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

International Student Hangout: Conversations that Matter promotional image

International Student Hangout: Conversations that Matter

Thursday, February 12, 2026 1:30pm to 2:30pm
Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)

This conversation-based hangout is designed for international students who want to connect and share experiences and perspectives on topics shaping our world and campus life. There are three hangouts in this series, and all offer a welcoming space to practice asking thoughtful questions, to engage in respectful dialogue, and learn from each other’s experiences.

Whether you want to speak, listen, or simply be part of the discussion, you’re invited to join us for meaningful conversations in a...

Optional Practical Training (OPT), work authorization session for international students promotional image

Optional Practical Training (OPT), work authorization session for international students

Thursday, February 12, 2026 5:00pm to 6:30pm
Virtual

Join Life in Iowa and International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) for a comprehensive virtual Optional Practical Training (OPT) workshop to learn about eligibility, application steps, and key timelines. The event will kick off with an introduction to what OPT is and a live Q&A segment with ISSS Senior Advisor Kevin Roiseland.

Whether you’re a first-year student or heading toward graduation soon, we invite all international students to join this event.

This link to join will become active the...

Life in Iowa: Field Trip to UI Museum of Natural History

Saturday, February 21, 2026 10:30am to 12:00pm
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

New to Iowa or curious about its natural history? Come explore the University of Iowa’s Natural History Museum with Life in Iowa, International Student and Scholar Services, and the Graduate Success Center!

Travel back 500 million years to discover what Iowa was like long ago and visit galleries featuring plants and animals from around the world. Feeling adventurous? Complete a scavenger hunt for a chance to win a prize! And don’t forget to snap a photo with Rusty, Iowa's famous giant sloth.

This...

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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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