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.

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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.

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

A couple stands together in a large, open plaza with a historic building and wide staircase in the background under a clear blue sky.

From communist Poland to Iowa City: 2024 International Parents of the Year

Friday, November 15, 2024
International Programs is proud to announce Zbigniew and Dorota Brzus of Bodaczów, Poland, as the 2024 International Parents of the Year. They are being recognized for their extraordinary journey from a small village in communist Poland to becoming successful entrepreneurs and pillars of their community while supporting their son Michal’s dreams of studying and swimming at Iowa.
a sunset over a building

In the news: International photo contest highlights global education at Iowa

Thursday, November 14, 2024
An international regatta on the Grand Canal. A stunning sunset viewed from the Taj Mahal. A professor reciting the Iliad during a visit to an ancient theater in Greece. These are just some of the winning photos of this year's photo contest.
four students standing together holding plates of food

UI to host Fall Break Meal for international students and community members

Monday, October 28, 2024
Join International Programs for a festive Fall Break Meal on November 25, welcoming community members and international students for this shared meal. From 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (CST), attendees can enjoy a traditional holiday feast featuring turkey, vegetarian options, and classic sides in 1117 University Capitol Centre. This annual event fosters a sense of community, allowing diverse voices to come together and share in U.S. holiday traditions. Space is limited, so participants are required to register for their preferred time slot.

Events

Engaging Across Cultures: Navigating Intercultural Conflicts promotional image

Engaging Across Cultures: Navigating Intercultural Conflicts

Tuesday, April 8, 2025 3:30pm to 4:30pm
Virtual
Instructors: Pauline Beazer James, Senior Advisor, International Student and Scholar Services; and Shuhui Lin, International Education Program and Student Affairs Advisor, International Student and Scholar Services Description: In this two-part interactive session, participants will explore the four intercultural conflict styles using the Intercultural Conflict Style Inventory (ICS). The ICS is an 18-item assessment that measures individuals’ core approaches to communicating about differences...
Building our Global Community: Mental Health Concerns of International Students and Ways to be an Ally to International Students promotional image

Building our Global Community: Mental Health Concerns of International Students and Ways to be an Ally to International Students

Wednesday, April 9, 2025 10:00am to 11:50am
Virtual
Instructors:  Huan-Chung Scott Liu, PhD, Staff Psychologist at University Counseling Service (UCS) and Tianyi Xie, PhD, Staff Psychologist at University Counseling Service (UCS) Description: 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...
International Student Weekly Coffee Hour promotional image

International Student Weekly Coffee Hour

Wednesday, April 9, 2025 11:30am to 12:30pm
University Capitol Centre
Starting Jan. 22, 2025, 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 every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at T.Spoons coffee shop in the University Capitol Centre. Enjoy a (free!) coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and engage in casual conversations with students, staff, and campus and community...
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Student Listserv

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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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