This FAQ page provides answers to common questions about the administrative transition of Faculty and Staff Immigration Services to International Programs.
General FAQs about FSIS transition
What is changing?
Effective July 1, 2026, Faculty and Staff Immigration Services (FSIS) will transition administratively from Human Resources to International Programs.
Why is FSIS moving to International Programs?
The transition aligns immigration-related services more closely with the university’s broader international engagement, global support, and international scholar infrastructure within International Programs.
When does the transition take effect?
The transition officially takes effect on July 1, 2026. University leadership and business contacts began being notified of this change in spring 2026.
Will FSIS still exist?
Yes, FSIS services and support will continue under International Programs.
Will immigration services change?
No, immigration services and support will continue uninterrupted.
Will processing timelines change?
At this time, no major changes to processing timelines are anticipated.
Will current cases be affected?
No, existing immigration cases and processes will continue during and after the transition.
What is the difference between FSIS and ISSS?
FSIS supports immigration services for university employees, including faculty and staff. ISSS supports immigration and advising services for international students and scholars. Both units will be housed within International Programs, but they maintain distinct responsibilities and service areas.
Who should departments contact after July 1, 2026?
Departments should continue to contact FSIS staff. A new “who does what” web page to differentiate contacts in FSIS from ISSS will be launched on July 1, 2026, as well.
Current contacts for FSIS will remain unchanged.
immigration@uiowa.edu (General inquires)
fax-immigration@uiowa.edu (Faxed documents)
nina-thompson@uiowa.edu (Director)
lisa-bartell@uiowa.edu (HR specialist)
maria-alvarado@uiowa.edu (Admin Services Coordinator)
Will the FSIS website move?
Yes, FSIS web pages will move under the International Programs website structure on July 1, 2026.
Will old web links still work?
Yes, temporary redirects will be in place during the transition period. Old web links saved as bookmarks or linked on web pages should be updated to the new web links after July 1, 2026.
Does this transition affect visa status or employment authorization?
No, the administrative transition does not affect immigration status, visa validity, or employment authorization.
Do international employees need to take any action?
Most employees will not need to take action unless specifically contacted.
Who approves immigration requests after July 1?
Approval workflows are expected to remain largely unchanged unless otherwise communicated.
Will FSIS staff physically relocate?
Yes, FSIS staff will relocate to the International Programs office suite in the University Capitol Centre (UCC), room 1111. This transition will occur on July 1, 2026. IP hours of operation are Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 – 4:30 p.m.