International Students and Scholars Office

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Pre-Arrival Information

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Pre-Arrival Check List

Use this Pre-Arrival Check-List to keep track of the important tasks to do before your arrival:

Review the ISSO website New Student Section thoroughly.
Submit your Visa Information/Declaration of Finances (VIDOF).
Obtain your Form I-20 for F-1 status or Form DS-2019 for J-1 status.
Pay the SEVIS fee.
Schedule your visa interview at a U.S. embassy in your home country.
Obtain your F-1 or J-1 visa.
Check your Orientation program dates and plan your arrival date.
Review the Student Health Insurance information on the website.
Complete the Pre-Arrival Modules.

Students who hold an immigration status other than F-1/J-1, must contact the ISSO for further guidance.

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Plan Your Arrival Dates

When you make your travel arrangements to the United States, you will need to consider a few things. According to U.S. immigration regulations you are allowed to enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before the program start date on your Form I-20/DS-2019.

You must also be aware of the dates of your orientation program(s). It is important to plan to attend an orientation program to learn about the resources that you will need to get settled in the U.S. and at Brandeis University. There are a few different orientation programs that you may need to attend depending on when you begin your program (Fall or Spring), your degree level, and/or your school. You will receive additional information from the Admissions Office, the undergraduate Orientation Office, your Graduate School, and/or your Academic Department regarding the various orientation programs available. Check our International Student Orientation page for more information.

Late Arrival

If you are unable to arrive for the first day of classes, please notify the ISSO and your Academic/Program Advisor. The latest date you can arrive on campus for the spring semester is September 11, 2024. Please be sure to report your arrival to the ISSO by submitting the ISSO Check-In after you enter the U.S. so we can register you in SEVIS.

If you are unable to arrive in the U.S. on or before September 11:

Undergraduate students should contact Brandeis Undergraduate Admissions.
Graduate students should contact The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Heller School, or the International Business School.

If you decide to defer your enrollment to a future semester, you must contact the Admissions Office and once your deferral is approved, the ISSO will issue a new Form I-20/DS-2019 that reflects your new program start date.

International Student Pre-Arrival Modules

Pre-Arrival Modules

The "International Student Pre-Arrival Modules" were created to assist international students as they prepare for their arrival at Brandeis University. These modules are required for all incoming undergraduate and graduate F-1 and J-1 students and should be completed before arrival at Brandeis. International students who have been admitted to Brandeis University will receive an email with instructions on how to complete the modules approximately one month before their program start date.

Helpful Resources

Brandeis Academic Calendar
International Student Life Cycle - Study in the States
Student Visa Types - EducationUSA