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Immigration Classifications

The table below outlines various sponsorship classifications. Timeline estimates assume that the scholar is physically present outside the US prior to commencing his/her appointment. If the prospective scholar is already in the US in a non-immigrant classification, the department faculty or staff member wishing to invite and/or employ the international scholar must confer with a staff member at the ISSO for further guidance.

The length of time required to process a request for sponsorship can vary according to immigration classification and individual circumstances. However, please refer to the quick reference guide to Boston University immigration sponsorship policies and procedures below indicating the estimated time needed to process most requests.

All requests for the employment of foreign nationals must be processed through the ISSO. Only the ISSO staff is authorized to sign the legal documents and forms required to sponsor international scholars. If you receive any forms requiring an authorized signature, please forward them to the ISSO.

 

Immigration
Classification1
Academic
Activity
Minimum
Academic
Requirements
Maximum
Duration
of Status
ISSO
Processing
Estimates
(business days)
Government
Agency
Processing
Estimates
(business days)
Total
Processing
Estimate4

B-1, B-2
WB, WT

One-time
lecture or
consultation
Not Applicable 9 business days Not
Applicable
20-30 days 30 days
(1 Month)
J-1 Short-Term
Scholar
Academic
Research or
Instruction
Graduate-level education
or equivalent
6 months 10 days 20-30 days 40 days
(1.5 months)
J-1 Research
Scholar
Academic
Research
Graduate-level education
or equivalent
5 years 10 days 20-30 days 40 days
(1.5 months)
J-1 Professor Academic
Instruction
Graduate-level education
or equivalent
5 years 10 days 20-30 days 40 days
(1.5 months)
J-1 Specialist Academic
Activities
including
Consulting
Expertise in
a specialized
field
1 year 10 days 20-30 days 40 days
(1.5 months)
Intership or academic research
Enrolled in a college or university-level program abroad
1 year
10 days
20-30 days
40 days
(1.5 months)
H-1 Temporary
Worker
Teaching,
Research,
other
limited
occupations
Bachelor's level
or equivalent
in a specialized
field
3 years2 60 days5 120-180 days3 180-210 days
(6-7 months)

Teaching,
Research,
or employment in major field

N/A - Graduate of U.S. college or unversity in certain designated major fields
17 months
10 days
90-120 days
100-130 days
(3.5 - 4.5 months)
 
TN Trade
NAFTA
Teaching,
Research,
other
limited
occupations
Requirements
vary depending
on occupation
3 years2 10 days 2 days
(Canada)
20-30 days
(Mexico)
12 days
(Canada)
40 days
(Mexico)
O-1
Extraordinary
Ability
Teaching,
Research,
other
limited
occupations
International
Expert in
field
3 years2 60 days 150 days3 210 days
(7 months)

 

Notes:

  1. Click on an individual classification to learn more about sponsorship policies and procedures
  2. Can be renewed under certain conditions
  3. Expedited processing can be requested from USCIS for a $1,225 fee
  4. Estimates based on the time required for the average visa application at a US Consulate or Embassy and does NOT account for possible security clearance delays
  5. Updated July 2009 to reflect longer processing times required to complete US Department of Labor steps.

 

ISSO
Boston University
November 29, 2011

Boston University International Students & Scholars Office November 29, 2011