ISSS News

Are you planning to traveling outside the United States during the Winter Break? When was the last time you received a travel signature? Submit your Travel Signature Request to the International Student & Scholar Services office as soon as possible to avoid any delays and do not wait until the very last minute!  How long are travel signatures valid for and do I need one? Travel signatures are required when re-entering the U.S. Current Students: The signature is valid for 12 months from the date signed on page 2 of the Form I-20. Students on OPT/STEM OPT: The signature is valid fo six months from the date signed on page 2 of the Form I-20.  What documents do I need to re-enter the U.S.? When traveling outside the United States, students will need certain documents when re-entering the country. If traveling within the United States, students do not need a travel signature, but should always have identification documents on hand.  How do I request for a new Travel Signature? Students can submit a travel signature request through UAtlas. Processing time is within 10 business days.  Students do not need a travel signature when departing the U.S., only when re-entering the country. 

On September 21, 2023 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently published a Federal Register Notice, explaining a suspension on certain F-1 student regulations for students who are Afghan residents that are experiencing severe economic hardship. Specifically, "employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while maintaining their F-1 nonimmigrant student status," (Federal Register, Employment Authorization for Afghan F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in Afghanistan, 2023) In order to be eligible, students must meet all of the following conditions: Are citizens of Afghanistan regardless of country of birth (or an individual having no nationality who last habitually resided in Afghanistan). Are lawfully present in the United States in an F-1 status on the date of publication of the notice. Are enrolled at the University of Utah. Are currently maintaining F-1 status. Are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the curent armed conflict and humanitarian crisis. The suspension will remain until May 20, 2025.

On September 05, 2023 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently published a Federal Register Notice, explaining a suspension on certain F-1 student regulations for students who are South Sudanese residents that are experiencing severe economic hardship. Specifically, "employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while maintaining their F-1 nonimmigrant student status," (Federal Register, Employment Authorization for South Sudanese F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in South Sudan, 2023) In order to be eligible, students must meet all of the following conditions: Are citizens of South Sudan regardless of country of birth (or an individual having no nationality who last habitually resided in South Sudan). Are lawfully present in the United States in an F-1 status on the date of publication of the notice. Are enrolled at the University of Utah. Are currently maintaining F-1 status. Are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the curent armed conflict and humanitarian crisis. The suspension will remain until May 03, 2025. For more information please refer to the Federal Register Notice and for additional information about Special Student Relief we encourage you to review this at ICE.gov/SEVP on "What is Special Student Relief?" In order to be eligible, students must meet all of the following conditions: Are a citizen of Sudan regardless of country of birth (or an individual having no nationality who last habitually resided in Sudan). Are lawfully present in the United States in an F-1 status on January 26, 2023. Are enrolled at the University of Utah. Are currently maintaining F-1 status. Are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the curent crisis in Sudan. The suspension will remain until April 19, 2025. For more information please refer to the Federal Register Notice and for additional information about Special Student Relief we encourage you to review this at ICE.gov/SEVP on "What is Special Student Relief?"

On August 18, 2023 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently published a Federal Register Notice, explaining a suspension on certain F-1 student regulations for students who are Sudanese residents that are experiencing severe economic hardship. Specifically, "employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while maintaining their F-1 nonimmigrant student status," (Federal Register, Employment Authorization for Sudanese F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in Sudan, 2023) In order to be eligible, students must meet all of the following conditions: Are a citizen of Sudan regardless of country of birth (or an individual having no nationality who last habitually resided in Sudan). Are lawfully present in the United States in an F-1 status on January 26, 2023. Are enrolled at the University of Utah. Are currently maintaining F-1 status. Are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the curent crisis in Sudan. The suspension will remain until April 19, 2025. For more information please refer to the Federal Register Notice and for additional information about Special Student Relief we encourage you to review this at ICE.gov/SEVP on "What is Special Student Relief?"

On August 18, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently published a Federal Register Notice, explaining a suspension on certain F-1 student regulations for students who are Ukrainian residents that are experiencing severe economic hardship. Specifically, "employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while maintaining their F-1 nonimmigrant student status," (Federal Register, Employment Authorization for Ukrainian  F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in Ukraine, 2023) In order to be eligible, students must meet all of the following conditions: Are a citizen of Ukraine regardless of country of birth (or an indvidual having no nationality who last habitually resided in Ukraine). Are lawfully present in the United States in an F-1 status. Are enrolled at the University of Utah. Are currently maintaining F-1 status. Are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the curent crisis in Ukraine. The suspension will remain until April 19, 2025. For more information please refer to the Federal Register Notice and for additional information about Special Student Relief we encourage you to review this at ICE.gov/SEVP on "What is Special Student Relief?"