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

International students at Iowa share the meals they miss from home

Tuesday, July 8, 2025
International students at the University of Iowa share the comfort foods from their home countries that they miss the most.
Duong (Jun) Le playing piano

Pianist Duong (Jun) Le awarded the 2025 Peace, Charlie One World Scholarship

Friday, May 23, 2025
Duong (Jun) Le, a recent UI graduate from Vietnam, has been awarded the 2025 Peace, Charlie One World Scholarship. As she begins her master’s in piano pedagogy at Iowa, Le continues her mission to promote intercultural understanding through the unifying power of music.
Shuhui Lin and Gabby Kang at Hawkeye Excellence Awards

Congratulations to IP's Shuhui Lin and Gabby Kang, recipients of 2025 Hawkeye Excellence Awards

Monday, May 5, 2025
Gabby Kang, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) peer assistant, received a Tom Rocklin Meet the Challenge Award, and Shuhui Lin, ISSS international education program and student affairs advisor, received the Outstanding Student Organization Advisor Award.

Events

Free Coffee Hour: Speed Meeting – Make New Friends promotional image

Free Coffee Hour: Speed Meeting – Make New Friends

Friday, September 5, 2025 1:30pm to 2:30pm
University Capitol Centre
Enjoy free coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, and start the semester off with fun and fast-paced conversations! This social mixer is a great chance to meet other students, make new friends, and practice your networking skills in a low-stakes environment.There are other Coffee Hours hosted by Life in Iowa this semester. Check them out on the Life in Iowa website and add them to your calendar.This event is a part of Life in Iowa, a program hosted by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)...
Optional Practical Training (OPT), work authorization session for international students promotional image

Optional Practical Training (OPT), work authorization session for international students

Wednesday, September 10, 2025 4:30pm to 6:00pm
Virtual
Join Life in Iowa and International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) for a comprehensive virtual Optional Practical Training (OPT) workshop to learn about eligibility, application steps, and key timelines. The event will kick off with an introduction to what OPT is and a live Q&A segment with ISSS Senior Advisor Kevin Roiseland.Whether you’re a first-year student or heading toward graduation soon, we invite all international students to join this event.This link to join will become active the...
Outdoor Meditation & Mindfulness promotional image

Outdoor Meditation & Mindfulness

Saturday, September 20, 2025 4:30pm to 5:30pm
Hubbard Park
College life can be overwhelming, and sometimes we forget to slow down and breathe. Unwind with a relaxing hour of guided meditation and gentle movement in the fresh air! No experience is needed, and yoga mats will be provided. Led by Haley Melchert, behavioral health consultant and fitness specialist in UI Student Wellness, and hosted by Life in Iowa and International Student & Scholar Services, this meditation session is a chance for you to step away from the stress of school and life, connect...
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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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