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. 

Effective Monday, August 21, 2023, the On-Campus Work Authorization Letter Request process will end and a new process is implemented. Students who currently hold a Social Security Number for Work Only do not need to complete this process.If the department or on-campus employerst or Human Resources only needs to verify the student's visa status, students would use an e-form called F-1 Status Verification for On-Campus Employment found in UAtlas. The student needs to provide a regular offer letter from the department/HR. The student will not receive a letter, but we will send a verification email to the student and their department/HR. ISSS will be replacing the On-Campus Work Authorization Letter with a new form, On-Campus Employment Offer Letter for Social Security Number Application Form for our international students starting August 21st. Students no longer need to provide an offer letter to the ISSS office. The form has been pre-approved by the Social Security Administration for use to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). Students, departments, and on-campus employers are encouraged to review our new On-Campus Employment page to better understand the process. Below is a brief explanation of the process: A student downloads the form, or a department/HR downloads the form. This form is for new students or students who have never had a SSN. Department/HR fills out the top part of the form. Student Scans and submits the form through the ISSS Student Portal called UAtlas. Once ISSS reviews the form, the student will be notified to bring the original form to the ISSS office for a wet signature from any DSOs. If any questions arise, please reach out to an advisor at international@utah.edu, review our On-Campus Employment page, or come to walk-in advising.

The International Student and Scholar Services office will be offering "Virtual Walk-In Advising" for F-1 students in addition to In-Person Walk-In Advising. Every Friday, starting on August 04, 2023, virtual walk-in advising will be held from 9:00 AM (MST) to 11:00 AM (MST.) Students interested in meeting with an International Student Advisor/Designated School Offical virtually must follow the simple two-step instruction below:

Effective today May 30, 2023, the Last Semester Notification e-form is no longer being used. The e-form was removed from UAtlas and the policy guides pertaining to "Last Semester Notifications" have also been removed. If you have submitted a Last Semester Notification and it is still in Pending Status, we will process your request.  In order to receive an OPT I-20, it is no longer a requirement to submit a Last Semester Notification. Friendly Reminder: Students in their last semester are required to maintain a full-course load. If it is not possible to maintain a full-course load in your last semester, we ask that you send an email to international@utah.edu. to Please understand that because the Last Semester Notification e-form is no longer available does not mean that the regulations are gone too, communicating to our office in a timely manner will be more effective than waiting last minute. 

The International Student and Scholar Services are announcing a new online scheduling system and walk-in hours. Traditionally if students wanted to meet with an International Student Advisor, they will either call, email, or walk-in to our main office to schedule an appointment. We are excited to start using "Microsoft Bookings" to allow individuals to schedule the appointments immediately.