About OISS
Our mission:
Rice University’s Office of International Students & Scholars' (OISS) mission is to enhance the experience of the international population (which includes all non-immigrant visa students, researchers and faculty) through serving as the chief liaison office for: immigration advising, cultural adaptation, international compliance, networking / public connections, and academic support, with university departments, government agencies, and community advocates.
Our purpose:
- To provide international students and scholars with advice and documentation necessary to maintain their legal status in the U.S.;
- To represent the university to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of State, and other governmental agencies dealing with international visitors;
- To guide international students and scholars in their adaptation to the American culture and campus life;
- To maintain university compliance regarding regulations concerning international students and scholars in accordance with Rice's Immigration and Visa Policy.