About OISS

Our mission

The mission of Rice University's Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS) is to support and advocate for the international population at Rice University. OISS is an essential part of the lived experience of international students, faculty, and staff, and we support their journey towards meeting their academic and career goals by providing expert knowledge and care. Our goal is to maintain Rice University's compliance with immigration regulations and provide advice to the international population to support the maintenance of their visa status.

Our purpose is:

  • To provide international students and scholars with advice, information, 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, SEVIS, and other federal agencies;
  • To support international students' and scholars' adjustment to life in the U.S. and campus culture;
  • To maintain university compliance with immigration regulations in accordance with Rice's Immigration and Visa Policy so that the university can continue to host international students, faculty, and staff.

Services we provide

  • Serve as the key immigration liaison for Rice internationals, Rice departments hosting them, and with the U.S. government
  • Initial orientation for all international students and scholars
  • U.S. immigration advisement, documentation, tracking, and reporting
  • Travel authorization and guidance regarding new visa applications
  • Authorize and advise international students, scholars, and dependents on visa benefits, such as practical training and extension of programs
  • Advocate on behalf of internationals internally, locally, and nationally
  • Resource and referral to other offices and services within Rice University and in Houston
  • Management of institutional reporting requirements for international students and scholars
  • Workshops, professional development trainings, and engagement for Rice departments
  • Programs and services that foster belonging and connection
  • Provide international student and scholar networks for support and friendship
  • Regular OISS communications

Please also refer to our list of OISS Key Contacts to see who handles what at OISS.