About Visa and Immigration Services (VIS)
Stony Brook University is home to more than 6,000 international students, scholars, and faculty from over 100 countries.
Visa and Immigration Services (VIS), part of the Office of Global Affairs, advises and supports individuals in F-1, J-1, and employment-based visa categories. We help international students and scholars obtain and maintain lawful immigration status while studying, conducting research, or working at Stony Brook.
VIS also ensures the university’s compliance with federal immigration regulations by maintaining accurate records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and fulfilling required federal reporting obligations.
Our Mission
Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) is committed to supporting the international community at Stony Brook University by facilitating entry to the United States, assisting with the transition to life in the U.S., and providing services that address the unique needs of international students, scholars, and their dependents.
VIS serves as a resource for international students, scholars, faculty, and the academic departments that host them. In addition to issuing immigration documents required to obtain nonimmigrant visas, our office provides advising and information on immigration regulations, employment authorization, cultural adjustment, and personal development to promote success and compliance.
Through orientation programs, advising services, educational programming, and campus partnerships, VIS works to strengthen international education at Stony Brook and connect students and scholars with resources that support their academic and personal success.
VIS Office Hours
Business Hours
Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location
E-5310 Frank J. Melville Jr. Memorial Library
Contact Information
Phone: (631) 632-4685
Fax: (631) 632-7064
Email: vis@stonybrook.edu
Please allow 2–3 business days for a response.
Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding university holidays.
Advising Services
VIS advisors are available by appointment or during designated advising hours to assist international students and scholars with immigration questions and benefit requests.
Advising hours may change during holidays, university closures, or peak advising periods.
View Advising Services and Hours
Share Feedback
If your request is taking longer than the normal processing time (5–7 business days) without a status update, if it has been more than two business days since you emailed VIS staff without receiving a response, or if you would like to share general feedback, please complete the VIS Inquiry and Feedback Form.
Our team will review your submission and respond with an updated timeline or guidance on next steps.