ISS COVID-19 Response and Resources
On this page:
ISS IS WORKING REMOTELY
ISS advisors are working remotely to serve you. We are processing immigration document requests, responding to emails, and updating our website. We have moved from an in-person document pick-up to providing mailing services for original documents. We are with you virtually! Contact Us
ISS Services
ISS Office Hours
ISS will continue operating in a virtual environment during this national emergency. The physical office is closed except for limited pick-up. Click here to review how to contact ISS. ISS advisors are diligently responding to email inquiries sent to iss@buffalo.edu, but please allow 3-5 business days for a response.
ISS Virtual Advising
International Student Services (ISS) is offering virtual advising via Zoom. 10-15 minute virtual advising appointments, drop-ins, and OPT advising are offered throughout the week and will continue for the remainder of the fall semester.
To schedule an appointment, log in to the Student Success Portal, then click Student Support, and choose International Student Services.
Prior to making an appointment we encourage you to review our website. Answers to your questions may already be here!
On OPT and need to talk to an ISS advisor?
If you are approved for OPT and graduated more than 1 year ago the online appointment system may not work for you. ISS is now offering virtual drop-in advising for students on OPT every Wednesday.
For more information please visit our OPT Virtual Advising page. Please note it will require UBIT login to access.
How do I access I-20’s and DS-2019’s created by ISS?
During this pandemic and national emergency, we moved from an in-person document pick-up to providing mailing services for original documents. When we are communicating to you about a document we will provide you with instructions to facilitate shipping.
How do I collect personal documents mailed to International Student Services?
At this time, we ask that you do not use the ISS address for mailing purposes.
Please complete all necessary steps to change your shipping address from 210 Talbert to a location where you can receive your own mail. For those of you with pending USCIS application, you can use the USCIS Online Change of Address form.
If you are changing your address because you are moving, you must also update your address in HUB (if you are a current student) or submit an Add or Update Contact Information e-form in UB Global (if you are on OPT).
Information about e-form services and processing times
ISS will continue to process all e-forms but processing times will be lengthened for high volume services:
• Curricular Practical Training Requests: 12-15 business days
• 12 month OPT recommendations: 12-15 business days
• STEM OPT recommendations: 12-15 business days
• Extension of Stay requests: 12-15 business days
• Travel signatures: 7-10 business days
Will ISS continue to offer CPT & OPT Workshops?
Yes, we will offer virtual workshops during the semester. In addition, information about Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) can be found on the ISS website.
Spring 2021 & Fall 2021 FAQ
Fall 2021 Policy Guidance
Department of Homeland Security has not yet announced continued flexibility for F-1 students to take more than 3 credits of online courses for the Fall 2021 semester. At this time, we are recommending that students be prepared to meet the in-person course requirements described on our COVID FAQ page. We will continue to update this page as we learn more.
Policy guidance for the Spring 2021 semester for F-1 & J-1 students is now available. Visit our FAQ page to learn how current guidance impacts classes and get other updates on COVID-19's impact at UB.
Quick Links
Looking for resources like food or supplies and ways to stay connected?
ISS has compiled a list of resources to improve students’ academic, personal, and social experiences during this global health crisis.