News & Alert
Announcements from the OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENT & SCHOLAR SERVICES (OISSS)
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We want to extend a warm welcome to both new and returning students!
With the start of the new semester, we want to ensure that you have all the information needed for a successful and smooth experience. Here are some important reminders and updates from the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS):
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OISSS Operating Remotely on Fridays
Starting September 8th, please note that OISSS will operate remotely on Fridays and the office in Page-Robinson Hall (Suite 420) will be closed for walk-ins. However, OISSS team members remain readily accessible through email, Zoom, and phone. If you need assistance or wish to schedule an appointment with your student advisor, please don't hesitate to reach out.
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Reminder about Online Course Enrollment
As per federal regulations, F-1 students must be enrolled primarily in in-person classes. If you would like to take an online class, please be aware that only one online class counts toward your full-time enrollment requirement. For undergraduate students that means of the four classes you take each semester, only one can be online. If you have questions about your own proposed course schedule, please contact your OISSS advisor.
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OISSS Gateway Portal
Remember the OISSS Gateway Portal is your access point to request I-20 updates from OISSS including travel signatures and work authorizations.
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Check Your Travel Signature
New students: Make sure to request a travel signature before leaving the U.S. for break!
Returning students: 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.
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I-20 Upload Reminder
Have you received an I-20 from OISSS recently? Make sure to print the I-20 and sign the first page by hand (do not sign electronically). Then upload a scan/photo of the signed I-20 to your OISSS Gateway Portal in the “Personal & Program” section and click Save.
Your OISSS Gateway account should act as a repository for your immigration documents, including all your signed I-20s. Please note that you may need to present copies of your I-20s when applying for future U.S. immigration benefits such as work authorization, employment visas or permanent residence.
Need a printer? Find one on-campus: https://ithelp.brown.edu/kb/articles/myprint-printer-locations
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Optional Practical Training (OPT) Video: Launching the Week of Sept 25th
Are you eager to kickstart your career in the United States after completing your studies? We've got you covered! OISSS will be launching a detailed OPT (Optional Practical Training) Video Guide, 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
Stay tuned, and get ready to turn your academic journey into a professional adventure!
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Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Workshops
Undergraduate -
Tuesday, October 10, 12pm – 1:30pm (Global Brown lounge, 3rd fl Page-Robinson, light lunch will be served)
Wednesday, October 18, 2pm - 3pm (online, Zoom link to follow)
Masters - To be announced week of Sept. 25
Ph.D - To be announced week of Sept. 25
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Keep your Address and Phone Number Updated in Banner
Report any changes to your address or phone number in Self-Service Banner within 10 days of the change. This is a regulatory requirement for F-1 and J-1 students. Detailed instructions on how to update your information in Banner can be found here.
Undergraduate students living on-campus in the residence halls: Please do not add a local address in Banner as our system is set up to receive this information automatically. However, please provide your cell phone number if you have not already done so.
Reminder: For students living off campus, please do not list your department address or your campus mail box. You are required to provide your actual U.S. residential address (local address = LO). The local address field in Banner (LO) is set up to feed information directly into the OISSS database.
Please make sure that your U.S. Phone Number (Cell Phone#) is listed in your Brown Banner record in the following format without dashes or special characters
ex. [Area Code] _ _ _ (3 digits - e.g. 401 for Rhode Island) [Phone Number] _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (7 digits)
EXAMPLE
[Area Code] 401
[Phone Number] 1234567
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