International Students and Scholars Office

We are pleased to provide our services from a distance.  We can speak to you by phone, set up a Zoom meeting, or correspond by email.  Just let us know how we can help!  

As we get accustomed to this new way of supporting our international students and scholars, please know that the ISSO team is going to miss you very much, and will thrive on your continued engagement with us.  Please stay in touch. How?

• Email:  ISSO@brandeis.edu

• Phone:  (781) 736-3480 - as we get used to the new system, please leave a voicemail if no one answers immediately.  We will call you right back!

• Zoom:  By appointment with your ISSO advisor.

• Who is your advisor? Please see below for advising assignments by last name.

We wish you health and strength during this difficult time.  You are all in our thoughts. 

• Monday 2:00-4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday 9:00-11:00 a.m.
• Friday 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Please use this link to access virtual drop-in hours: https://brandeis.zoom.us/j/666866300

Drop-in advising sessions are generally reserved for quick questions that require a 5-10 minute discussion with an ISSO advisor. If you have a more complex question, please schedule an appointment. To schedule a Zoom appointment with an ISSO advisor, please send an email to isso@brandeis.edu.

Virtual appointments with ISSO advisors are available on Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

To schedule a Zoom appointment with an ISSO advisor, please send an email to isso@brandeis.edu.

If you have an urgent situation that may make international travel seem necessary (e.g. for family emergency), please contact the ISSO immediately so we can arrange an appointment to discuss any risks associated with your travel abroad or your return to the U.S. If you are experiencing one of the following emergency situations outside of the ISSO's normal business hours, you may reach out to the Brandeis Public Safety Emergency Line at (781) 736-3333 and an ISSO staff member will be contacted:

1. If you are denied boarding a flight bound to the U.S., or denied entry into the U.S., where all of your immigration documentation is valid and are a current student, scholar, or dependent; or
2. If you are detained at an airport or a U.S. Port of Entry (e.g. border-crossing, seaport, etc.)

Please note the exceptions to calling this number below: 

• If you forgot or lost your immigration documents (I-20, DS-2019, EAD card, I-797 Approval Notice, etc.), do not call the number. Instead, email your ISSO advisor or isso@brandeis.edu for assistance.
• If your visa application is delayed or denied, do not call the number. Instead, email your ISSO advisor or isso@brandeis.edu for assistance.
• If Brandeis does not sponsor your immigration status, do not call the number. Instead, contact your immigration sponsor for assistance. (Example: Fulbright, F-1 OPT or J-1 AT through another institution, etc.)
• If you are in the U.S. and hurt or in danger, do not call this number. Instead, call 911. If you are overseas, call emergency services in that country.

The International Students and Scholars Office is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., and can be reached by phone at 781-736-3840.