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Frequently Asked Questions

Students who are new to the U. S. frequently have questions about their status and the regulations regarding it. Below are some of the questions that come to the International Student Services (ISS) service counter. The following questions are among the most common, and answers are provided to help you understand the regulations.

ADMISSION BEFORE ARRIVAL LIVING IN MADISON MAINTAINING YOUR STATUS EMPLOYMENT TRAVEL DEPENDENTS
 

ADMISSION



What is the application procedure for an international student?
Answer: Contact the appropriate admission office. If you are interested in being an undergraduate student please contact the Office of Undergraduate International Admission and visit their website for more details http://jumpgate.acadsvcs.wisc.edu/admissions/index.html.
You may contact the Office of Undergraduate International Admission at (608) 262-3961 or email international@admissions.wisc.edu or onwisconsin@admissions.wisc.edu . An International Counselor is usually available for walk-ins or appointments on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm.
If you are interested in attending school as a graduate Master or PhD level student, please contact the Graduate School office and visit their website for more details http://whyuwmadison.gradsch.wisc.edu/.

How do I apply for the TOEFL (and any other admission questions)?
Answer: Refer to the above Admission offices and websites.

What is the minimum TOEFL/TSE Score for admission consideration?
Answer: Refer to the above Admissions offices and websites.

Who takes the English as a Second Language Assessment Test?
Answer: Many undergraduate international students whose first language is not English are required to take the English as a second Language Assessment Test (ESLAT) and enroll in ESL until completion of English 118. The ESLAT may be required for some U. S. Citizens and permanent residents. For more information contact Sandra Arfa at arfa@facstaff.wisc.edu or call (608) 263-3783.

I have this 1-20 from the Graduate School, what should I do?
Answer: If you are currently in the US, and have the 1-20, come see an ISS Advisor during Walk-in Advising hours M-F 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM.

If you are currently overseas (or in your home country), and you will enter the US as a brand new student, you will need your I-20 to obtain your nonimmigrant F-1 visa stamp at the US Embassy in your country. To enter the US, you will need to have your passport, your F-1 visa stamp, and your I-20.

Where can I get information about scholarships, financial aid, etc?
Answer: F-l and J-l visa holders are not eligible for US Federal or Wisconsin state financial aid. However, we do have a handout on "Funding Sources for International Students" available at the front desk. Or click here for Funding Sources for International Students.
 

BEFORE ARRIVAL



How do I apply for a student visa?
Answer: Check with the US Embassy where you will apply for a nonimmigrant visa, since additional or different documents might be required and application submission method might differ depending upon which US Embassy you will go to. You can find contact information through http://usembassy.state.gov/.
Prepare documents that you must show when applying for a student visa, such as:
An application Form DS-156, completed and signed. Blank forms are available without charge at all US consular offices.
  • A passport valid for at least six months after your proposed date of entry in the US.

  • One photograph 1 and ? inches square (37x37mm), showing full face, without head covering, against a light background.

  • A receipt for visa processing fee.

  • All four pages of I-20 (for F-1) or DS-2019 (for J-1) Form. Must be signed by the applicant and by a school official in the appropriate places.

  • Financial evidence that shows you or your financial sponsors have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses, such as bank statement, scholarship letter, or graduate assistantship appointment letter.

  • Transcripts of diplomas from previous institutions attended

  • Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.

  • Proof of your binding ties to a residence in your home country which you have no intention of abandoning.

  • (Applicants with dependents) Proof of the student's relationships to his/her spouse and/or children (i.e. marriage and birth certificates). It is preferred that families apply for F-1 (J-1) and F-2 (J-2) visas at the same time, but if the spouse and children must apply separately at a later time, they should bring a copy of the student visa holder's passport and visa, along with all other required documents.


10 POINTS TO REMEMBER WHEN APPLYING FOR A NONIMMIGRANT VISA.


1. TIES TO YOUR HOME COUNTRY. Under US law, all applicants for nonimmigrant visas, such a students visas, are viewed as intending immigrants until they can convince the consular officer that they are not. You must therefore be able to show that you have reasons for returning to your home country that are stronger than those for remaining in the US. Ties to your home country are the things that bind you to your home town, homeland, or current place of residence: job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, investments, etc. If you are a prospective undergraduate, the interviewing officer may ask about your specific intentions or promise of future employment, family or other relationships, educational objectives, grades, long-range plans and career prospects in your home country. Each person's situation is different, of course, and there is no magic explanation or single document, certificate, or letter, which can guarantee visa issuance.
 
