Application Process
The ISSO is pleased that you have decided to join the Brandeis community!
Once you have received your Brandeis appointment letter, please fill out the online scholar application. In order to complete this you will want to have the following scanned documents handy:
1) A copy of your passport
If dependents are accompanying you, we will also need a copy of their passports.
2) Proof of Funding
U.S. immigration regulations require Brandeis University to verify that international scholars requesting J-1 status have documented proof of funding for the duration of their time at Brandeis University. Funding requirements for new, transfer or continuing J-1 Scholars must meet the following requirements:
Funding Requirements
- Provide proof of funding for the duration of the appointment
- Documents must be in English, or accompanied by an official English translation
- Documents must be dated within 12 months before the appointment start date
- Funds must be liquid/available (not frozen) assets
If your appointment start date is between 07/01/2024-06/30/2025
- Scholars: $2,570 minimum/month ($30,840 annually)
- Dependents: $925 minimum/month ($11,100 annually) per dependent
If your appointment start date is between 07/01/2025-07/01/2026
- Scholars: $2,642 minimum/month ($31,704 annually)
- Dependents: $951 minimum/month ($11,412 annually) per dependent
Funding Documents
- Brandeis Appointment letter for paid employees
- Bank Statement(s) or Bank Letter(s): Bank statements or letters must be dated and include the account holder(s) name(s), account balance, balance date, and currency type. Acceptable account types are, checking or savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates/term deposits/fixed deposits (with maturity dates no later than the appointment start date or stating that funds can be withdrawn at any time). The bank documents cannot be dated more than 12 months from the intended appointment start date at Brandeis.
- Financial Sponsorship Letter: If the bank statement/letter that provides proof of funding belongs to anyone other than the scholar, it must be accompanied by a Financial Sponsorship letter. The requirements for the letter are below:
- Must be dated and signed
- Include the full name of the individual sponsoring the scholar
- Include the relationship of the sponsor to the scholar (i.e. parent, spouse, etc.)
- Include the full name of the scholar being sponsored
- Include that the scholar is attending Brandeis University
- Include a statement that the individual is willing to sponsor the scholar for a specified amount.
- Award/Scholarship Letter: An official Award Letter from any organization granting you a scholarship or loan, must include your name, the date, the terms of the award/scholarship, and the exact amount of the award. If you are using a loan as proof of funding, your loan(s) must be approved.
NOT Acceptable Sources of Funding
- Investments, property, salary statements, income tax forms, Public Provident Funds, material items, credit card statements, and retirement programs.
Scholars may be required to provide all of the original financial support documentation and support letters to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate when applying for a visa. They may also be asked to provide these original documents to the immigration officer at the port of entry to the United States.
To help answer some of your questions about your arrival at Brandeis, the ISSO has prepared the following information:
- New Students
- Current Students
- Student Employment/Internships
- Travel Information for Students and Scholars
- Overview of Visa Categories
- International Scholars and Staff
- About the ISSO
- Contact Us
- Home