Information for Graduating International Students

Pre-doctoral International Students

International students in F-1 status: If you will not graduate as expected in May, please make sure your immigration Form I-20 is valid at least until September. If not, you must request an extension from the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO). Instructions for requesting an I-20 extension can be found on the ISSO website.

International students in J-1 status: If you will not graduate as expected in May, please make sure your immigration Form DS-2019 is valid at least until September. If not, you must request an extension from the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO). Instructions for requesting a DS-2019 extension can be found on the ISSO website.

You must submit your extension request to the ISSO at least two weeks in advance of the I-20/DS-2019 end date to ensure you will receive the extension before your current document expires. In addition, students who graduate in September must complete summer semester verification at the ISSO.

Post-doctoral International Students

International students in F-1 status: If you will not graduate as expected in September 2012, please make sure your immigration Form I-20 is valid at least until January 25, 2013. If not, you must request an extension from the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO). Instructions for requesting an I-20 extension can be found on the ISSO website.

International students in J-1 status: If you will not graduate as expected in September 2012, please make sure your immigration Form DS-2019 is valid at least until January 25, 2013. If not, you must request an extension from the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO). Instructions for requesting a DS-2019 extension can be found on the ISSO website.

You must submit your extension request to the ISSO at least one month in advance of the I-20/DS-2019 end date to ensure you will receive the extension before your current document expires. Failure to extend your I-20/DS-2019 immigration document in a timely fashion will result in a violation of your immigration status. In addition, students who graduate in September must complete summer semester verification at the ISSO.

For questions, please contact:
Elizabeth Mirarchi, International Student Advisor
International Students & Scholars Office
Boston University
888 Commonwealth Avenue, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02215
mirarchi@bu.edu

Visa for Visiting Family

If family members need to obtain a visitor visa to enter the U.S., students may request an invitation letter from the ISSO to assist in the visa application process.

International Students & Scholars Office
888 Commonwealth Avenue, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02215
Tel: 617-353-3565
Fax: 617-358-1170
isso@bu.edu
www.bu.edu/isso