withdraw from courses for the fall or spring semester and will not return to their home country will need to contact the ISSS by the 5th day of class or before withdrawing from courses to discuss their situation. Â
- Make sure you read and understand maintaining your visa validity following a break in your studies or a temporary leave of absence.
If an F-1 or J-1 Exchange Visitor or their dependents (F-2 or J-2) arrive at a U.S. port of entry and do not have all signed required documents, have not paid the I-901 SEVIS Fee on their current I-20 (F visa) or DS-2019 (J visa), or have SEVIS status issue, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer may deny the individual entry into the United States.
- As an alternative, the officer has discretion to issue a Form I-515A which allows the individual temporary admission into the U.S. for 30 days.
- The individual must contact the ISSS immediately and provide the necessary documents to the SEVP I-515A processing team no later than 30 days from the date of entry into the U.S.
- To find out more information, see the SEVP Form I-515A Fact Sheet
If you are issued a Form I-515A you will need to contact the ISSS office at A&M-Commerce immediately and provide a copy of the Form I-515A.
- The ISSS will review your Form I-515A and provide any additional documentation if necessary (copy of updated I-20).
- You MUST submit all required documents as stated on I-515A within 30 days to the SEVP Form I-515A processing team.
- The mailing address and instructions are provided on the I-515A.
Once submitted you are expected to resume your studies (current students) or continue your employment (OPT students).
- It will take SEVP an average of 2-3 months to process your I-515A and their response will be sent to the ISSS.
- If you are denied then you will need to depart the U.S. immediately.
- If you are approved then you may continue your studies or OPT employment.
ISSS Guide :: ATTEND INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION
All new F1 and J-1 international students to A&M-Commerce must attend the International Student Orientation. Students studying at A&M-Commerce while in the U.S. with any other non-immigrant visa (ex…H, E, L visa) are encouraged to attend the International Student Orientation but are not required. New English Language Institute students will be required to attend the ELI orientation.
The only students who will not be required to attend the ISSS International Student Orientation are listed below and will need to schedule a face-to-face orientation and check-in with an international student advisor prior to the start of the semester:
- Current A&M-Commerce students who are changing their education level (example…bachelors to masters or masters to doctorate). Students completing the ELI and beginning studies in a degreed program (bachelors, masters, doctorate) will be required to attend the international student orientation.
- Current A&M-Commerce students beginning a second degree at the same education level (example…beginning a second masters).
- Current A&M-Commerce students on OPT who will return to begin a new academic program.
- Students who have filed for a change of visa status to F-1
- New students studying in the English Language Institute will need to attend the ELI orientation.
- All new F-1 and J-1 international students must attend a check-in and welcome session with the ISSS prior to registering for classes. Students may review the check-in schedule here.
- Students matriculating from the ELI to a degree program or starting a new degree program are required to check-in.
- Students who have attended other universities in the Texas International Education Consortium and are beginning coursework at A&M-Commerce are required to check-in.
- Students who are studying at A&M-Commerce under a different visa category (for example…H visa, E visa) are not required to check-in unless they have applied for a change of visa status to F-1.
All new undergraduate students are also required to attend the New Student Orientation. During the summer the ISSS will host an abbreviated orientation and check-in on the first day of the New Student Orientation (except June 2-3) from 1pm-3pm for all new undergraduate students for the fall. This orientation is only for undergraduate students. You may email [email protected] for more information.
ISSS Guide :: Change of Visa Status
Students in certain visa statuses may be eligible to file for a change of visa status to F-1 within the U.S. by filing a Form I-539 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Be sure to review USCIS Change of Status guidance for more information.
While USCIS guidance linked above indicates the change of status application must be submitted by the expiration of the individual’s (or principal’s) I-94 Arrival/Departure Record or the expiration of the individual’s (or principal’s) current status within the U.S. (whichever is earlier), in practice USCIS will adjudicate (process) applications received within 60 days (the 60-day “grace” period) of the expiration of the I-94 or the individual’s status (whichever is earlier).
- PLEASE NOTE whether or not an application will be accepted after the expiration of the individual’s current status is at the discretion of USCIS.
Individuals interested in changing their status from the B-2 visitor visa will need to review our guidance below very carefully because USCIS has different policies related to these applications.
