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Pre-Arrival Information

We understand that preparing to study in the U.S. may be overwhelming. To help prepare for your arrival please use this checklist.

Pre-Arrival Check-List

1. Review the ISSO website New Student Section thoroughly.

2. Submit your Visa Information/Declaration of Finances/VIDOF.

3. Obtain your Form I-20 for F-1 status or Form DS-2019 for J-1 status.

4. Pay the SEVIS fee.

5. Schedule your visa interview at a U.S. embassy in your home country.

6. Obtain your F-1 or J-1 visa.

7. Check your Orientation program dates and plan your arrival date.

8. Review the Student Health Insurance information on the website.

9. Complete the Pre-Arrival Modules.

Students Coming from a U.S. School: Students transferring their SEVIS Record from another U.S. institution to Brandeis University are required to submit a VIDOF, a copy of their valid passport, and should review the SEVIS Transfer-In for F-1 Visa Holders information.

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

Students Coming with Dependents: Students who are coming with their dependents (spouse or unmarried child under the age of 21 years) should review the dependent's information on the Overview of Student Visa Categories page. If you plan to invite your dependents to join you at a later date, please review our Dependents page.

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Planning 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 orientation 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 2023 semester is January 30th. 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 January 30, 2023:

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

If you can defer your enrollment to Fall 2023, the ISSO will issue a new Form I-20/DS-2019 that reflects a Fall 2023 program start date.

If you are a SEVIS transfer student, inform your Admissions Office and the ISSO so that your SEVIS record can be adjusted accordingly.

International Student Pre-Arrival Modules

The "International Student Pre-Arrival Modules" were created to assist international students as they prepare for their arrival to 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