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About ISO

The International Services Office (ISO) is part of the Office for Global Engagement at the University of Rochester. We provide services to the University’s international students, scholars, employees, and other visitors, as well as the administrators and departments that support them.

ISO provides immigration sponsorship for thousands of international students, hundreds of international scholars and employees, as well as their dependent spouses and children. We also assist other foreign nationals at Rochester who may not require University visa sponsorship to pursue their program or activities here.

Learn more about our services and programming, including:

  • Immigration advising
  • Cross-cultural counseling
  • Student and scholar advocacy
  • Educational, cultural, and social programming
  • Data reporting

Given the complexities and specific permissions of different groups, ISO offers specialized staff and resources to better support the needs of these individuals, their families, and departments. The office remains coordinated in many respects, but distinguishes between Student Services and Scholar Services for most immigration processing and communication efforts.

 

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ISO Student Services Team

Our Student Services team assists nonimmigrant students who enroll full-time or otherwise pursue specific academic objectives, with or without matriculation to a University degree program. Non-University-sponsored students from Fulbright and other organizations are also supported.

International students must first apply and be admitted to their desired program, prior to working directly with ISO Student Services on their immigration needs on an appointment basis.

Our team also assists the University’s admitting departments with planning and information to bring foreign students to their programs.

Supported immigration categories under ISO Student Services include:

  • F-1 Students
  • J-1 Exchange Visitors (Student—Doctorate, Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Non-Degree)
  • F-2 and J-2 dependents

ISO Scholar Services Team

Our Scholar Services team assists temporary nonimmigrant workers who engage in authorized employment or self-sponsored research activities at the University.

Depending on the permissions of their immigration category, these individuals may teach, lecture, observe, research, consult, provide clinical/medical services, or provide some other professional function. Common positions include instructor, professor, a postdoctoral appointment, administrator, physician, or dentist in a fellow, resident, or attending position, as well as certain other specialty occupation positions.

Our team also assists the University’s departments or administration offices intending to hire or host international visitors for professional development purposes.

Supported immigration categories under ISO Scholar Services include:

  • J-1 Exchange Visitors (research scholar, professor, short-term scholar, student intern)
  • H-1B Temporary Workers in Specialty Occupations
  • TN Workers from Canada
  • O-1 Workers of Extraordinary Ability
  • Eligible permanent residency applicants
  • J-2, H-4, TD-1, and O-3 dependents

Mission Statement

The International Services Office (ISO mission is to provide services and programs that support, enrich, and engage the University's international students, scholars, employees, dependents, and the university community.