The Office of International Student Affairs (OISA) is responsible for Grinnell’s compliance with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
- We manage international student compliance throughout the F-1 lifecycle: from the visa application and initial entry; throughout the four-year degree program; and for up to three years following graduation for students who use practical training benefits to work in the U.S.
- We facilitate Grinnell’s Exchange Visitor Program, which allows the College to host J-1 non-degree students, professors, research scholars, short-term scholars, and specialists, and J-2 dependents) — often in collaboration with the Institute for Global Engagement.
One of the most important ways that the OISA supports international students and exchange visitors is to teach about the benefits and limitations of non-immigrant status. OISA staff are fluent in the regulatory issues facing international students and exchange visitors, and we maintain relevant professional networks, as well as specialized legal counsel via Ware Immigration and Dentons Davis Brown.
OISA Advising Materials
OISA advising materials are posted on GrinnellShare (login required).
The site includes handouts, videos, forms, and referrals on a broad range of topics. Since a Grinnell login is required to access the site, prospective students and/or Grinnell College parents are also welcome to email the OISA to request more information on a specific topic of interest. Materials and topics include:
- F-1 Student and Alumni Resources (F-1 responsibilities and limitations; academic issues; internships and employment; taxes and banking; documents and travel; volunteer service; and OISA programming resources)
- J-1 Exchange Visitor Resources (DS-2019 Request Form; host responsibilities; J-1 visitor responsibilities and limitations)
- Faculty and Staff Resources (F-1 status and academic decisions; culture in the classroom; allyship sign)
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