The ISSO Advisory Staff
ISSO staff assist international students and scholars with their questions about University policies and practices,regulatory and documentation matters, social and cultural activities, adjustment to a new academic and cultural environment, and personal and family services and needs.

Admission Services
The ISSO provides a central advisement service to Columbia Schools, faculty, and departments for the evaluation of credentials of students who have studied in another country.

Visiting Scholar and Scientist Program

Acting on behalf of the Office of the Provost and Dean of Faculties, the ISSO administers the designation of visiting scholars and scientists and provides services supporting and promoting international educational exchange.

Immigration and Document Service

The ISSO administers immigration services for Columbia University's international students and faculty, researchers, and visiting scholars. Advisory staff are available to help students and scholars obtain and maintain their immigration status so that immigration issues remain routine and secondary, and they are able to devote their full energies to their scholarly goals. The ISSO monitors regulations affecting relevant immigration classifications and broadcasts timely alerts and updates to students (ISSOnews) and scholars (SCHOLARnews). Detailed information on immigration procedures and benefits is available at the ISSO and maintained on the ISSO Web at www.columbia.edu/cu/isso.

International Student and Scholar Orientation

The ISSO offers orientation programs in which members of our international community have the opportunity to meet and receive informational briefings. Orientation sessions are provided throughout the academic year for visiting scholars and faculty. International students are offered fall and spring orientation programs at which they are met by peer advisers eager to share the insights they have gained in making successful adjustments to Columbia's social and academic environment.

New York City and Beyond

The ISSO leads new arrivals in Celebrating New York, offering an array of opportunities to explore and enjoy the City during the September Orientation period. Learning and travel continues throughout the year through a series of one day excursions known as the ISSO's Road Scholars program.

International Spouse Network

Each September and January spouses and partners of international students and scholars are greeted at a luncheon for spouses and their children hosted by ISSO staff members and "old-timers" eager to make them feel welcome. This begins a series of programs that extends through the year to provide both practical information and an opportunity to develop a network of friends and helpers.

Informational Programs and Workshops

The ISSO also offers an annual series of workshops on international taxation, presented by certified public accountants, and on advanced immigration matters, presented by nationally recognized attorneys.

Activities and Events

Social and cultural activities are an important part of life at Columbia. The ISSO staff presents a full calendar of events of interest to international students and scholars. The calendar includes regular features as well as programs that reflect the talents and interests of our international community. Upcoming ISSO events and activities can be found on the ISSO Calendar