WEEKLY UPDATE – Jan. 26

Our office is happy to welcome you back for the spring 2026 semester! We hope that your winter break was restful and restorative and that you feel ready to resume your studies. If you are joining USF as a new student this spring, we are excited for your first semester here! As you get settled and begin your courses, we want to update you about our services and remind you of upcoming deadlines. 

Stay up to date with the latest immigration updates and important announcements. Click here for current information and resources »

Jan. 14, 2026: USCIS Expands and Clarifies Policies Applied to Foreign Nationals From Travel Restriction Countries
Jan. 12, 2026: New Weighted Selection Process for H-1B Cap-Subject Registrants
Dec. 18, 2025: USCIS Announces Processing Hold for Asylum and Benefit Requests for Nationals of Travel Ban Countries and New Photo Policy

Students can access ISSS services in person and online. Our front desk, located in the University Center (fifth floor), is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please note that most requests should be submitted via our online portal, MyISSS, and once processed, documents can be downloaded from MyISSS. For help navigating MyISSS, check out the MyISSS Student Handbook.

Remember that you can connect with us via email, reach us by phone at (415) 422-2654, chat with a team member on our website, or schedule an appointment with your ISSS adviser. Check out the calendar on our ISSS homepage for a listing of ISSS events and programs!

Marcella Pitcher DeProto has been working in international education since 2003 and has been at USF since 2007. She loves working with international students because it allows her to stay connected to the world’s cultures while living in the Bay Area.

Tina Ricafrente has worked in international education since 2008. Tina is a Bay Area native but has lived and traveled across the U.S. and abroad. She enjoys learning about different cultures, especially through food, music, travel, and language. 

Christy Li is originally from Hong Kong and was an international student at USF. She is delighted to be supporting international students during their time at USF.

Michelle Sun has lived abroad for several years. She's enthusiastic about helping international students have better school experiences. In her daily life, Michelle enjoys cooking and traveling.

Marielle Lyons enjoys traveling, and has lived and worked abroad. Marielle is dedicated to supporting USF's international students and making them feel at home.

Sydney Low is an international education practitioner who has studied and worked abroad. Sydney is passionate about environmental conservationism, outdoor recreation, and bridging cultures. 

Rashi Bhatt is an Indian international student in the International and Multicultural Education Doctorate program at USF. She enjoys working out, cooking, home interiors, and art museums!

Immunization Requirement 

Health Insurance Waiver

Catharsis Courses (New Spring Students)

Visit the Health Promotion Services web page for full details, links, and instructions »

Questions or technical issues? Contact hps@usfca.edu.

Students have until Monday, Jan. 30, to add a class and until Friday, Feb. 13, to drop a class. Learn how to add and drop classes »

During fall 2025, ISSS delivered an exciting slate of programming designed to support international students holistically from pre-arrival through campus integration. International Education Week centered on the theme “Lanterns of Harmony: Lighting the Path Across Cultures,” and featured a mix of virtual and in-person events, such as Voices From Abroad and a networking reception co-hosted with the Hong Kong Business Association of Northern California. These efforts were complemented by the Cura Personalis International Student Welcome and Picnic Retreat hosted in collaboration with University Ministry and multiple cross-campus tabling and awareness events. ISSS also continued to expand the Global Connections at USF podcast — check us out on Spotify! Overall, fall 2025 marked a meaningful semester for strengthening and fostering collaboration within the international community at USF.

Sunday, Feb. 22 | 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Star Route Farms

Spend the day at Star Route Farms in Bolinas, California, where international students will connect with nature, learn about sustainable farming, share a meal, and participate in community-building activities. This is an opportunity to relax, meet others, and explore the Bay Area beyond campus.

Register now »

Tuesday, Jan. 27
11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. PST
Online

Learn the basics of working and driving in the U.S. as an international student. This session covers employment authorization, work options, and key information about obtaining a U.S. driver’s license, helping you settle in as you adjust to life at USF.

Join here »

Monday, Jan. 29
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
McLaren Complex

The Involvement Fair is an annual event where students can connect, network, and meet representatives from over 140 student organizations. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about student leadership and campus engagement.

ISSS is monitoring and communicating immigration updates that may affect our international students. Visit our International Student Support web page for updates and resources.

If you are requesting an immigration document or letter from our office, remember that requests are processed within 10 business days. Make sure you plan accordingly so you have enough time to receive your document before you need it. All ISSS requests should be submitted through the MyISSS student portal (log in to your MyISSS account, go to Requests & Documents, and select the appropriate icon on the right side of the page). You can view our MyISSS Student Handbook for assistance with your submission.    

Click the Chat with ISSS button on the bottom right corner of any ISSS web page, and the ISSS team can assist you with your inquiry.  

Appointments can be made online. Appointments are booked in 20-minute increments. Find upcoming workshops on the ISSS Events and Workshops calendar.

Our podcast focuses on mindfulness, diversity, and inclusion, featuring episodes that cover diverse topics. Subscribe for engaging narratives, consistent audio quality, and a cohesive visual identity, and join us in building a mindful and inclusive USF community.

Want to submit content for future newsletters? For a student feature, fill out this form, and for all other contributions, email our office at isss@usfca.edu for more information.