2. ENGLISH. Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in English and not in your native language. One suggestion is to practice English conversation with a native speaker before the interview.
3. SPEAK FOR YOURSELF. Do not bring parents of family members with you to the interview. The consular officer wants to interview you, not your family. A negative impression is created of you are not prepared to speak on your own behalf. If you are a minor applying for a high school program and need your parents there in case there are questions, for example, about funding, they should wait in the waiting room.
4. KNOW THE PROGRAM AND HOW IT FITS YOUR CAREER PLANS. If you are not able to explain the reasons you will study in a particular program in the US, you may not succeed in convincing the consular officer that you are indeed planning to study, rather than to immigrate. You should also be able to explain how studying in the US relates to your future professional career when your return home.
5. BE BRIEF. Because of the volumes of applications received, all consular officers are under considerable time pressure to conduct a quick and efficient interview. They must make a decision, for the most part, on the impressions they form during the first minute or two of the interview. Consequently, what you say first and the initial impression you create are critical to your success. Keep your answers to the officer's questions short and to the point.
6. SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTATION. It should be clear at a glance to the consular officer what written documents you are presenting and what they signify. Lengthy written explanations cannot be quickly read or evaluated. Remember that you will have 2-3 minutes of interview time, if you're lucky.
7. NOT ALL COUNTRIES ARE EQUAL. Applicants from countries suffering economic problems or from countries where many students have remained in the US as immigrants will have more difficulty getting visas. Statistically, applicants from those countries are more likely to be intending immigrants. They are also more likely to be asked about job opportunities at home after their study in the US.
8. EMPLOYMENT. Your main purpose in coming to the US should be to study, not for the chance to work before or after graduation. While many students do work off-campus during their studies, such employment is incidental to their main purpose of completing their US education. You must be able to clearly articulate your plan to return home at the end of your program. If your spouse is also applying for an accompanying F-2 visa, be aware that F-2 dependents cannot, under any circumstances, be employed in the US. If asked, be prepared to address what your spouse intends to do with his or her time while in the US. Volunteer work and taking recreational classes are permitted activities.
9. DEPENDENTS REMAINING AT HOME. If your spouse and children are remaining behind in your country, be prepared to address how they will support themselves in your absence. This can be an especially tricky area if you are the primary source of income for your family. If the consular officer gains the impression that your family members will need you to remit money from the US in order to support themselves, your student visa application will almost certainly be denied. If your family does decide to join you at a later time, it is helpful to have them apply at the same post where you applied for your visa.
10. MAINTAIN A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. Do not engage the consular officer in an argument. If you are denied a student visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal, and try to get the reason you were denied in writing.
 
What is the weather like in Madison?
Answer: The Madison climate is typical of a temperate zone, with marked seasonal variation in temperature and precipitation. Within each season, the weather may be quite changeable.
  • Fall - mid-September through mid-November) days alternate between warm and cool temperatures depending on what month (60F/15C); nights are cooler (32F/0C).

  • Winter -(December through March) continuous cold weather with occasional warmer day; snow, sometimes deep is possible at anytime (32F to below 0F or 0C to 20C).

  • Spring - (April through May) increasing warm weather, sunny days, occasional rain (40F-60F).

  • Summer -(June to mid-September) sunny, warmer and hot weather (70F to 90F or 25C to 35C); medium to occasionally high humidity.

How much money should I bring with me?
Answer: You should bring enough money to pay for your tuition and living expenses. This should be in the form of traveler's checks. A bank account can be started after your arrival. In addition, you will need to bring enough money to cover your housing, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses during your fist few weeks on campus. We recommend between $800 -$1000 cash.

How do I register or check in with the University?
Answer: All international students are required to attend the International Student Orientation to formally register with ISS. If you are a new undergraduate student, you will need to attend SOAR (Student Orientation and Advising Registration) before school begins. You will register for classes and meet with advisors during this time. You will receive an invitation by mail to invite your participation in the SOAR program.

