Skip to Main Content
UCLA Dashew Center for International Students & Scholars

The advising team at the Dashew Center is available to assist you. There are a number of ways to connect with us. Find the right one for you below:

In-Person Lobby Hours

Monday - Friday (Except University Holidays)

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Pacific Time)

The Dashew Center will be closed in the morning on September 12, 2023. We will be open at 2pm. Please plan accordingly if you need any assistance.

Disclaimer: Lobby Hours are for general inquiries only and do not constitute legal advice. If you have specific visa or status inquiries, please schedule an appointment with an international F-1 or J-1 counselor at the link below.

Virtual Drop-In Hours

Monday - Friday (Except University Holidays)

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Pacific Time)

Click here to join a drop-in Zoom session

Disclaimer: Virtual Drop-In are for general inquiries only and do not constitute legal advice. If you have specific visa or status inquiries, please schedule an appointment with an international F-1 or J-1 counselor at the link below.

Schedule an Appointment with an F-1/J-1 Counselor

Click here to schedule an appointment

Please keep note of the following when scheduling an appointment:

  • All appointments are being held virtually (via Microsoft Teams) and in Pacific Time (US & Canada)
  • Do NOT schedule more than one appointment at a time. Any additional appointments will be cancelled.
  • The Dashew Center does not overlook scholars under the UCLA School of Medicine. You will need to contact the UCLA School of Medicine Visa and Licensing Office for assistance.

Email the Dashew Center

Reminder to always include your BRUIN ID or SEVIS Number(if applicable) when contacting the Dashew Center.

F-1 Visa Unit

Current (F-1 Visa Students)
dcissf1unit@saonet.ucla.edu

Newly Admitted (F-1 Visa Students)
uclai20@saonet.ucla.edu

F-1 Students on OPT
opt@saonet.ucla.edu

Exchange Visitor (J-1) Visa Unit

J-1 Students & Scholars
dcissj1unit@saonet.ucla.edu

Employment Based Visa Unit

(Does not include F-1/ J-1 services):

Sylvia Ottemoeller
Assistant Director, Employment Based Visa Services
sottemoe@saonet.ucla.edu

Niño Abueg
Employment Based Visa Advisor
nabueg@saonet.ucla.edu

General Inquiries

oissassi@saonet.ucla.edu

Programming/Events

intlprograms@saonet.ucla.edu

CPT and OPT Webinars

cpt and opt

Do you want to know more about off-campus employment authorization?

Join us by using the links below to participate in the virtual informational sessions hosted by the Dashew Center staff for UCLA F-1 degree-seeking students ONLY.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Dates (2023): July 12, July 26, August 9, August 23, September 6, September 20, October 4, October 18, November 1, November 15, November 29, December 13.

Time:10 - 11am (Pacific Time)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Zoom Link

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Dates (2023): July 19, August 2, August 16, August 30, September 13, September 27, October 11, October 25, November 8, November 22, December 6, December 20.

Time:2 - 3pm (Pacific Time)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) Zoom Link

Office Location

106 Bradley International Hall
417 Charles E. Young Drive West
Los Angeles, CA 90095

Tel : +1-310-825-1681 (voicemail only)
Fax : +1-310-206-1612