Announcements from the OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENT & SCHOLAR SERVICES (OISSS)

Diversity Visa Program (Green Card Lottery) open as of October 4th

The U.S. Department of State will be accepting applications for the 2025 Diversity Visa Program from noon on Wednesday, October 4 until noon on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. 

Students in F-1 or J-1 status (and their dependents) are eligible to apply, except those born in the following countries: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, The People’s Republic of China (including mainland and Hong Kong born), Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Venezuela, and Vietnam.

Natives of Macau SAR and Taiwan are eligible.

With the exception of the United Kingdom and its dependent territories, which are now eligible for DV-2025, there were no changes in eligibility from the previous fiscal year.

You can apply each year and if selected in the lottery, may be issued a green card (permanent residency). There is no application fee. More information can be found here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/diversity-visa-submit-entry1.html

Instructions (PDF) can be accessed here: https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/Diversity-Visa/DV-Instructions-Translations/dv-2025-instructions-translations/DV-2025_Instructions-faqs.pdf 

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Immigration Attorney Presentation Recording & Mark your Calendar for Nov. 16

Immigration attorney Elizabeth Goss presented on campus last semester on Employment and Visa Options for International Students and Scholars. Watch a recording of her presentation here.

The next immigration attorney presentation will take place via zoom on Thursday, November 16 from 3-5 pm. A reminder email with Zoom link will go out closer to the date. 

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Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Workshops for F-1 Undergraduates

OISSS and The College International Student Advising team are offering two general sessions to introduce undergraduate students to Professional Track and Non-Professional Track Curricular Practical Training (CPT):

• Tuesday, October 10, 12pm – 1:30pm (Global Brown lounge, 3rd fl Page-Robinson, light lunch will be served)

• Wednesday, October 18, 2pm - 3pm (Zoom Link Here)

Two additional sessions specifically on the Independent Study Proposal for non-professional track CPT will be offered later in the semester.  

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Optional Practical Training (OPT) Video Series

Are you eager to kickstart your career in the United States after completing your studies? We've got you covered! OISSS has launched a detailed OPT (Optional Practical Training) Video Series, designed to simplify the process of applying for Post-Completion OPT Work Authorization.

In this informative video, you will find step-by-step instructions on:

• Eligibility criteria for OPT

• Application timeline

• Required documents and forms

Watch the video series here: brown.edu/go/opt

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Check Your Travel Signature

If you will be traveling outside the U.S., please check the travel signature on page 2 of your I-20 (J-1 students can find their travel signature on page 1 of their DS-2019). Travel signatures are valid for 1 year (6 months on post-completion OPT) and can be used multiple times before they expire. 

Request a travel signature through your OISSS Gateway Portal account if the travel signature has expired. Click on the “Requests & Documents” tab and submit the Reprint/Travel Signature Request to have a new I-20 or DS-2019 with travel signature issued. For further information about travel, please review this webpage: https://oisss.brown.edu/traveling/what-bring-when-traveling  

When entering the U.S., you must present a printed I-20/DS-2019, along with a valid passport with F-1/J-1 visa to a U.S. customs officer to be admitted to the U.S. in F-1/J-1 status. DO NOT use a nexus or global entry self-check kiosk to enter the U.S. Upon re-entry to the U.S., check your most recent I-94 arrival record  to confirm that you have been re-admitted in F-1/J-1 status.