If you are a graduate student, you will receive information regarding the mandatory International Student Services Orientation and additional information from your department and academic advisor. You will meet with your academic advisor upon arrival and register for courses after consulting with him/her.

What is the difference between on-campus and off-campus living?
Answer: On-campus living usually requires you to share a dormitory room with one or more individuals of the same sex. Your will also share lavatory facilities with other individuals on your floor. For information on campus housing, contact the University Housing Assignment Office at (608) 262-2522 or visit their website at http://www.housing.wisc.edu/.

Off-campus living in Madison includes houses, rooms and apartment buildings that offer 12-month leases, some 9-month leases available. Most apartments are affordable if you share the expenses with a roommate. For off-campus housing, contact the Campus Information and Visitor Center (CIVC) in the Red Gym at (608) 263-2400 or visit their website at http://www.civc.wisc.edu.
 

LIVING IN MADISON



How do I find out about using the buses?
Answer: UW-Madison students are eligible for a free ASM Students Bus Pass. You can pick up your bus pass at the Memorial Union or Union South 24 hours after you have registered for classes. Bring your valid UW student ID. Passes are being distributed beginning the first day of Wisconsin Welcome Week each semester in Memorial Union and Union South, 10am-6pm, M-F. During the semester, the distribution site moves to ASM Student Print, in the basement of the Memorial Union. Watch for signs about when to pick these up. Bus schedules may be obtained from the Campus Visitor Assistance Center located in the Red Gym.

Where can I find furniture?
Answer: Madison Friends of International Students (MFIS) and Dale Heights Presbyterian Church have a limited supply of used furniture to lend to international students and faculty. Each international student or family may borrow up to eight items, for a small fee for each item. You must return the furniture before you leave Madison, so that it will be available for others. You will need to make arrangements for moving the furniture to your living quarters, and back to the church when you no longer need it.
The Furniture Loan is open only on the first Saturday mornings of each month, and it is closed during the Christmas holidays and the Saturdays nearest Thanksgiving and Easter. To contact MFIS, call (608) 263-4010 or visit their website at http://www.iss.wisc.edu/mfis/.
If you want to buy used furniture, check bulletin boards in University housing areas, libraries, and local stores for used furniture for sale. Look under "Furniture-Used," "Consignment Sales" and "Resale Shops" in the classified section of the newspapers or the Yellow Pages of the phone book for ads for used furniture for sale.
Resale Shops and Second Hand Stores also sell used furniture and household items:
  • Bethel Parish Shoppe, 315 N. Carroll Street, 255-9183.

  • Goodwill Industries has four locations in Madison. Campus: 2635 University Avenue, 224-0780; East Side: 1302 Mendota Street, 246-1990; West Side: 4530 Verona Road, 271-0048; Monona: 2501 Royal Avenue, 224-0781.

  • St. Vincent de Paul Society, 1309 Williamson Street, 257-0672.

  • House of Thrift, 474 N. Sherman Avenue, 246-0889.

  • The Collectors Corner, 6633 University Avenue, Middleton, 831-2474.

In a "garage sale," "yard sale," "rummage sale," or "resale," Madison residents sell used household goods at their residences. Churches and other organizations also hold these kinds of sales. Garage Sales usually take place during the summer months, on weekends. You do not need an invitation to go to a garage sale; everybody is welcome. Generally, you have to pay for items with cash only. Items are sold "as is" and all sales are final. Check the classified section of the daily newspaper under "Garage Sales."
You can buy new furniture in furniture stores and most department and discount stores. See "Furniture and Retail" and "Department Stores" in the "Yellow Pages".
 
Where can I buy food from my home country?
Answer:
Many supermarkets have an imported / ethnic food section. The following grocers specialize in imported foods:

ASIAN
  • Asian Midway Foods, 301 S. Park Street, 255-5864.

  • Lee's Oriental Grocer, 3240 University Avenue, 231-1593.

  • Oriental Food Market, 1206 S. Park Street, 255-0326.

  • Oriental Shop, 1029 S. Park Street, 251-7991.

  • Yue-Wah Oriental Foods, 2328 S. Park Street, 257-9338.

