International Students

Office of International Students and Scholars (ISS)

The Office of International Students and Scholars is one of the best resources on campus for international students who are who are interested in applying to OSU or who are current students at OSU. See the Office of International Students and Scholars webpage at: http://union.okstate.edu/iss/index.htm

New International Student Orientation

International students should make travel plans to coincide with orientation. You should plan to arrive at the University by the first Wednesday in August. For additional information see: http://union.okstate.edu/iss/NewStudents/Orientation.htm

TELP Exam Information

The Test of English Language Proficiency (TELP) is a test of written English and assesses the academic English skills necessary for students to function well in graduate-level university classes. For additional information see: http://union.okstate.edu/iss/Documents/TELP_Fall2008.pdf

Work Permit Information

A work permit is required prior to enrolling in payroll. To obtain this permit, take your I-20; I94 and visa to the International Student and Scholar office located in 076 Student Union. Generally, work permits expire on May 31^st each year. It is important to renew these by the end of April or three week prior to the expiration date to avoid break in payroll (assistantship). If the work permit expires you will not be paid for the time prior to the end date and new date of your work permit.

Tax Treaties

Tax treaty forms can be received and filled out in the International Student and Scholar Office, 076 Student Union. These tax treaty forms must be renewed each year. Please renew your treaty the first week in December to avoid any tax deductions on payroll at the first of the New Year. For additional information see: http://union.okstate.edu/ISS/EmploymentTax/TaxInfo.htm. To determine if you are eligible for the Tax Treaty see: http://union.okstate.edu/ISS/Documents/StudentTreaty.pdf

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Graduate students who are nearing completion of their degree requirements might be considering applying for Optional Practical Training. There are policies that must be considered PRIOR to applying. Please contact the Department main office PRIOR to submitting an application to review any changes in the OPT application. A new ruling enables graduate students to apply for the OPT after all of the graduation requirments (defense and thesis revisions) are complete. 

New Filing Deadlines for Initial OPT Applications

Currently, an applicant for post-completion OPT must file their application before their degree completion date. Under the new rule, a student will be able to file the OPT application up to 90 days prior the end date of the degree program or up to 60 days after the end date of the degree program. However, the application for OPT must be submitted to the USCIS Processing Center within 30 days of the date the DSO enters the recommendation for OPT into the SEVIS record.

Students with G.P.A. issues can apply for OPT after the final grades have been reported. The new regulations allow you to make this choice.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) Rules for F-1 Students and Cap-Gap Provision for the H-1b

On April 3, 2008, The Department of Homeland Security announced the publication of an Interim Final Rule that makes significant changes to Post-Completion Optional Practical Training for F-1 students. The rule took affect on April 8, 2008 with publication in the U.S. Federal Register.

Highlights of the New Rule: http://union.okstate.edu/iss/EmploymentTax/OPT_new.htm