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.

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

Kang Shang

Kang Shang will leverage Iowa education to expand family business globally

Monday, March 20, 2023
International Programs
Kang Shang is a marketing major from China. Learn more about his UI education and future plans as a global entrepreneur through this Q&A piece.  
Atif Qureshi

UI admissions process sealed the deal for biomedical engineering student Atif Qureshi

Monday, March 13, 2023
International Programs
Atif Qureshi, a first-year student originally from Kenya, talks about why he chose the UI and related experiences in this Q&A piece. 
Oksana

Oksana Hirchak awarded Global Democracy Ambassador Scholarship for Ukraine students

Thursday, March 9, 2023
International Programs
The award helps Ukrainian students continue their studies, educate global peers on the fragility and importance of democracy, and inspire the world to stay engaged. 

Events

BGC: Mental Health Concerns of International Students and Ways to be an Ally to International Students promotional image

BGC: Mental Health Concerns of International Students and Ways to be an Ally to International Students

Wednesday, March 22, 2023 10:00am to 12:00pm
Virtual
This session highlights how concerns unique to international students impact their mental health. These concerns can affect international students’ transition to the University of Iowa, their functioning on campus, and their broader adjustment to the United States. We will explore how the forbearance coping style affects some students’ ability to respond to stressors and interpersonal functioning. We will also explore cultural re-entry issues for students returning from a study abroad.
EAC: Employment promotional image

EAC: Employment

Wednesday, March 22, 2023 1:30pm to 2:30pm
Virtual
This session will help guide graduate and professional students to map out their career path after graduation. Facilitators will help tackle some concerns international graduate students might have regarding employment in the United States. Facilitators will assist participants to discover potential career interests and prepare for future employment.
Life in Iowa and ISSE Weekly Coffee Hour promotional image

Life in Iowa and ISSE Weekly Coffee Hour

Wednesday, March 22, 2023 3:30pm to 4:30pm
University Capitol Centre
Starting Jan. 18, Life in Iowa (part of International Student and Scholar Services) and International Student Support and Engagement invite international students and scholars at the University of Iowa to join them for a weekly coffee hour every Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at T.Spoons coffee shop (located in University Capitol Centre).
View more events

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

Follow ISSS on social!