This week's newsletter includes information to help you navigate the international student online portal, MyISSS. Students can use this online portal to submit requests to ISSS, view the status of their current and past requests, view all past requests submitted, download and print documents from completed requests, as well as view information and announcements from our office. This is also the system that ISSS uses to submit federally required data to the DHS Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Remember to review the MyISSS Student Handbook for all the information you need on using MyISSS and other frequently asked questions.
Usage and Tips
Students submit almost all requests to our office via MyISSS. Keep in mind that you can access all the requests you started and submitted in your student portal. The image below shows the MyISSS initial login page. If you are a current student, click the Log in with MyUSF Credentials button and enter your MyUSF Credentials. If you are an alumni, click the Log in with Alumni Portal Account button and enter your username and password.
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Once you log in, you can read important announcements on your Homepage and review your Personal & Program Information. Click on Requests & Documents to submit a request, review a request that you have started and saved, find requests that have been reviewed and/or processed, and find and download a new I-20/DS-2019 or letter that has been issued to you.
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Announcement: Increase in USCIS Fees
Effective starting from April 1, the following fees will increase:
I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
- $470 (online)
- $520 (paper)
I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status)
- $420 (online)
- $470 (paper)
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Saturday, March 23
McLaren Complex & Online
The Cultural Centers and the Office of Antiracism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) are excited to present the fourth annual USF Women of Color Leadership Conference. The theme for 2024 is Living Unapologetically. Learn more »
| | Become a GO Team Orientation Leader
Deadline: Monday, March 18
11:59 p.m. PDT
GO Team Orientation leaders play an essential role in the facilitation of Orientation by providing new students and their family members with an engaging and authentic introductory experience to campus life and all its resources. This is a great paid opportunity for international students to engage with the community. Learn more »
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Tuesday, March 26 5–6:30 p.m. | University Center 503
An important aspect of mindfulness is developing a non-judgmental, accepting, and even curious attitude about your moment-to-moment experiences. The more you develop this attitude, the less you will feel overwhelmed by changes and challenges in your life. Participants will meet for 90 minutes every Tuesday for four weeks. It is imperative that you are able to be present for each session.
Register here »
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Wednesday, March 20
5 –6:15 p.m. | Fromm Hall 110 & Online
The USF Center for Asia Pacific Studies welcomes Professor Ying Zhu to address the parallels in the evolution of the American and Chinese film industries from inception to the post-COVID era. Her lecture will spotlight the effective power of motion pictures for cultural influence and political persuasion, as well as the economic function of the film industry. Register here »
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Want to build your resume and meet other students? A great way to get started is to join a student organization on campus. Student organizations provide exciting opportunities to develop leadership skills, network, acquire new skills, plan events, and connect to the USF community. There are over 130 graduate and undergraduate student organizations at USF with a variety of focuses. Get involved »
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USF students have access to NetworkUSF, an online community designed to foster connections between students and alumni around the world. On the platform, students can seek advice, explore career fields of interest, and build a professional network with alumni. Students can filter alumni by career and industry area, geographic location, current company and title, area of interest, and USF affiliation. Learn more »
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International Student Travel Feature: Tanzania
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"For nearly three consecutive years, I had the incredible opportunity to spend my winter breaks in Tanzania. As a Congolese traveler, I found the process of visiting Tanzania to be relatively hassle-free, with a straightforward immigration procedure. During my time in Tanzania, I had the chance to embark on exhilarating safaris, savor days of relaxation at stunning beaches, and even explore the captivating islands alongside some of my closest friends."
– Sandy Rubuye, Law, Class of 2026
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If you'd like to share your travel/home country experiences with our international community at USF and be featured in the ISSS newsletter and Instagram, please fill out this form »
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If you are requesting an immigration document or letter from our office, remember that we request ten business days to process requests. 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 into 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.
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Chat with the ISSS Team in Real-Time Click the Chat with ISSS button on the bottom, right corner of the ISSS website, and the ISSS team can assist you with your inquiry.
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Appointments can be made online. Please visit the ISSS website to schedule an appointment. Appointments are booked in 20-minute increments. To schedule a workshop, select workshops from the first menu option in our scheduler. Students must complete an OPT workshop before applying for OPT.
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