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.

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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

Meng first poster presentation

Pioneering wildfire monitoring at NASA: Iowa informatics alumnus Meng Zhou shares his story

Friday, May 31, 2024
Meng Zhou, originally from China, earned his PhD in informatics from the University of Iowa and has embarked on a new role as an assistant scientist at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Oliver Dimitri

Find me: From dinosaurs to discovery to diversity – the journey of Oliver Dimitri

Thursday, May 30, 2024
Dimitri, an undergraduate at the University of Iowa studying English and creative writing, hails from Malaysia. Like high school students worldwide, Dimitri wasn't certain about his desired field of study in college. Initially, he aspired to become a paleontologist, scouring for dinosaur fossils solo. Later, his ambitions shifted towards becoming a singer-songwriter akin to Miley Cyrus. To craft songs, he began writing lyrics, which gradually led him to poetry, and subsequently, to prose and storytelling.
Jongkwan Banner

Meet Jongkwan Yun: From South Korea to Iowa, gaining real-world experience in sport management

Friday, May 17, 2024
Jongkwan Yun, sport and recreation management major, is currently interning in the operations and promotions department of the Iowa Cubs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, through curricular practical training (CPT).

Events

Life in Iowa: Museum Scavenger Hunt promotional image

Life in Iowa: Museum Scavenger Hunt

Saturday, August 17, 2024 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Old Capitol Museum
Join Life in Iowa for a scavenger hunt at the Old Capitol Museum to explore Iowa's history, win prizes, and connect with fellow UI students!

Multicultural Showcase

Friday, November 15, 2024 7:00pm
Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)
All are welcome to attend the University of Iowa 2024 Multicultural Showcase, part of the University of Iowa’s (UI) annual celebration of International Education Week (Nov 18-22).
View more events

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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