Some of the benefits related to applying for a change of visa status within the U.S. include:
- You don’t incur the cost of traveling outside the U.S. or being separated from friends
- This process is generally less expensive ($290 application fee, payment of the $200 SEVIS fee, cost of mailing the application to USCIS)
Some of the disadvantages related to applying for the change of visa status within the U.S. include:
- The processing timeframe for the change of status application with USCIS may be up to 9 months or longer
- There is very limited options to request USCIS expedite of your application
- If your application is denied and your previous visa status has expired then you will not have a valid status within the U.S. and will need to leave immediately
- While the change of status is valid once approved within the U.S., the next time you travel outside the U.S. you will be required to apply for visa with the U.S. embassy or consulate before you may re-enter the U.S.
CHANGE OF VISA STATUS FROM F-2 TO F-1
CHANGE OF VISA STATUS FROM H-4 TO F-1
CHANGE OF VISA STATUS FROM H1-B TO F-1
Individuals who wish to change their status (COS) to F-2 will need to be sure to file the change of status while their current visa status is still valid. This will be determined by the expiration of the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record or other relevant document(s). Individuals in the U.S. under a B-1/B-2 visa are strongly encouraged to depart the U.S. and re-enter with an F-2 visa and I-20.
The F-1 principal’s visa status must be valid during the duration of the review application review process with USCIS. If the F-1 principals status should expire while the change of status application is pending then it will be denied by USCIS.
ď‚·
- While USCIS general processing times are 2-3 months, most change of status applications will take much longer. Many change of status applications have taken up to nine (9) months for USCIS to process and some schools have reported a processing time of over twelve (12) months. Students should plan for a minimum USCIS processing time of between four (4) and nine (9) months.
- Applicants may contact USCIS after 90 days from their application receipt notice date to inquire about their application. There are very limited options to request an expedite for an application and to learn more about USCIS’s expedite policy go to USCIS Expedite. The ISSS cannot intervene with USCIS to request an expedite.
- Once the application is filed you cannot travel outside the U.S. or your change of visa status will be considered abandoned.
- Once your change of visa status is approved, the next time you travel outside the U.S. you will be required to apply for an F-2 visa before you will be permitted to re-enter the U.S.
Eligibility to Study: The Student Exchange Visitor Program allows an F-2 to study at a college or university on a part-time basis but whether a change of status to F-2 applicant may study will depend upon the relevant regulations for the applicant’s current visa status. If the applicant’s current visa status allows them to study then the individual may study while they await the approval of their change of status. If the applicant’s current visa status does not allow them to study then the individual cannot study until their change of status is approved by USCIS.
To apply for a change of status you will need to follow the steps below. All documents must be
emailed to [email protected] with the subject line “Change of status to F-2.” DO NOT copy
any alternate email or drop your documents off in person at the ISSS. It is your responsibility to
provide all documents listed below. Incomplete applications will not be processed:
- Copy of all applicable documents listed below for individual applying for change of status:
- Visa
- Passport data and picture page only
- I-94 Arrival/Departure record
- All I-20’s if previously in the U.S. as an F-1 student (if applicable)
- Employment Authorization Document (if applicable)
- USCIS Approval Notice (if applicable)
- Copy of all of the applicable documents listed below for F-1 principal:
- Most recently issued I-20. The most recent I-20 issued is the I-20 you possess that has the most recent DATE ISSUED on page 1 under the SCHOOL ATTESTATION section.
- Visa
- Passport data and picture page only.
- I-94 Arrival/Departure record. If paper copy I-94 then copy of front and back. If electronic record then print out from www.cbp.gov/I94.
- Employment Authorization Document (if applicable)
- USCIS Approval Notice (if applicable)
- If any additional dependent’s will be included in the application for the change of status to F-2 please provide the following documents:
- Visa
- Passport data and picture page only
- I-94 Arrival/Departure record
- All I-20’s if previously in the U.S. as an F-1 or F-2
- Employment Authorization Document (if applicable)
- USCIS Approval Notice (if applicable)
- Proof of funding for additional $3000 per dependent. For example, for a grad student who is adding one dependent proof of funding is $26,000 + $3,000=$29,000. Applications that do not include all the documentation listed below will not be processed.
- The proof of funding may be a bank statement (checking or savings account) or certificate of deposit and statements for three (3) consecutive months is required.