  • Thakek Video & Asian Food Store, 1310 S. Midvale Boulevard, 298-0743

INDIAN
  • Bombay Bazzar, 2807 University Avenue, 321-1211.

  • Yue-Wah Oriental Foods (see above).

  • Asian Midway Foods (see above).

EUROPEAN
  • Fraboni's Italian Specialties and Delicatessen, 822 Regent Street, 256-0546 and 108 Owen Road, 222-0546.

  • Gino's Italian Deli, 4606 Verona Road, 273-1981.

  • Bavaria Sausage Kitchen, 6317 Nesbitt Road, 271-1295, www.bavariasausage.com

  • Classens European Bakery, 7610 Donna Drive, Middleton, 831-2032.

  • La Brioche Bakery, 509 S. Midvale Blvd, 233-3388.

  • Emian's European Bakery & Cafe, 4544 Monona Drive, 224-0888.

MEXICAN
  • La Mexicana Grocery, 36 S. Fair Oaks Avenue, 241-4554.

  • Yue-Wah Oriental Foods (see above).

MIDDLE EASTERN
  • LuLu's Deli and Restaurant, 2524 University Avenue, 233-2172.

 

How can I become more involved on campus?

Answer:
Over 600 student organizations exist on the UW-Madison campus. These groups offer an outlet for pursuing academic, professional, social, political and recreational interests with others of a similar mind. To see if there is an organization on campus that meets on activities and issues that matter to you, explore the Student Organization Office (SOO) listings at http://soo.studentorg.wisc.edu/ . There are usually about 40 registered international student organizations on the UW-Madison campus. They represent different national groups, or groups of students with interests in particular regions or international activities. The groups have varied purposes but a great resource in helping your transition to American campus life, as well as providing friendships and helping communication between individuals of the same country, and to preserve and promote national culture on campus. For a complete listing of international organizations visit SOO’s website at: http://wiscinfo.doit.wisc.edu/soo/pages/ and click on the Search for Keyword link. Click on the “International” keyword search and a list of all current international student organizations will appear.

Where can I obtain a driver’s license or a state identification card?

Answer:
Obtain a Wisconsin state ID card or driver’s license from the department of Motor Vehicles, located at 4802 Sheboygan Avenue. From campus, take the 2 or 8 bus. For the ID card, take your passport, additional identification with your photograph or signature, such as UW ID card, plus a small fee. Note: you cannot obtain a Wisconsin ID if you have a valid driver’s license from Canada or any other state in the US. For the driver’s license: you will have to take a vision test, a written test, and a practical driving test of your driving skills. There is a charge for the road test.

How do I get a SSN (Social Security Number)?

Answer: You are not eligible for a Social Security Card unless you have on-campus employment. If you do not work, you have to get an ITIN instead (see below).

Only your employer has the right to ask you for your Social Security Number. You do NOT need a SSN for the following purposes: bank account, phone connection, driver’s license, tax forms, credit cards, leases etc. If companies ask you for your SSN, tell them you are not eligible and give them your ITIN or passport number instead.

If you are employed on-campus, you will need to obtain a Social Security Card. You can apply by taking your employment offer letter, your passport, and your immigration documents (for J-1 visa holders also a letter from your sponsor authorizing employment) to the Social Security Administration Office at 6011 Odana Road or call (608) 270-1141. You can also visit their website at www.ssa.gov. Request a stamped copy of your application so you have something to show your prospective employer until you receive your official card.



 

What is an ITIN?

Answer: New Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules require international visitors obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) rather than a US Social Security number unless you are employed. You will need your ITIN or Social Security number to complete required US tax forms.You can apply for the ITIN number by making an appointment with Jose Carus in the Business Services Office of the Peterson Building by calling 262-0582. To apply for the ITIN number, you will need a W-7 form, your I-20 or IAP-66, your passport with visa stamp, and your I-94 card. You can download the W-7 Form from the IRS website: http://www.irs.gov/forms_pubs/forms.html or obtain it from Jose Carus. You can also apply for the ITIN at the Internal Revenue Service Office at 545 Zor Shrine Place; call 1-800-829-1040 for more information.


