International Students
- Prospective Students
- Newly Admitted Students
- Current Students
- Travel outside the U.S. and Re-entry
- Immigration and Visa
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security Address Notification Requirement
- Forms
- Events and Workshops
- Frequently Asked Questions
Current Students
Referring to an Immigration Specialist in OIS
The University of Pittsburgh’s Office of International Services offers immigration advising services to F-1 students, J-1 students, J-1 scholars, and dependents. Our immigration specialists can respond to all issues relating to F and J immigration regulations and relevant immigration documents, as well as providing assistance with issues related to adjusting to the Pitt environment and U.S. culture. Furthermore, our immigration specialists can advise on employment-based visa statuses (e.g., H, O, and TN) and on employment-based pathways to lawful permanent residence.
Obtaining Assistance
Walk-in advising is available Monday-Friday afternoons and is used for questions and issues that can be handled within 10-15 minutes. We ask that you honor that guideline and make an appointment when appropriate. Of course, emergencies will be handled at any time.
For more complicated or time-consuming issues, we ask that you consult your assigned immigration specialist and work solely with that person, unless specifically directed to do otherwise. Direct contact information is provided for your use—most advisors prefer email over telephone calls for initial questions. Appointments are reserved for more complicated or time-consuming issues. When using email, please use the following tips:
- Include your full name as it appears on your passport in the subject line
- Clearly state the issue and what you want from the immigration specialist
- Provide your preferred method of contact (email, telephone, etc.)
- Don’t use “urgent” flag unless it is a real emergency
You may also receive general assistance from OIS information packets available elsewhere on this web site or through workshops, which cover commonly requested information and are offered throughout the academic year.
Preparing for Your In-Person Appointment
We strongly recommend that you refer to the OIS web site and read about the topic in which you are interested. You may find that this can save you a lot of time, avoid delays, and make the most of your time with an advisor.
Be sure to bring all of your immigration-related documents to the appointment, such as:
- I-20 or DS-2019
- Passport
- I-94 Arrival and Departure card
- Any relevant request forms, along with appropriate copies