What We Do

The Vision & Mission

The Vision: ISSS will be nationally recognized as a leader in campus internationalization and excellence in international student services.  

The Mission: ISSS advances campus internationalization at Texas State University by offering intentional, holistic, and inclusive immigration and integration services for international students, faculty, and staff. 
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Our Goals

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To support Texas State international students by providing immigration, integration, and intercultural expertise to the University community. 

     
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To advance Texas State’s efforts to increase and retain international students through the services offered on the campus and post-graduation support.

     
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To deliver meaningful and informed programming initiatives that support international student success at Texas State and post-graduation.

 

Our Services

International Students & Scholars

  • Pre-arrival information and support
  • F-1 student immigration advising
  • SEVIS record transfer assistance
  • Maintenance of student data in SEVIS (Student & Exchange Visitor Information System)
  • Assistance with USCIS I-765 employment authorization applications
  • Assistance with USCIS I-539 change of status and reinstatement applications
  • Create individualized letters certifying enrollment to assist F-1 students to obtain Driver’s Licenses, Social Security Numbers etc.
  • Host workshops on practical training and other special topics
  • Promote the Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG) to international students, process applications and award qualifying students each semester
  • Assist with cross-cultural adjustment
  • Advocate for unique needs of international students

Other Services/Activities

  • Encourage internationalization efforts through campus outreach
  • Provide adjustment and integration support for international students and scholars through onboarding events and promotion of social engagement
  • Host the International Welcome event each fall semester
  • Co-sponsor International Education Week (IEW) each November
  • Post statistical reports each fall for the Institute of International Education Research (IIE) and university use
  • Assist with campus and community requests for data pertaining to international student enrollment
  • Act as liaisons with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for Texas State University

Texas State University Departments

  • Advise academic departments about the type of non-immigrant status that is most appropriate for prospective professors and researchers
  • Assist with inviting J-1 research school and professors
  • Assist with obtaining legal employment authorization for International Faculty and Staff

Who is an international student?

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An international student is a student enrolled in a U.S. academic program in a nonimmigrant visa classification.

  • Common nonimmigrant visa classifications are: A-1, A-2, B-1, B-2, E-1, E-2, F-1, F-2, H-1, H-4, J-1, J-2, K-1, L-1, L-2, M-1, R-1, R-2, TN, and TD.
  • F-1 Student is the most common nonimmigrant visa classification at Texas State with over 90% of international students in F-1 status.
  • A student who has applied for or received an immigrant classification such as permanent residency or refugee or asylum status, or who is undocumented is not categorized as an international student.

Legal Advice and Advising by the ISSS Office

The International Student & Scholar Services offers best practices on immigration processes such as Change of Status, Reinstatement, F-1, J-2, J-2, H-1B, H-4, and other related statuses as a courtsey to internatioanl students and their dependents under a Texas State University issued Form of I-20. All information provided is not considered legal advice. It is recommended that you consult with a board-certified immigration attorney if you need additional assistance with an immigration process.