Who Can Study at Texas A&M?
Any Texas A&M University student who is not a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident is considered to be an international student. Texas A&M University does not restrict admission or enrollment based on the student’s immigration status.
However, to avoid immigration status violations, you should make sure your status allows you to study in the U.S. You can check here: Nonimmigrants: Who Can Study?
If your status does not allow you to study (ex – B-1/B-2), then you should change to another immigration status before starting your classes.
Enrolling from Outside the U.S.
International students admitted to distance only programs: You will need to submit a Other Student Check-In to get the ISSS holds removed. Your status with the university will be marked as "Abroad".
International students starting their program outside the U.S. and coming in-person later: You will also start by submitting a Other Student Check-In to ISSS. After you enter the U.S., you'll need to submit another check-in to ISSS depending on what status you'll use to enter the U.S.
- If you plan to enter the U.S. on F-1 or J-1 status, follow the steps here to get your I-20/DS-2019 and then you'll submit an F-1/J-1 Student Check-In to ISSS.
- If you plan to enter the U.S. using another nonimmigrant status, submit an Other Student Check-In again.
U.S. Citizens & Permanent Residents
Sometimes citizens or Permanent Residents incorrectly receive ISSS holds or are charged international student fees. This is usually due to your status in the university system being entered incorrectly.
Follow the steps below to get your record updated with the university:
- Permanent Residents: Submit an Other Student Check-In.
- U.S. Citizens: Please send an email with your UIN and an explanation of the issue to our general email.
Things to Do with ISSS
Check-In With ISSS
All international students need to check-in with ISSS. Students who aren’t F-1 or J-1 can submit an Other Student Check-In. ISSS will update your visa type in the university system and remove any holds from our office.
Do I Need to Do Anything Else with ISSS?
After you submit a check in with ISSS, you don’t need to do anything else with our office! Just make sure to follow the rules and restrictions of your immigration status.
If you have questions about your status, you should consult an immigration attorney. Check our Legal Resources page if you don’t know where to start.
Learn more about changing to F-1 or J-1 status during your time at Texas A&M.
Temporary Protected Status
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a separate immigration status that allows an individual to receive U.S. work authorization, to have temporary protection from removal from the U.S., and to receive travel authorization due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country's nationals from returning safely, or in certain circumstances where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately.
Many TPS designations have been expired already, or are expiring. Please make sure you check USCIS's website for the most up to date information.
USCIS approves or denies the TPS application (not ISSS). Since this is not an F-1 or J-1 benefit, if you are interested in applying, please seek assistance from an experienced immigration attorney. ISSS advisors do not have the expertise and credentials to assist.
If you are currently in F-1 or J-1 status with a Form I-20/DS-2019 issued by Texas A&M University, you should continue to follow all rules of your F-1 or J-1 status even if you are applying for or have received approval for TPS.