ISSS is pleased to launch a new service for our international students and scholars. Virtual walk-in advising starts next week to accommodate a higher volume of calls and emails. Understandably, the pandemic and related uncertainty about the fall semester has resulted in many questions for international students and scholars. We are here to support you with your immigration questions.  

Time slots for virtual walk-in hours extend beyond regular business hours to accommodate students and scholars in different time zones.
You don't need to make an appointment in advance. Walk-in advising will be first-come, first-served. 
During the virtual walk-in hours, you can simply log in to the designated Zoom room using your Emory login credentials.
Scheduled appointments can still be made in advance with your ISSS advisor.

As we launch this new service, we appreciate your participation and patience. Visit our website for virtual walk-in advising hours and Zoom links.

Analysis of DHS preliminary F-1 guidance & ISSS information sessions

Issued July 6, 2020

Advocacy: Emory leaders pen op-ed to champion the value of international students and scholars

Published June 25, 2020 in The Hill

US Executive proclamation about China's military-civil fusion strategy

Effective June 1, 2020, 12:00 p.m. EDT

Virtual Q&A Session for International Students

Event will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2020

COVID-19 Executive Proclamation on Immigration, April 22, 2020

On April 23, 2020, ISSS sent a message to international students and scholars summarizing the impact of the most recent executive order on immigration.

Coronavirus resources & Information for international students and scholars

Updated frequently

ISSS moves to remote advising

March 17, 2020

ISSS service adjustments starting March 19, 2020 due to COVID-19. Read the announcement here>>

Note: All incoming mail will be held by Emory Mail Services and picked up by ISSS staff weekly. If time-sensitive, ISSS will reach out to you. If not, it will be stored in ISSS until the office reopens.

Support Session for International Students

Event will be held Wednesday, March 11, 2020

New - Intercultural Communication Skills workshops (for faculty & staff)

February 13, 2020

ISSS is pleased to announce a new course, Intercultural Communication Skills for a Globalized World, with sections geared toward faculty, academic staff, or non-academic staff. We hope that these new classes will assist in strengthening your interactions with international students and scholars at Emory.

For class dates and to sign up, log into ELMS and search for the class title or “intercultural communication”.

New - Culture and Conversation (Launch date: February 25)

February 13, 2020

We are excited to offer a new series called Culture and Conversation for international students, scholars, and their family/partners. This program will offer an opportunity to learn about US culture, share your own culture and make new friends! This month’s topic is March Madness, which is the biggest college basketball tournament in the US. Come enjoy conversation and free food while learning about this fun US phenomenon! Please register here by Monday, February 24.

Coronavirus Information and Support Session

February 6, 2020

Executive Order regarding travel restrictions for nationals of Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sudan, and Tanzania (but not applicable to non-immigrants like F/J/H/O, etc.)

January 31, 2020

Winter Recess & Office Closure

Emory University will be closed from December 24 until January 2 in observance of the holidays and winter recess. During this time, please review our website for ISSS Resources and Emergency Protocol.

ISSS will remain open until 5pm December 23, 2019. And we will reopen at 8:30am on January 2, 2020.

Happy Holidays!

Windows to the World (Tuesday December 3rd)

December 02, 2019

Expanded hours for travel signatures

November 26, 2019

ISSS Scholarships for NAFSA Advocacy Day 2020

November 7, 2019

New H-1B Premium Processing Fee Effective December 2, 2019

October 30, 2019

ISSS Open House on Monday, October 28th 2019

October 16, 2019

ISSS Offers Satellite Advising to F/J Students

October 2, 2019

F-1 Students: Finding Meaningful Work in the US

September 25, 2019

ISSS advising Unavailable on Tuesday, July 30th 2019

July 24, 2019

ISSS launches new TN scholar request

May 24, 2019

As part of our ongoing efforts to provide the very best customer service, we are introducing a new, significantly streamlined TN scholar request process. Some of the improvements include:

Reduced number of e-forms just three;
Incorporated many built-in instructions for both scholars and admins for clarification and ease of e-form completion; and
Streamlined e-form format to show only relevant questions.

