International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) coordinates all facets of international student and scholar services for the University.  ISSS serves as the liaison between the University and the Department of Homeland Security - Student Exchange Visitor Program and The Department of State - Exchange Visitor Program.  

ISSS ensures regulatory compliance for F and J visa holders through processing immigration requests for current students and scholars, advising on immigration regulations, counseling students on personal and cultural issues, and partnering with administrative and academic units who work with international students and scholars.

The ISSS Office provides international students and scholars with an orientation to the University focused on the unique needs of visa holders, educational workshops on immigration and cultural topics, support for campus engagement with global themes, and opportunities for intercultural programs and experiences.

This office also reviews work authorization options for hiring departments with candidates who have international backgrounds and provide information to, and immigration documents for, research scholars (J visa category) invited by USM schools to participate in limited research opportunities.