- The financial statements must be within 6 months of the date the change of status application is submitted to the ISSS. A letter from a bank or employment letter is not sufficient.
- Applicants will need to include the ISSS affidavit (sponsors outside the U.S.) or the I-134 (sponsors in the U.S.) at Funding Requirement for I-20 or DS2019.
- Copy of marriage license or official documentation verifying relationship. Must be translated into English through with translator’s certification.
- Letter stating reason for change of status
Once all documentation has been received the ISSS will review the documentation and issue the F-2 I-20 within 10 business days. A business day is Monday through Friday. All applications must be submitted to USCIS for adjudication and approval. Instructions for submitting your application to USCIS will be provided with your F-2 I-20.
- To change your status by traveling outside the U.S. you will need to contact the ISSS to provide all required documents for the I-20.
- Once your request has been processed you will need to depart the U.S. preferably to your home country (strongly recommended to travel to your home country), apply for the visa status you would like to re-enter the U.S., and once your visa is issued you will return to the U.S.
- For students changing their status to F-1 they may enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days prior to your I-20 program start date.
- Please note that students changing to the F-1 visa status will be required to attend International Student Orientation and a Check-in and Welcome Session.
- The advantages to traveling to change your visa status include:
- Avoiding the USCIS change of status processing time of up to 9 months or longer
- Upon re-entry you will be entitled to the benefits related to your visa status immediately
- Traveling can lead to a quicker timeframe to become the desired visa status
- Some disadvantages to consider related to traveling to change your visa status include:
- The cost related to traveling outside the U.S.
- We recommend students travel to their home country to apply for the new visa (we do not recommend traveling to Canada or Mexico)
- Possible delays in issuing the visa and the risk of denial
- The “eligibility clock” requiring enrollment for one academic year (fall and spring) before an F-1 student is eligible for practical training (OPT and CPT) is reset if a student travels outside the U.S. and re-enters to change their visa status
- The ISSS can only provide guidance for change of status applications for students changing to the F-1 visa to study at A&M-Commerce or individuals changing to the F-2 visa status whose F-1 principal is currently studying at A&M-Commerce or is on OPT after completing their studies at A&M-Commerce.
- Students desiring to change their visa status to other visa categories or who desire to file for a permanent resident will need to consult USCIS’s Change of Status Guidance or consult an immigration attorney.
ISSS Guide :: Health Insurance and Student Health Services
- All F-1 and J-1 international students are required to enroll in the Texas A&M University System Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP).
- The SSHIP is through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) of Texas, and Academic Health Plans (AHP) provides management and administrative services for A&M-Commerce.
- Students are automatically enrolled each semester and the insurance premium charge is placed on an international student’s account as a separate charge with their tuition and fees during the second week of classes.
- The ISSS does not set the cost of the insurance.
- The cost of the insurance is set by criteria and a bidding process at The Texas A&M University System. The SSHIP is for all Texas A&M University System universities.
- For general information about the System Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP), please review the ISSS SSHIP Frequently Asked Questions.
- Students also may find important information about the SSHIP by going to TAMUC MyAHPCare.
- BCBSTX 24/7 Nurseline
- Blue Access for Members
- Find a Doctor or Hospital
- Find a Pharmacy
- Summary of Benefits
- Tips for Using the SSHIP
The Texas A&M University System has established the following circumstances in which an F-1 or J-1 international student can request a waiver of SSHIP and provide alternative health insurance coverage that is comparable to SSHIP.
- Student is sponsored by the United States government.
- Student is sponsored by a foreign government recognized by the United States or certain international government-sponsored or non-governmental organizations, and is covered under a health plan that is compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). If the health plan does not include medical evacuation and repatriation, a rider must be purchased providing coverage at equal limits to the SSHIP.
- Student is enrolled in an employer-provided group health plan that is compliant with the ACA. If the health plan does not include medical evacuation and repatriation, a rider must be purchased providing coverage at equal limits to the SSHIP.
- Student is involved in intercollegiate athletics and coverage for all medical insurance is provided through a policy as part of the current sports accident medical policy approved by System Risk Management.
Only students who meet one of the A&M System-allowed exceptions on the Waiver Guidelines page may apply for a waiver.
Although a student may have alternate health insurance coverage, the student is not necessarily eligible for a waiver.
