We write to share details on two new initiatives created to provide support for international members of our community. Whether navigating complex visa processes or preparing for essential travel abroad, we know that international students, staff and faculty are facing difficult questions and concerns amid shifting federal policies. Brown’s new support resources aim to provide timely, practical assistance during moments of challenge or uncertainty.

International Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund 

The University has established a new International Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund intended to assist eligible employees as they manage legal or personal expenses resulting from unexpected, unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances connected to their visa status. Such circumstances might include a sudden visa termination or other unanticipated disruption. This program offers up to $2,000 in one-time emergency funding as part of the University’s commitment to offer community members support during moments of urgent need — it is not intended to cover routine immigration-related expenses, such as standard visa renewals or elective travel.

Eligibility and Details

• Those eligible to apply for this assistance are non-U.S. citizen, non-student Brown employees — including faculty, staff and postdoctoral employees — who are in benefits-eligible full- or part-time positions and have a current annual salary of $100,000 or less.
• Eligible employees may apply for up to $2,000 in taxable funds. These are not loans and do not need to be repaid. 
• There may be limitations in Brown’s capacity to dispense funds based on visa sponsorship arrangements. For example, employees who have a visa sponsored by another institution may require written approval from that sponsor.
• Eligible employees may request one-time support by submitting a confidential application. These will be reviewed on a rolling basis by the Office of the Provost (for faculty and postdoctoral scholars) or by University Human Resources (for staff).
• Approved funding will be provided in the employee’s next available paycheck.
• The program will remain open to applications through Dec. 12, 2025.

Ongoing Student Support

While eligibility for the faculty and staff emergency fund is limited to non-student employees, Brown offers several parallel mechanisms for students experiencing a range of financial challenges, including immigration-related hardship:

• Undergraduates seeking support for emergent immigration-related financial needs are encouraged to schedule a financial advising appointment with the International Advising team in the College and also can continue to seek appointments on a range of hardship needs, including for immigration, with the Financial Advising team.
• Undergraduates and graduate students may apply for emergency funding through the E-Gap program.
• Graduate students may also be eligible for the Assistance Fund for International Students in UFunds, which provides up to $500 for visa-related legal or administrative expenses.

Legal Assistance for Non-U.S. Citizens Traveling Internationally for Brown-Related Purposes

Through a new partnership with immigration law firm Green and Spiegel, Brown is facilitating legal assistance for non-U.S. citizen students, faculty and staff who:

• have been approved by their department chair or supervisor for essential, Brown-related, international travel, and
• have completed a legal referral form.

Available legal support may include:

• A pre-travel consultation with an attorney to address general immigration questions and assess risks.
• Enrollment in an attorney accessibility program, which allows Green and Spiegel to act on a traveler's behalf and work toward a resolution if challenges arise during re-entry into the U.S.

As a reminder, all Brown students and employees (including staff, faculty and postdocs) are required to register international, Brown-related travel in TravelSafe in accordance with Brown’s Travel Policy. As of May 16, 2025, pre-registration is required for reimbursement for international travel for Brown-related business or Brown-related programs. 

Additional details are available on the University Human Resources website, and community members can email [email protected] with questions. The new legal support services will remain available through Sept. 1, 2025, at which point the University will evaluate the program.

Additional Resources and Support for International Travel

In addition to the legal assistance available through the Green and Spiegel immigration law firm:

• All Brown travelers are welcome to consult privately with the Office of Global Travel Operations, Risk and Resilience for pre-departure planning assistance.
• Brown provides all registered students and employees with access to International SOS, a global travel assistance program offering medical, security and logistical support.

More information on international travel is available on the Office of Global Engagement’s Status Inquiry FAQs page. 

The new emergency financial support and legal resources reflect Brown’s commitment to supporting the safety and well-being of our international students, faculty and staff. We encourage eligible students, faculty and staff to make use of these resources and to reach out with any questions about accessing assistance.

Sincerely,

Francis J. Doyle III, Provost

Sarah Latham, Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration