International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO)

524 Riverside Drive, Suite 200, Mailing Address: 2960 Broadway, Mail Code 5724, New York, NY 10027; 212-854-3587; fax: 212-854-3966;
email: isso@columbia.edu; http://www.columbia.edu/cu/isso/

Columbia University has the second largest international enrollment of any U.S. college or university. It welcomes 4,000 students from approximately 150 countries and offers them an array of services through the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). The ISSO staff assists prospective and enrolled international students with their questions about admission and placement, immigration matters, social and cultural activities, and adjustment to a new academic and cultural environment. International students are invited to pick up a current ISSO program guide that lists the many events and activities scheduled for international students and their spouses throughout the academic year. The program guide answers the most frequently asked questions related to travel and maintaining immigration status and provides other useful information. The guide, the ISSO Web site, and ISSO news are the best ways for international students to stay aware of events of particular interest to them at Columbia.

Arrival and orientation: Students are required to check in with the ISSO within a week of their arrival at Columbia. The office’s street address is 524 Riverside Drive in International House North, just north of 122nd Street. The orientation program for new international students arriving for the fall term takes place during orientation week, usually either the last week in August or the first week in September. For further information, consult the International Students and Scholars Office and http://www.columbia.edu/cu/isso/incoming/ .

International spouse network: In September and January, spouses of international students are greeted at a luncheon and reception designed just for them and their children. It is hosted by ISSO staff and old-timers eager to make them feel welcome. The luncheon is the first of a number of programs that extend throughout the year to provide families of visiting international students with both practical information and an opportunity to develop a network of friends and helpers.

Immigration and document services: As visa sponsor for F-1 and J-1 students, Columbia University has legal obligations that are met by the ISSO. In addition, students in F-1 or J-1 nonimmigrant status must maintain legal status as defined by the Department of Homeland Security. The staff of the ISSO is available to help students obtain and maintain their student immigration status, freeing students to devote their full energies to their educational goals. There are ten regulations that students must follow to maintain legal status. These are listed below in abbreviated form and can be found in detail at the ISSO’s Web site at http://www.columbia.edu/cu/isso/:

• Keep passport valid.

• Maintain full-time enrollment and normal progress toward the degree.

• Accept no employment without written permission from the ISSO or the Department of Homeland Security.

• Notify the ISSO of any address change.

• Always have medical insurance.

• Carry a copy of the I-94 card at all times. When traveling outside the New York City area, bring the original I-94 card, I-20 or DS-2019, and passport.

• Obtain extensions of permission to stay in the United States as needed.

• Make timely transfers of the F-1 or J-1 supervision if enrolled at Columbia after attending another school in the United States.

• If applicable, comply with all Special Registration procedures for certain foreign nationals.

• After completion of studies and any authorized practical or academic training, leave the United States or change to another immigration status within the period of time authorized by the Department of Homeland Security.

International programs and services Web site: The ISSO Web site was designed with the interests and concerns of international students in mind. Information available on the site answers most of the questions Columbia students may have regarding their nonimmigrant status. All international students are responsible for knowing and abiding by these important points. To be certain of all rules and regulations governing international students, students should refer to the ISSO Web site at http://www.columbia.edu/cu/isso/.

ISSOnews e-mail broadcasts: Throughout the academic year, the ISSO provides regular email broadcast messages to international students. These messages, referred to as ISSOnews, are

automatically distributed to currently enrolled students registered as international students (i.e., not U.S. citizens or permanent residents) at Columbia. Students are responsible for reading the ISSOnews, as it is the primary vehicle for distributing timely and important information concerning visa, immigration, and related matters. The messages also remind students of informational sessions taking place, perhaps a change in location, and also some social programs or cultural events at Columbia and in NYC that may be of interest. If registered as international students, students should be receiving ISSOnews. Contact ISSO to arrange to receive it.