Please note the following:
- Students will need to allow Academic Health Plans (AHP) up to ten business days to process waiver requests
- It is your responsibility to provide any additional documents to AHP regarding your waiver request
- Failure to respond to any document request from AHP or failure to
- The ISSS will not review waiver requests
- Students who fail to submit a waiver by the deadline will be required to pay the SSHIP charge on their student account and no refunds will be issued for the student.
To submit a waiver, go to TAMUC Waiver Request.
- Students with a full-time assistantship that includes the Grad Plan insurance will need to submit the Assistantship Verification Form.
- Do not submit a waiver through the AHP website.
- The ISSS will use the information provided through the form to verify a student’s Grad Plan coverage.
- Graduate assistants with Grad Plan insurance do not submit waiver requests.
Students with F-2 dependents who would like enroll in the SSHIP may contact Academic Health Plans at AHP Contact Us. The SSHIP coverage does not include dependents and a separate enrollment form will need to be submitted.
ISSS Guide :: Driver's License & Texas State ID
Texas driver’s licenses and Texas state IDs are issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS). Any international student, scholar or dependent can apply for the Texas driver’s license and the Texas state ID and a verification of enrollment letter from the ISSS is no longer required to apply.
Non-immigrants may apply for a Texas state identification card but this card will not grant permission for the individual to drive. The ID card is a nation-wide recognized form of identification for the card holder.
A Texas driver’s license is not only a document demonstrating authorization to drive but it is also a nationally accepted form of identification that can be used to prove your identity. The Texas State ID is only used as an identification card.
Individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 years of age are required to complete a driver education course and present the original certificate of completion at the driver license office.
A driver education course is not required for individuals who hold a valid driver license from another state or U.S. territory or from Canada, France, South Korea, or Germany.
Find a local Driver’s License Office.
- The Texas Department of Public Safety utilizes the SAVE System to verify a non-immigrants status when they apply for a Texas driver’s license or state ID.
- Unfortunately, students may experience issues where they are told by DPS that they “cannot verify your status” or “your status needs to be updated.”‘
- Students will often be referred to the ISSS but in almost all situations there is nothing our office can do to assist the student.
- If you apply for a driver’s license and you are told denied you will need to email the following information to the ISSS at [email protected] with your CWID, Full Name and issue that you experienced.
- Within a few business days (a business day is Monday through Friday) we will review your SEVIS record.
- If your record is correct, active and updated there is nothing further the ISSS can do.
- Students may take the following steps:
- Contact the USCIS Verification Program at 1-888-464-4218 or email [email protected].
- Contact USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 or 877-469-2563.
- Go to the SAVE Case Status if your issue has been issued a case number.
- Request that the DPS office contact their SAVE representative to resolve the issue.
- Please note that students in the following situations may experience issues when applying for a driver’s license:
- New or transfer students who apply for a driver’s license prior to the start of their first semester at A&M-Commerce or prior to SEVIS registration by the ISSS.
- Students who have filed for OPT or the OPT STEM Extension but have not been approved or have not received their EAD card.
- Students on Cap Gap Extension whose H1-B petition is still pending and not approved by USCIS.
ISSS Guide :: Mailing Documents
If you have NOT received a confirmation from your DSO indicating your document is available for pickup, please DO NOT request shipment at this time. Ordering shipment prior to receipt of this notification can delay the processing/shipment of your documents.
The ISSS uses an express mail service (Eshipglobal) that will allow students to receive their documents within the U.S. or outside the U.S. (I-20, receipt notice, EAD card) through FedEx or DHL shipping. This service is at the expense of the student. Shipments are processed and mailed within 2-5 business days once we receive notification.
If you experience any difficulty in registering and processing the shipment, please use the “Help” link in the site for step-by-step instructions. If you have additional questions about how to use this service, please e-mail [email protected].
If you have NOT received a confirmation from your DSO indicating your document is available for pickup, please DO NOT request shipment at this time. Ordering shipment prior to receipt of this notification can delay the processing/shipment of your documents.
Students in the U.S. may have their documents mailed to them within the U.S. mailing through USPS Priority Mail (Insured/Uninsured).
- This mailing option has a general delivery time of 2-5 business days (Monday through Friday).
- Please allow the ISSSO up to 2 business days (Monday through Friday) to process your shipment.
- Students requesting their EAD card may choose the EAD CARD USPS Priority Mail Insured for a cost of $14.00.