Expanded travel signature hours and locations to accommodate summer travel plans

April 18, 2019

International Festival & World Cup Tournament

April 8, 2019

H-1B Visa Application Interview Location Change in China

February 1, 2019

US State Department Suspends Routine Visa Services in Caracas, Venezuela

January 29, 2019

Updates regarding the US government shutdown

December 22, 2018

(For F-1s & J-1s) Missing a valid travel signature or I-20/DS-2019?

December 21, 2018

Expanded hours for travel signatures

December 11, 2018

Special announcement about university closure

December 11, 2018

New H-1B Premium Processing Fee Effective October 1, 2018

August 31, 2018

Updated Student Advising Assignments

July 26, 2018

International Student and Scholar Services Closed Friday, August 3rd 2018

July 24, 2018

Update on Executive Proclamation regarding travel restrictions

June 27, 2018

Georgia Hands Free Law in effect July 1, 2018

June 27, 2018

SCAM ALERT Recent scams targeting Emory International students and scholars

June 13, 2018

ISSS launches new J-1 student request

March 7, 2018

Updates regarding the US government shutdown

January 22, 2018

Update on US non-immigrant visas in Turkey

January 2, 2018

Update on Executive Proclamation regarding travel restrictions, issued September 24, 2017

December 5, 2017

International Coffee Hour

November 20, 2017

ISSS is hosting this year’s final International Coffee Hour on Friday, December 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Brooks Commons in Cannon Chapel. There will be free lunch and a few giveaways. We hope to see you there!

Change to ISSS walk-in hours on Wednesday, November 22

November 17, 2017

The ISSS office will be offering walk-in hours in the morning on Wednesday, November 22. Walk-in hours will be from 8:30 a.m. - noon. We will return to the regular walk-in schedule the week of November 27.

Update on Executive Proclamation regarding travel restrictions, issued September 24, 2017

October 17, 2017

Today, U.S. District Court Judge Derrick Watson issued a ruling to block parts of the new travel restrictions from going into effect tomorrow.

Message from ISSS regarding halt of non-immigrant US visas in Turkey

October 9, 2017

Dear international students and scholars from Turkey,

According to the statement from the US mission to Turkey, effective immediately, the US consulates in Turkey have suspended all non-immigrant visa services in Turkey.

If you are from Turkey, we do not recommend that you travel outside the US until the US government issues additional details. This includes even brief trips to Canada or Mexico, especially if your current US visa has expired.

We will update this announcement as found on our website with more details, if any should arise. Please check the ISSS website periodically for updates.

In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact your ISSS advisor if you have questions or need support.

Best regards,

Your ISSS staff

Message from ISSS regarding Tropical Storm Nate

October 7, 2017

Dear international students and scholars,

Tropical Storm Nate is forecasted to arrive in Atlanta on Sunday and may last through Tuesday. While Tropical Storm Nate is not expected to be as strong as Hurricane Irma, it is possible we may experience power outages and damage from high winds and heavy rains. Everyone at ISSS cares for your safety and wellbeing, and we want to make sure that you are connected to the appropriate Emory resources in the event of an emergency.

Please be alert for notices from Emory's Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response (CEPAR). You are strongly encouraged to download the LiveSafe App so that you can have preparedness and safety resources available to you on your phone. Visit the CEPAR website for additional preparedness and safety information.

Pay close attention to weather reports over the next several days in the event you need to take action. To prepare for a potential power outage, make sure you have supplies of water, non-perishable food, medicines, and flashlights.

Finally, keep all documents crucial to maintaining your immigration status in a safe, secure place. Visit the ISSS website for a reminder of the documentation requirements of your particular status. Make sure these documents are easy to access in case you need to evacuate your living space.

Please contact the ISSS Office if you are in need of assistance. You can reach us during and after our normal office hours. Click here for the detailed resource and contact information.

Best regards,

Your ISSS staff

Message from ISSS regarding Hurricane Irma

September 8, 2017

Dear international students and scholars,

You have been hearing about Hurricane Irma. Some of you are from regions that have dealt with hurricanes before, and some of you are not. Many of you may have questions. Everyone at ISSS cares for your safety and wellbeing, and we want to make sure that you are connected to the appropriate Emory resources.