MAINTAINING YOUR STATUS


Why do I have to attend ISS Orientation?

Answer: All international students are required by immigration regulations and UW policy to attend an ISS Orientation program and complete an “international student registration”. We will officially register you at that time. Bring your passport, your visa, your I-20 (F-1 student) or IAP-66 (J-1 student), the I-94 card stapled in your passport, and a pen. We will go over important information concerning your rights and obligations as international student visitors in the US . Pick up an ISS Orientation schedule at the ISS office or at the ISS Welcome Table located in the lobby of the Red Gym open two weeks prior to classes beginning from 10:00-3:00 pm . If you missed Orientation please consult with ISS. Click here for more information on the ISS Orientation.

What does it mean to maintain your status?

Answer: International students must abide by certain rules while studying here. You must enroll as a fulltime student, accept work only with authorization, maintain a valid passport, and keep your I-20 or IAP-66 current at all times. If you fail to do the above, you will be considered out of status.

What happens if I am not in status?

Answer: You must apply for reinstatement or travel outside the US and re-enter. Please see an ISS advisor for further assistance.

As an international student, I must be enrolled full-time.How many credits must I carry?


Answer: The minimum number of credits each student must carry per semester is:

Undergraduates - 12 credits .

Masters & Ph.D. non-dissertators - 8 credits.

Ph.D. dissertators - 3 credits.

Teaching and Project Assistants with 33.3% appointments may, with departmental approval, register for 6 credits.

Teaching Assistants with 50% appointments may, with departmental approval, register for 4 credits.


 

How can I extend my visa?

Answer: Do you mean Visa or I-20/IAP-66? If you need a US visa extension, next time you travel abroad, apply at a US Embassy overseas taking your 1-20/IAP-66 with a valid travel endorsement, valid passport, updated financials, and an enrollment letter or a transcript. If you are a J-1 student, you will also need to request a visa renewal letter from ISS. Your visa can be expired while you are in this country. Click here for Tips on Applying for a Nonimmigrant Visa (for returning students). If you need to extend your I-20 or IAP-66 please visit Extension (For F-1 Students) or Extension (For J-1 Students) for more information.

After graduation, how long can I stay in the United States?

Answer: F -l students have 60 days. J-l students have 30 days. You may not work during this period nor can you travel outside the US and re-enter.

When and how can I extend my F-l/J-1 status?

Answer: We require the following time periods to successfully extend your status without interruption (barring any unforeseen problems):


  • F-l, 1-20 extension: at least 30 days before 1-20 expiration date

  • J-l, IAP-66 extension: 60 days before IAP-66 expiration date


To extend your I-20 or IAP-66 please visit Extension (For F-1 Students) or Extension (For J-1 Students) for more information.

How do I get a green card?

Answer: ISS handles nonimmigrant student questions and does not have expertise on green card applications. Please consult with an immigration attorney and use the ISS handout for selecting an attorney.


 

EMPLOYMENT



Can international students work on campus?
Answer: While school is in session F-l students can work 20 hours/week and not restricted during breaks (summer, spring, winter). J-1 students must obtain written permission from their program sponsor in order to work on campus. J-1 students are also restricted to 20 hours/week and are allowed to work unlimited hours during breaks.

I will transfer to UW this coming semester.
Can I work on campus before school start?

Answer: If you have been accepted to UW, and have been issued an 1-20 for transfer purposes, you will be allowed to work on campus (UW) provided your transfer is complete. You are no longer eligible for any benefits provided to you by your previous school. For example, if you have been granted an EAD (work permission based on economic necessity) the work permission is automatically voided, you can no longer work at your former school, you will no longer be eligible for practical training based on a program completed at your former school, etc. Please attend one of our scheduled workshops for additional information.

Does off-campus work for F-l students require documentation and permission?
Answer: Always. Consult ISS Advisor for more information.

Can an F-l student apply for work permission due to economic necessity?
Answer: Off-campus work permission may be granted by the USCIS when there is economic necessity due to unforeseen changes in student's financial circumstances and such necessity is well documented. Permission to work is rarely granted and should not be viewed as a viable source of support. Consult with an ISS Advisor for more information.

