Services

International Student and Scholar Programs is a unit in the Division of Campus Life. Although we work with others, our primary constituents are international students and scholars. The ISSP staff is professionally trained to offer advising and programs about immigration and financial concerns, as well as academic counseling to help students and scholars understand and deal effectively with the U.S. academic system and university requirements. We offer discussion and counseling about personal matters, such as adjusting to a new culture, problems with friendships, family, roommates, cross-cultural misunderstandings; feelings of sadness, anger, and fear; concerns about returning home; and making life changes and choices. Crisis counseling and intervention are offered when students and scholars find their countries torn by war, natural disasters, or economic crisis.

One of ISSP's primary functions is to assist international students and scholars in obtaining and maintaining their immigration status. The staff issues immigration documents and files petitions required by the U.S. government for persons obtaining or maintaining certain types of immigration status: F-1 (student), J-1 (student and scholar), H-1B (temporary worker), O-1 (persons of extraordinary ability), and TN (Trade NAFTA). We also file documents necessary to obtain permanent residency for nonimmigrant employees that the University wishes to hire on a permanent basis, i.e., labor certification (PERM), immigrant visa petition (Form I-140), and adjustment of status (Form I-485). Additionally, the staff prepares documents for travel, dependent travel, change of degree program, transfer of schools, extension of stay, employment options, and (in some cases) for entry to the University. Workshops and individual advising are offered to assist University staff and faculty in understanding the complexities and responsibilities involved in hiring foreign faculty and staff. Indeed, ISSP is the best source of information, advice, and assistance on issues related to a student or scholar's immigration status.