Yesterday, Emory’s Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response (CEPAR) sent out the following message to everyone at Emory University regarding Hurricane Irma. If you have not already read it, please do so and follow their advice so that you are prepared.

CEPAR Preparedness Update/Hurricane Irma

As you know from media reports, a massive storm, Hurricane Irma, is approaching Florida. The potential impacts to Georgia include heavy rain, strong winds, and possibly tornados. Additional threats and timing will be determined by the path and intensity of the storm.

Emory's Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response (CEPAR) wants to assist you with being prepared for emergencies on our campuses. You are strongly encouraged to download the LiveSafe App so that you can have preparedness and safety resources available to you on your phone. Visit the CEPAR website http://www.emergency.emory.edu for additional preparedness and safety information.

CEPAR advises that you understand the risks associated with severe weather, learn the terminology, and make a plan to prepare for an emergency. We encourage you to pay close attention to weather reports over the next several days in the event you need to take action. The preparedness and disaster resilience of our community depends in large part on the preparedness and disaster resilience of each of us as individuals. Working together we can realize a more disaster resilient community.

If you need assistance, please contact us – during and after office hours. Click here for the detailed resource and contact information.

Best regards,
Your ISSS staff

Immigration updates regarding Executive Order

Stay up-to-date on the executive order signed by President Trump.

International Student Economic Value

NAFSA has released their most recent analysis of the positive economic impact international students have upon the US economy.

Online appointment scheduling coming to ISSS

ISSS is pleased to announce that, starting June 15, you will be able to use an online scheduling system to make advising appointments with your ISSS advisor.

Two H-1B-related announcements from ISSS

As part of our ongoing efforts to provide the best customer service across the board, we are pleased to announce two improvements:

New H-1B request process
ISSS advisor assignment change to include H-1Bs

ISSS delayed opening Monday, May 8

To accommodate Emory’s commencement ceremony, ISSS will have reduced hours on Monday, May 8. ISSS will be open from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Congratulations to all graduates!

Pick up emergency contact information card at ISSS

March 16, 2017

To better support you in the event of an emergency, ISSS has created Emergency Contact Information cards. These cards, small enough to fit in your wallet or passport, list phone numbers to call for immigration or life-threatening emergencies. Pick one up in ISSS or the Global Connections Lounge in the Longstreet-Means Residence Hall. And as a reminder, it’s always a good idea to review emergency protocol on our website.

Update on H-1B Premium Processing

March 6, 2017

USCIS announced that starting April 3, they will temporarily suspend premium processing for all H-1B I-129 petitions.

Are you considering a summer internship in the U.S.?

February 20, 2017

If you plan to participate in a summer internship in the U.S., you will need to get work authorization from ISSS prior to beginning, which includes any related training or orientation.

Information session for Emory community members impacted by executive order (Feb. 1)

The executive order issued on January 27 affects a wide array of university community members. We want to ensure that all impacted community members receive support and timely and accurate information. To that end, on Wednesday, February 1, the Office of Global Strategy and Initiatives, Campus Life, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), and the School of Law are co-hosting an information session for Emory students, faculty, and staff impacted by the recent executive order. Legal experts will be on hand to consult with impacted community members. The panelists will include immigration attorneys and representatives from ISSS, Campus Life, and the School of Law.

How does the Jan 27 executive order affect me?
An information session for impacted Emory students, faculty, and staff
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Winship Ballroom, Dobbs University Center

Updated J-1 scholar minimum funding requirements

December 9, 2016

Due to recent changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act and related decisions by schools, all new and extension/amendment J-1 scholar requests should include evidence of updated minimum financial support.

Please visit the J-1 scholar minimum funding page for more details. We would like to thank the school administrators who worked with us to provide the updated postdoc stipend levels.

International Coffee Hour Friday

November 30, 2016

ISSS is hosting this year’s final International Coffee Hour Friday, December 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Brooks Commons in Cannon Chapel. There will be free lunch and a few giveaways. Hope to see you there.