What is OPT and how can I apply for OPT?
Answer: OPT stands for Optional Practical Training and allows an F-1 student who has been studying in the US for more than nine months to work off campus in a job related to his/her studies that is commensurate with their major and educational level. ISS holds OPT workshops every Mondays at 4:00 pm in the Media Room, Red Gym. Attendance at workshop is mandatory to apply for OPT. Applications and instructions will be given at the workshop.

What is CPT and how can I apply for CPT?
Answer: This work option is ideal for Engineering and Agriculture Co-op projects. Curricular Practical Training is defined as alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required or optional internship that is an integral part of your degree program. You will need authorization from ISS for this type of practical training. If you are authorized for one year or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training, you will not be eligible for post-degree OPT. Consult with an ISS Advisor for more information.

 

TRAVEL



I plan to travel out of the US tomorrow. Can I bring my 1-20 for your signature?
Answer: Bring in your 1-20 or DS-2019 during ISS office hours; M-F from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. They are normally endorsed for travel overnight. Your signed document will be ready the next working day.

Should I wait until the OPT approval comes, before I plan to go to MY HOME COUNTRY?
Answer: If a person has a petition pending at INS and subsequently travels out of the USA, the petition is considered abandoned. We recommend that you not travel until the outcome your petition is known. Come to one of our OPT workshops held every Mondays at 4:00 pm in the Media Room, Red Gym for additional information.

I'm on OPT. I plan to travel abroad, what do I need to gain re-entry to the United States?
Answer: You will need a valid endorsement on the back of your I-20. Bring your I-20 and your EAD card to ISS to obtain a travel endorsement valid for 6 months. To re-enter, show the port of entry officials your endorsed I-20 and your EAD card along with your valid visa and passport.

I want to visit Canada, Mexico, The Caribbean, or adjacent islands (except Cuba) for 30 days or less. What documents must I take with me?
Answer: You should first determine from ISS if a visa is required for citizens of your country to enter Canada or Mexico. If you need a visa, plan to contact the nearest consulate office well in advance of your planned trip. Addresses and phone numbers are available at ISS.

For a trip less than 30 days in duration you may be eligible for an Automatic Extension of the validity of your US visa. This will allow you to re-enter the US without having to apply for a new US visa stamp if your current one is expired. This does not apply to citizens of certain countries, to those who do not have a US visa stamp, and to holders of US visas that have been cancelled. After determining your need for a visa, the following guidelines apply for you to re-enter the US:

For a trip less than 30 days in duration you need to take these documents:
  • Valid 1-94 card

  • Passport (Valid for at least 6 months)

  • Endorsed 1-20 ID or DS-2019 made within 12 months.

  • A US visa stamp (does not need to be valid unless it is marked with 212 (d) (3) (28) and is exempt from automatic revalidation)


Important Changes Effective April 1, 2002:
  • Citizens of Cuba, Iraq, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria are ineligible for an Automatic Extension of their visa validity. You must apply for and obtain a new visa in order to re-enter the US.

  • Citizens of all other nations who choose to apply for a new visa stamp while visiting Canada, Mexico, and the adjacent islands (except Cuba) are ineligible for an Automatic Extension of their visas. If you apply for a visa and it is denied, you will not be able to re-enter the US! You must obtain a visa in order to re-enter the US.

 

DEPENDENTS



Can F-2 and J-2 holders accept employment?
Answer:
  • Spouse or dependents (F-2) of F-1 students CANNOT work in the USA.

  • Spouse or dependents (J-2) of J-1 students can request permission from USCIS to work only if the additional income goes to support the J-2 holders. Work cannot begin until USCIS grants approval. Consult with an ISS Advisor for more information on this benefit.


My parents need to extend their visas or I have a friend who wants to come to Madison, what should I do?
Answer: Only dependent children under the age of 21 and your spouse would be eligible for F-2 or J-2 visas. All other individuals must apply for tourists or visitors visas.

To help assist your relatives or friends with their visas, you may write an Invitation Letter to the US Embassy and have ISS endorse it to help facilitate your visitors with obtaining their US visas. You can obtain a sample Invitation Letter for your relatives or friends at ISS. Once it is written, you can hand in your Invitation Letters to ISS for our signature during office hours. Allow 2 weeks to complete this request.