Useful External Links

The Office of International Student Services (OISS) at Houston Community College makes no guarantees as to the currency, accuracy, or quality of information stored here. Links to other sites are for the convenience of visitors to this page only and in no way represent sponsorship, endorsement or approval of the original websites, any individuals or organizations. If misleading or otherwise inappropriate information on the OISS page is brought to our attention, a reasonable effort will be made to fix or remove it.

Governmental Websites:

Department of Homeland Security information for F-1 students.
studyinthestates.dhs.gov  an innovative website part of a Department of Homeland Security initiative to make information more accessible and encourage the best and brightest international students to study and learn about expanded post-graduate opportunities in the United States. 

Student to Student: Studying in the States  - SEVP video provides prospective and current international students with the key tips they should keep in mind in order to stay in compliance with U.S. immigration rules and ensure their time studying in the United States is a positive one.

Visa Wait Time
Find out how long it takes for a visa to be issued for your country.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
General information on U.S. Immigration policies.

U.S. Embassy

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement/ Student Site
Useful information for international students studying in the U.S.

U.S. Department of State
Visa for foreign citizens/ students

Immigration and Custom Enforcement
Travel advisory for international students entering the U.S.

Internal Revenue Services
Tax information for foreign students and scholars.

Social Security Administration
Information on how and when you can obtain a Social Security Number.

HCC Police

Housing Resources:
Below are some useful links to assist in finding housing in the city of Houston. 

International House

Houston Association of Realtors

Houston Apartment Association

City of Houston Websites:

City of Houston

Visit Houston Texas
Tourism, Houston events, special offers, info and more.

Better Business Bureau
Valuable source to turn to for objective, unbiased information on businesses in Houston.

Houston Police Department

Texas Department of Public Safety

Houston Chronicle
Houston’s daily newspaper.

Transportation and Travel:

METRO
Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas.

Greyhound Bus Transportation
Contains Greyhound bus fares, schedules, and ticketing information.

Houston Airport System
Important travel information flying to and from Houston.

Universal Currency Converter