WEEKLY UPDATE – April 27

As summer approaches, this week's newsletter includes information on end-of-semester reminders for students completing their programs. As always, if you have any general questions, you can contact our office by chat, phone, or email. If you have specific immigration questions, you can email ISSS or make an appointment with your ISSS adviser.

Congratulations to the upcoming spring and summer 2026 grads! This is a reminder that the spring commencement ceremonies will be held in person from May 21–23 at St. Ignatius Church. If you have not yet applied to graduate, please do so ASAP by going to the Application for Graduation Information web page and completing the application.

Students unable to attend the April regalia distribution can pick up their academic regalia on May 21 from 1–5 p.m. and on May 22 and 23 from 8 a.m.–6 p.m at the Gleeson Library Atrium. Please note these are the only remaining times students will be able to receive their regalia. Learn more »

All ceremonies will be streamed virtually on USF's website and YouTube. For additional information, please review the Spring 2026 Commencement Information web page »

All F-1 students are responsible for completing their program on time. Remember that failure to complete your studies at USF before your I-20 program end date is considered a violation of your F-1 student status. Please note that the program end date listed on your I-20 also signifies the end of any student employment positions on campus. If you will not be able to complete your degree requirements by the program end date on your I-20, please make an appointment with your ISSS adviser immediately to discuss your eligibility for an extension of your stay in the U.S. View additional information »

For students traveling internationally during the summer break, ISSS will be holding Travel Signature Days from April 29 to May 5, during which submitted travel signature requests will be processed by the end of the day on May 8. In light of enhanced screening at ports of entry and consulates and potential visa delays, all students should review the important travel considerations listed in the FAQ section of the International Student Support webpage before planning any international travel. If you have additional questions about your situation or travel plans after reviewing our guidance, please email or schedule an appointment with your ISSS advisor. ISSS advisors have increased their appointment availability in the next two weeks to meet with students before the break.

All F-1 and J-1 international students are required to be enrolled full-time each semester. As you register for your fall courses, ensure you enroll in the necessary credits for full-time enrollment. There are very few exceptions permitting less than full-time enrollment, and prior authorization from the ISSS office must be received. Visit our Reduced Course Load webpage for more information or contact your ISSS advisor to discuss your eligibility.

Students are required to report any changes in local residence (the address in the U.S. where they are currently living) and permanent residence (the address that is outside of the U.S.). By logging into the MyISSS portal, students can submit the Contact Information Update request to update their address with ISSS. If you are on OPT or STEM OPT, you can update your local address in your SEVP Portal directly. However, you still must report your local address with ISSS through the MyISSS portal. If you'd like to update your address for other USF offices, please do so in your myUSF account. Note the address information in myUSF will not appear in SEVIS or be used by the ISSS office. For additional information, refer to the MyISSS Student Handbook »

Share your USF story and inspire others by completing our Graduating International Student Survey. You could win a USF Bookstore gift card or (if eligible) an International Service Award pin!

Wednesday, April 29 | 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Privett Plaza

Wear jeans with a purpose and join the USF community in standing up against sexual violence on Denim Day. This movement began in 1990 in Italy as a protest against injustice and has since become a global symbol of awareness and solidarity.

Stop by the tabling at Privett Plaza to learn more about USF and Bay Area resources, connect with peers, and support efforts to create a safer campus. USF REPS is committed to ending sexual violence through education, prevention, and providing support within our community. Open to the USF community.

Learn more »

Wednesday, April 29 | 5–6:30 p.m.
Fromm Hall 115 

Join this talk exploring China’s global power alongside its underlying economic vulnerabilities. Drawing from his experience in Shanghai, the speaker offers a nuanced perspective on U.S.–China tensions, global trade, and what these shifts mean for international stability and commerce. Open to the USF community.

Learn more »

Friday, May 8 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Fromm Hall Complex

Join the College of Arts and Sciences in celebrating 100 years of Igniting Hearts and Minds at this year’s Creative Activity and Research Day. This annual event highlights student research and creative work across disciplines, featuring oral presentations, posters, and performances developed in collaboration with faculty mentors. Come support your peers and explore the impactful work being done across campus — light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Open to the USF community.

RSVP now »

Friday, May 8 | Gleeson Library Thacher Gallery Art Exhibit

Experience Echoes of Becoming, a juried exhibition showcasing over 75 works by USF juniors and seniors in the Department of Art + Architecture. Featuring a wide range of media, from sculpture and painting to photography, installations, and digital design, this exhibit explores themes of self-discovery and creative expression. Stop by the Thacher Gallery to support student artists and engage with the diverse perspectives shaping USF’s creative community. Open to the USF community.

Learn more »

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.

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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.