USCIS filing fee increases

November 30, 2016

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that they will increase most immigration application and petition fees effective December 23, 2016.

Considering an internship in the U.S. during winter break?

October 7, 2016
If you're considering an internship in the U.S. during winter break, you will need work permission from ISSS or USCIS (with a recommendation from ISSS) before you begin any internship orientation, training, or work. You can request authorization via ISSS Link.

Online F-1 OPT workshop now available

August 26, 2016

To accommodate busy schedules and different learning preferences, ISSS now offers an online Optional Practical Training (OPT) workshop in addition to hosting several in-person workshops each month. You are required to attend an OPT workshop before you submit an application, so if you'll be applying soon but haven't attended a workshop yet, now is the time! You only need to attend one of the workshops, either in-person or online, not both.

New J-1 scholar request process and training

August 23, 2016

As part of our ongoing efforts to provide the best customer service across the board, we are introducing the new streamlined J-1 new scholar application process.

Changes to ISSS advisor assignments

June 29, 2016

In order to provide the best customer service across the board, we recently reorganized our advising assignments.

New I-20 design - previous version expires July 1, 2016

March 31, 2016

As you may know, the US government updated the design of I-20 documents for F-1 students and F-2 dependents. I-20s with the old design will remain valid through July 1, 2016. After that date, all students in F-1 status and their dependents will need a new I-20 with the updated design.

New F-1 STEM OPT extension rule

March 25, 2016

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a new F-1 STEM OPT extension rule which will be effective beginning May 10, 2016. DHS is currently in the process of providing guidance on its implementation. The current 17-month STEM OPT rule remains in effect through May 9.

Changes in ISSS business hours for Winter Holidays

December 22, 2015

ISSS will have shortened business hours on December 23 and 30, and will be closed on December 24, 25, and 31, and January 1 in observance of the winter holidays.

International Coffee Hour Dec. 4

December 3, 2015

ISSS is hosting an International Coffee Hour on Friday, Dec 4 for international students and scholars.

Proposed STEM OPT extension rule open forum

November 25, 2015

ISSS is hosting an invitation-only open forum to discuss proposed changes to the STEM OPT extension.

ISSS Open House & International Education Week

November 10, 2015

Join ISSS during an Open House on Tuesday, November 17, 12:30-1:30pm to celebrate International Education Week (IEW), a worldwide initiative to honor the benefits of international education and exchange around the globe.

US government releases new I-20 design

July 29, 2015

Last month, the US government updated the design of I-20 documents for F-1 students and F-2 dependents.

Readmore...

USCIS resumes premium processing for H-1B extensions

July 16, 2015

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has resumed premium processing for H-1B extensions received on or after July 13, 2015.

Read

State Department technical problems causing visa delays

June 17, 2015

The Bureau of Consular Affairs is experiencing technical problems with its overseas visa systems, which has caused delays in printing visas and the rescheduling of some visa interviews.

Upcoming SEVIS outage may cause travel delays June 26–28

June 16, 2015

Next weekend the Department of Homeland Security's Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS) will undergo a software upgrade, and during that time the system will be unavailable.

Premium processing for H-1B extensions suspended

May 21, 2015

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced this week that they will suspend premium processing for H-1B extensions from May 26 through July 27.

F-2 dependents can now enroll part-time in degree programs

May 14, 2015

Starting May 29, F-2 children and spouses of F-1 students can enroll part-time in a degree program at an SEVP-certified school or university.

Older news

IRS scam targeting international students and scholars
March 26, 2015

Tax help sessions start next week
March 18, 2015

H-4 employment authorization changes
March 5, 2015

RESCHEDULED: Ask the Attorney workshop, April 13
Feb. 24, 2015

Health insurance workshop for international students
Feb. 19, 2015

It's tax time again
Feb. 4, 2015

Expanded ISSS service hours
Jan. 2, 2015

Recent scams targeting international students and scholars
Dec. 11, 2014

New changes to J-1 Exchange Visitor Program
Dec. 1, 2014

US now issuing 5-year F and J visas for Chinese citizens
Nov. 13, 2014