International Students and Scholars Office

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 Fall semester is September 14th, 2023. 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 14th:

• 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 Fall 2024, 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 a Fall 2024 program start date.
  
  If you are a SEVIS transfer student, remember tp inform your Admissions Office and the ISSO so that your SEVIS record can be adjusted accordingly.