Frequently Asked Questions

We recommended that you make an appointment with your International Student Advisor well in advance of any important deadlines. You can make this appointment by calling 281-283-2740. In an emergency situation, it may not be possible to schedule an appointment ahead of time. There is an International Student Advisor available at the Clear Lake campus on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2-5 p.m. for walk-in issues. If an emergency situation occurs outside of these office hours, please call 281-283-2740 to request assistance from an advisor.

Specific professors hire teaching assistants. Typically, these professors hire students whom they have had in class for several semesters. You may obtain more information on assistantships through your academic department once you arrive on campus.

Currently enrolled students must contact their new academic department to begin the process. Applicants or students not yet enrolled can submit an Application Update Request for to oiap@uhcl.edu.

Any change of address must be reported to an International Student Advisor within ten days of the move. You can update your International Student Advisor through an online request. Your advisor will update immigration. However, it is your responsibility to update your information in E-Services.

Students must complete one academic year to be eligible for off-campus employment. Any unauthorized employment is a direct violation of your F-1 status. Once you have received authorization from an International Student Advisor, you may pursue off-campus employment, co-ops, or internships in fields that directly relate to your degree program. For information, refer to F-1 Employment.

You will need to go to any Texas Department of Public Safety office. See www.dps.texas.gov for the location closest to your home. More information is available on the OIAP website through the International Student Handbook. Please note according to Texas law a car owner/driver is required to have the minimum liability auto insurance policy.