Columbia Resources for International Students

The staff of the International Student and Scholars Office, 525 Riverside Drive, provide advice and counseling to foreign students on such matters as housing, personal and financial problems, and regulations of the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service (visas, extensions of stay, work permission, temporary departure from the United States, transfer from Columbia to another school, termination of study). Information about the various international student clubs at Columbia and about opportunities to attend conferences, travel in the United States, and participate in community and cultural activities may be obtained from this office. Maps of New York City and discount tickets to Broadway plays are available. The staff also provide information and counseling on University admission, advanced standing, English proficiency examinations, and academic placement. The staff evaluate all foreign transcripts for equivalency to American education. www.columbia.edu/cu/isso/isso.html

The Immigration Affairs Office (IAO)
There are two immigration offices at Columbia University serving the international students and scholars in F-1, J-1, H1B, O-1, and TN status. The Immigration Affairs Office (IAO) serves the immigration-related needs of students and scholars on the Health Sciences Campus (with the exception of students in the Mailman School of Public Health and GSAS). The ISSO serves the immigration-related needs of international students and scholars on the main campus and students in the school of Public Health and GSAS. Staff members of the IAO assist prospective and enrolled international students and scholars with initial and continuing visa documentation. Throughout the year the IAO sponsors informative programs and workshops. The IAO broadcasts monthly announcements updating students on immigration issues and inviting them to join programs, workshops and activities. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of social, cultural, and other activities offered by the ISSO. They can be contacted at: Health Sciences Immigration Affairs Office, 630 West 168th Street, Box 27, New York, NY 10032. (212) 305-5455.

Visit the IAO website with links to the ISSO for helpful and up-to-date information at the following address: http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/dept/immigration. (212) 305-5756