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

Shuhui Lin

In the news: IP's Shuhui Lin featured in UI Staff Council staff spotlight

Thursday, April 18, 2024
Shuhui Lin (Lin) is the coordinator for international student support and engagement in International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
Sophia in the UI Department of Journalism and Mass Communication Gallery of Student Work exhibit

A global education: Communications student from Brazil discovers her roots and pursues passions from Iowa to Italy

Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Sophia Restiffe Favoretto came to the University of Iowa almost four years ago from Brazil, and she has taken advantage of all that Iowa has to offer.
International Student Graduation Celebration

International Student Graduation Celebration set for May 8

Thursday, March 28, 2024
In recognition of the accomplishments of our graduating international students, the spring 2024 University of Iowa International Student Graduation Celebration will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, from 3 to 5 p.m. (CDT), at the International Ballroom in the Iowa Memorial Union.

Events

Life in Iowa and ISSE Weekly Coffee Hour promotional image

Life in Iowa and ISSE Weekly Coffee Hour

Tuesday, April 23, 2024 11:30am to 12:30pm
University Capitol Centre
Starting Jan. 23, 2024, Life in Iowa and International Student Support and Engagement invite international students and scholars at the University of Iowa to join them for a weekly coffee hour.
International Student Graduation Celebration promotional image

International Student Graduation Celebration

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)
Join us in celebrating the countless achievements of our international students and their accomplishments in reaching graduation. During the celebration, we will recognize outstanding graduating international students in the following categories: Leadership, Academic and Scholarly Achievement, Engagement, Advocacy, & Service, the Most Unique Curricular Practical Training (CPT), as well as faculty and staff who supported these students during their journey at Iowa. All graduates in this academic...
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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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