ISSS understands that change and uncertainty in immigration policies outlined by the federal government can be incredibly challenging for members of our international community. ISSS is here for you. We are carefully monitoring any immigration changes, and we are working with national resources to understand more about what is taking place and how best to support international students and scholars.
Newsletters and Information Sharing
Below are the primary ways ISSS informs international students and scholars important news and requirements.
ISSS Weekly Update
The ISSS Weekly Update newsletter is published at the beginning of each week and has specific information for students on F-1 and J-1 visas.
- All Twin Cities international students are automatically added to the mailing list.
- Interested faculty, staff, and students from any campus may sign up to receive the Weekly Update. (Note that some content of the newsletter is focused on a Twin Cities audience.)
- New students who will begin in Fall 2025 can also may sign up to receive the Weekly Update.
ISSS OPT Update
Recent graduates on OPT, STEM OPT, and Academic Training (under ISSS's visa sponsorship) will receive the ISSS OPT Update on a regular basis. Read current and past issues here.
UMN faculty, staff, and departments may subscribe to receive the OPT Update. Go to the ISSS OPT Messages List for Staff and Departments Google Group page and click "Join Group." Note: Those who are not on the Twin Cities campus should click on the "ask to join group" button.
ISSS Scholar Update
The Scholar Update newsletter is published monthly and has information specific to international faculty, postdocs, staff, and visiting scholars who are in J-1, H-1B, E-3, or TN status. To subscribe, go to the Scholar Update Google Group and click "Join Group."
Department Contacts for Scholars: Faculty and staff who serve as department contacts for scholars and those on employment-based visas should go to the Information for Departments Google Group and click “Join Group.”
Campus Resources
The campus has a variety of units and other resources to support the community during this time.
University’s Rapid Response:
Student Legal Services:
International Health, Safety, and Compliance:
- Guidance on International Travel
- International Travel Registry (for University-purpose travel only)
Binger Center for New Americans (UMN Law School):
Immigrants (including Permanent Residents), Refugees, and Undocumented:
- A wide range of people within the UMN community may be impacted by immigration policy changes, and not all are supported by ISSS. (ISSS has training and expertise to support those on F-1, J-1, H-1B, E-3, or TN status.)
- Consult the University’s Rapid Response website for resources for immigrants (including permanent residents), refugees who have not yet received non-temporary status in the United States, undocumented, or others with temporary status.
Contact an Immigration Attorney
ISSS cannot make specific referrals to attorneys; however, we do provide resources that may help you locate an attorney who can handle your case. We recommend you discuss your need for an attorney with an ISSS advisor.
Contact ISSS
- We encourage you to reach out to ISSS to discuss your concerns or specific situation. You can learn about the options on our Contact Us page.
- In an immigration-related emergency, international students may call ISSS’s emergency phone line.
