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

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.
Ebenezer Aidoo taking a selfie

Ghanaian scholar makes strides in communication research, recognized for social impact

Thursday, October 9, 2025
Dr. Ebenezer Aidoo, a PhD recipient in communication studies from the University of Iowa, has devoted much of his career to exploring how technology can transform healthcare delivery in underserved communities.

Events

Free Coffee Hour: International Student Orientation Reunion promotional image

Free Coffee Hour: International Student Orientation Reunion

Friday, November 7, 2025 1:30pm to 2:30pm
University Capitol Centre
Enjoy free coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, while reconnecting with the peers you met during orientation.
Building our Global Community: Navigating Intercultural Conflicts promotional image

Building our Global Community: Navigating Intercultural Conflicts

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 10:30am to 12:00pm
Virtual
In this two-part interactive class, participants will explore the four intercultural conflict styles using the Intercultural Conflict Style Inventory (ICS).
Engaging Across Cultures: Engaging Multilingual Learners Across Disciplines promotional image

Engaging Across Cultures: Engaging Multilingual Learners Across Disciplines

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 3:00pm to 4:30pm
Virtual
This session will focus on how to consider and include the perspective of students with English as an additional language in all classrooms. We will invite participants to reflect on their own experiences to inform our conversation and discuss how to accommodate the needs of diverse learner backgrounds.
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

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