- This option includes insurance of up to $500 in case the EAD card is lost in transit.
- USPS terms and conditions apply to all insurance claims. Please read over USPS terms and conditions.
ISS Guide :: International Students' Dependents
F-1 students planning to study at A&M-Commerce or currently studying at A&M-Commerce may invite their dependent(s) to the U.S. during their studies as an F-2 dependent. A dependent is defined as the spouse and/or unmarried child (under the age of 21) on the F-1 student.
If you have applied to A&M-Commerce be sure to notify the ISSS if you will have any F-2 dependents with you during your studies at A&M-Commerce. Students holding an F-1 visa who want to bring their dependent(s) to the U.S. will need to provide the following documentation to the ISSS:
- Copy of passport for each dependent
- Country of birth, country of citizenship, country of residence, date of birth, city of birth and relationship for each dependent
- Updated financial support: If the current financial information on record with the ISSS is more than one year old the F-1 student will need to provide updated financial support to show funding for at least one year of study ($26000 graduate, $28000 undergraduate). The F-1 student will also need to show an additional $3000 per dependent.
- Copy of marriage license (translation to English required) if inviting spouse
F-2 dependents are not permitted to be employed either on-campus or off-campus while in the U.S.
Effective May 29, 2015, the Student Exchange Visitor Program will permit individuals in the F-2 visa to enroll on a part-time program even if the course of study done on a part-time basis lead toward or counts toward a degree or completion of a program.
- Study as an F-2 may only be part-time (6 hours during the fall/spring, 3 hours per summer session).
- F-2’s that have filed for a change of status to F-1 may not study full-time until their change of status has been approved by USCIS.
ISSS Guide :: Travel & Visa Resources
Below is general information for F-1 students currently studying in an academic program or the English Language Institute at A&M-Commerce.
TRAVEL GUIDANCE FOR CURRENT STUDENTS
TRAVEL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS SEVP
Currently students must have a valid travel signature to re-enter the U.S. The travel signature on the second page of the I-20 is valid for 12-months from the date of the signature for re-entry to the U.S.
Students do not need a new travel signature each time they travel outside the U.S. if their current signature on the second page of their I-20 is valid through the date of re-entry.
Students who travel outside the U.S. with an expired visa will need to renew their visas before they will be allowed to re-enter the U.S.
Also, students who do not have a visa due to an approved change of status application within the U.S will need to apply for a visa before they may re-enter the U.S.
The ISSS does not recommend that students travel to Canada or Mexico to renew their visa unless they are citizens of those countries.
Students who will not enroll in courses or will withdraw from courses for the fall or spring semester and will return to their home country will need to review the Authorized Early Withdrawal guidance below.
Students who will not enroll in courses or withdraw from courses for the fall or spring semester and will not return to their home country will need to contact the ISSS by the 5th day of class or before withdrawing from courses to discuss their situation.
TEMPORARY ABSENCE FROM STUDIES (LEAVE OF ABSENCE)
If an F-1 or J-1 Exchange Visitor or their dependents (F-2 or J-2) arrive at a U.S. port of entry and do not have all signed required documents, have not paid the I-901 SEVIS Fee on their current I-20 (F visa) or DS-2019 (J visa) or have SEVIS status issue, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer may deny the individual entry into the United States.
- As an alternative, the officer has discretion to issue a Form I-515A “Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor.” This document allows the individual temporary admission into the U.S. for 30 days.
- The individual must contact the ISSS immediately and provide the necessary documents to the SEVP I-515A processing team no later than 30 days from the date of entry into the U.S.
STUDY IN THE STATES FORM I-515A
If you are issued a Form I-515A you will need to contact the ISSS immediately and provide a copy of the Form I-515A.
- The ISSS will review your Form I-515A and provide any additional documentation if necessary (copy of updated I-20).
- You must submit all required documents as stated on the Form I-515A within 30 days to the SEVP Form I-515A processing team.
- The mailing address and instructions are provided on the Form I-515A.
Once submitted you are expected to resume your studies (current students) or continue your employment (OPT students).
- It will take SEVP an average of 2-3 months to process your I-515A and their response will be sent to the ISSS.
- If you are denied then you will need to depart the U.S. immediately.
- If you are approved then you may continue your studies or OPT employment.