International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) provides leadership in international education and intercultural learning through services to international students and scholars, their dependents, the University, and the surrounding community. 

ISSS is more than the "immigration" office.  Although helping international students and scholars with immigration issues is a significant part of our work, with nearly 9,000 in-person visits to advisors each year and thousands of electronic forms processed, we are also heavily involved in intercultural and adjustment programming for students and scholars, providing cultural competency and intercultural awareness training for staff and faculty, and supporting the Iowa City area community to be a welcoming place for international visitors.

Appointments

Meet with an ISSS adviser during our virtual and in-person advising hours.

2025 Federal Updates

Review any changes that may affect international students in F or J status.

International student on campus walking and talking

Current Students (F-1)

Stay informed on current policies and procedures related to maintaining status, travel, inviting family to the U .S., and more.

person teaching at front of classroom

Scholars (J-1)

Find information to make it easier for you to focus on your intellectual pursuits.

students on UI campus with arms around each other

Exchange Students (J-1)

If you are participating in an exchange or sponsored program, check out this information specific to your needs.

students smiling with Herky holding bubble te

 

New to University of Iowa?

Find information that is geared towards you.  View pre-departure webinars for new international students, learn how to get here, and discover the many academic and cultural resources available to you.  

Get new student information

ISSS News

Fu-Ching Hsiao and Shu-Mei Chang International parents 2025

2025 International Parents of the Year announced

Monday, November 17, 2025
International Programs is proud to recognize Fu-Ching Hsiao and Shu-Mei Chang of Changhua County, Taiwan, as the 2025 International Parents of the Year.
four students standing together holding plates of food

UI to host Fall Break Meal for international students and Iowa City residents

Monday, November 3, 2025
Join International Programs for a festive Fall Break Meal on November 24, welcoming community members and international students for this shared meal. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (CST), attendees can enjoy a traditional holiday feast featuring turkey, vegetarian options, and classic sides at Old Brick. Space is limited, so participants are required to register for their preferred time slot.
Multicultural Showcase, 2024 #20

Multicultural Showcase highlight of University of Iowa celebration of international education in November

Friday, October 17, 2025
Join the University of Iowa for the 2025 Multicultural Showcase on Friday, November 14, at 7 p.m. in the Iowa Memorial Union. The event highlights diverse cultures through live performances, food, and interactive activities hosted by student organizations and university departments. Organized by OASIS in collaboration with International Programs.

Events

Free Coffee Hour: White Elephant Gift Exchange promotional image

Free Coffee Hour: White Elephant Gift Exchange

Friday, December 5, 2025 1:30pm to 2:30pm
University Capitol Centre
Enjoy free coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, and wrap up the semester with a fun and light-hearted white elephant gift exchange.
Building our Global Community: Story Stitch promotional image

Building our Global Community: Story Stitch

Wednesday, December 10, 2025 10:30am to 12:00pm
Virtual

Instructors: Pauline Beazer James, Senior Advisor, International Student and Scholar Services; Rudia W. Kihura, PhD., Assistant Professor, Special Education, University of Arkansas at Little Rock; and Brandon Paulson, Associate Director, International Student and Scholar Services

Description:

In this interactive class, we will engage in the Story Stitch activity to learn about each other through the stories shared and conversations ignited. This activity involves splitting into groups with each...

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Student Listserv

Don't miss out on ISSS activities for students and scholars

Department Listserv

For UI staff and faculty who work with international students and scholars on F-1 and J-1 visas

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