For F-1 international students who cannot arrive in-person for classes in Spring 2021, UT Dallas will be able to accommodate students by offering a “Virtual Start.” F-1 students can begin their program of study online, from their home country, while completing the visa issuance process. Beginning your program of study online while outside the U.S. will allow you to stay on track with your desired timeline, save on housing expenses while earning credits, and give you more time to complete the immigration process to enter the U.S.
We will continue to update this page, so please check back for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have not yet applied for your I-20, you can indicate that you are using the Virtual Start option when you apply. If you have already received your I-20, you can follow the instructions below to notify the ISSO that you will be using the Virtual Start option.
Choose Virtual Start
- Log into iComet
- Click Prospective Student
- Click New Admit: F-1 Student
- Complete the Visa Update eForm
If you will be joining us virtually for the semester, please notify us no later than Census Day. If you will not be joining us on-campus, we have to update your Form I-20 to reflect a later joining date.
We have an 8-week term that begins in the middle of each semester. The 8-week term for spring 2021 begins March 22, 2021, so if you are able to get your visa in time to come on campus for that 8-week term, we will be happy to work with you to make sure you have the appropriate immigration documents for that mid-semester start.
To request an I-20 for the second 8-week session, first, request your academic program to complete the 2nd 8-Week I-20 Request Form, which certifies you can meet the F-1 enrollment requirements during this 8-week term. Upload the completed, signed form in the Visa Update eForm in iComet to request your mid-semester I-20."
We know that CPT can be an important part of your academic and professional goals, and we want to support you in achieving these goals.
Your CPT timeline will depend on your program of study. There are two ways to be eligible for CPT:
- Being lawfully enrolled full-time in a U.S. university for at least one academic year (two consecutive long semesters) immediately prior to the semester in which the CPT will take place. In this case, you must be in the U.S. and enroll full-time for a fall and spring semester prior to beginning CPT.
- CPT may begin sooner for programs of study that require immediate participation in CPT.
For the following programs, CPT is required after completing 18 credit hours (whether online or in-person). For example, students who began studying online (or in-person) in fall 2020 will be eligible to start CPT in summer 2021. Check with your academic department for details.
- MS in Business Analytics
- MS in Computer Engineering
- MS in Information Technology and Management
- MS in Management Science
- MS in Marketing
- MS in Supply Chain Management
For all other majors, students must meet the "one academic year" (completing a fall and spring semester) requirement prior to applying for CPT.
In order to be eligible for OPT after graduation, you must first be a full-time student in F-1 status for one academic year. At UT Dallas, this means you must enroll full-time for a fall and a spring semester, while in F-1 status. You gain F-1 status when you enter the U.S. with your F-1 visa and Form I-20. Even if you have the F-1 visa, you do not have F-1 status until you actually enter the U.S.
If you have questions about beginning your program of study online, we recommend you contact your academic department. They can help guide you on your degree plan, order of classes, and much more. As you make your academic plan, keep in mind the timeline mentioned above.
You do not have to have the Form I-20 to register for classes and begin your academic program. You will need your Form I-20 to apply for the F-1 visa and enter the United States. The ISSO recommends applying for your Form I-20 early, to allow ample time to complete the rest of the immigration processes.
Yes. If you will not be joining us on campus in the current semester, you will need an I-20 with an updated start date. The “program start date” on your I-20 is the date you plan to begin your F-1 status, inside the United States. It is not the same as the date you began your classes. Please fill out the “F-1 Visa Update” eForm in your iComet application.
There is no deadline to submit these documents to the ISSO. However, it is to your advantage to submit them as early as possible to allow you ample time to obtain your F1 visa and enter the U.S. on time to start your UT Dallas program. Please see the ISSO webpages on types of financial documents you can submit and the funds you must show to receive your I-20.
After you submit your complete application on iComet, the ISSO will review your documents within 3 business days. Watch your UT Dallas email address for updates.
Our academic departments understand that our international TA/RAs have been greatly affected by the COVID-19 situation and have made provisions for doctoral candidates who will be studying full-time but cannot arrive in the U.S. for their first semester. Please check with your department for details.
No, you will be receiving the same high-quality education that UT Dallas is known for. Virtual Start offers the option to begin your coursework online and later transition to face-to-face classes. It does not change your degree program or the courses required for your degree. For details about course registration and your degree plan, please consult with your academic advisor.
Your degree is the same degree as an on-campus student. The degree conferred will be labeled the same way as an on-campus student on your transcript so you do not need to worry about a credibility issue.
We are happy to answer your questions. Please email us at [email protected] for any immigration questions related to starting your program at UT Dallas.
