Services
Support for International Students
ISS addresses the needs of international students from their first contact with the university as a prospective student through the entire time they maintain a student relationship with the university.
These needs include:
- Information and help with admissions processes
- Guidance on immigration processes and federal regulations
- Support with customs and culture
- Assistance with social needs, housing, medical care, and other aspects that help students successfully adjust to life in the U.S.
Social Support and Leadership Opportunities
ISS coordinates the International Student Association, which provides:
- Social support and leadership opportunities
- Activities such as camping, culture nights, volleyball, fundraisers, and travel
- Opportunities for students to grow, adapt, and feel comfortable in their new environment
The association also serves as the voice of UTRGV’s international community to the university and the local area.
Community Engagement
Community volunteer groups work through ISS to serve the needs of international students.
Compliance and Education
ISS ensures that both the university and international students remain in compliance with federal regulations. It acts as a liaison with federal agencies and provides:
- International student orientations
- Immigration workshops
- Other educational services for both the university and students
ISS also advises students on all immigration matters related to their status as international students.
Services Provided
- Admission Services to all students who are not a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Initial contact
- Information
- Processing of your initial I-20
- Correspondence
- Immigration Services
- Issuing immigration documents
- SEVIS Reporting
- Filing of Immigration applications and advising in procedures for:
- Change of Status
- Evaluation of financial sources
- Optional Practical Training
- Reinstatement
- Work authorizations
- Extensions of Stay
- Changes of degree level
- Concurrent enrollment
- Serve as a resource about federal regulations and practices
- Authorization of employment
- Files and maintains current certification applications for the university with the Department of State and with the Department of Homeland Security
- File annual Exchange Visitor Report
- Advisement Services
- Immigration
- University policies
- Health Insurance
- Cultural adjustment
- Travel endorsement
- Employment issues
- Social Security
- Driver’s license
- Automobile Insurance
- Educational Services
- International Student Orientations
- Immigration workshops for both faculty and students
- Immigration seminars
- Immigration handouts
- Liaison Services
- Represent the university on immigration related issues
- Serve as liaison between IA & SS and departments, government agencies, and businesses in concerns regarding international students
- Coordination of Community Services
- International Friendship Partners
- Cultural awareness classes
- Volunteer organizations serving the needs of internationals
- Social Services
- International Cultural Activities
- International Week/Parade
- International Women’s Week
- Thanksgiving in American Celebration
- International Student Holiday Exchange Program
- Week of Finals Breakfast Luncheon
- Movie Nights
- Coffee and Donuts
- Financial Services
- Good Neighbor Scholarship
- International Student Talent Scholarship
- Referral Services
- Local immigration attorneys
- Local counseling centers
- Apartment referrals
- Volunteer agencies that provide services for international students