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 walk-in advising hours.

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Current Students (F-1)

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

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Scholars (J-1)

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

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Exchange Students (J-1)

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

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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

close up of visa document

Workshop on work visa options after graduation

Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Life in Iowa invites international students to attend the Work Visa Options After Graduation workshop on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, from 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Building our Global Community logo with black and gold globe

Building Our Global Community celebrates 20 years

Thursday, August 29, 2024
A collaboration between UI International Programs and the UI Human Resources Learning & Development team, Building Our Global Community (BGC) is a certificate program for faculty and staff to better interact with and support international students and scholars.
Akalanka Ekanayake on Pentacrest

Iowa’s strong reputation as a research institution attracts chemistry PhD candidate from Sri Lanka

Monday, August 26, 2024
Akalanka B. Ekanayake, a fourth-year PhD student in chemistry at the University of Iowa, originates from Sri Lanka. His journey to Iowa was motivated by the university's renowned chemistry program and the opportunity to work with leading researchers in the field.

Events

Closet to Career: Dressing for Impact promotional image

Closet to Career: Dressing for Impact

Monday, September 9, 2024 2:30pm to 4:00pm
Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)
Join Life in Iowa for a visit to the Clothing Closet at the ground level in the IMU.
International Student Weekly Coffee Hour promotional image

International Student Weekly Coffee Hour

Thursday, September 12, 2024 2:00pm to 3:00pm
University Capitol Centre
Starting Aug. 29, 2024, Life in Iowa, hosted by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and International Student Support and Engagement (ISSE), invite international students and scholars at the University of Iowa to join them for a weekly coffee hour.
Life in Iowa: OPT Workshop for International Students promotional image

Life in Iowa: OPT Workshop for International Students

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 5:00pm to 6:30pm
Virtual
Join Life in Iowa for a comprehensive virtual Optional Practical Training (OPT) workshop, sponsored by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
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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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