ISSO | Administrators | Table of Immigration Classifications

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		Immigration Classifications
		B-1/B-2
		J-1
		H-1
		TN
		O-1
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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)
H-1 Temporary Worker	Teaching, Research, other limited occupations	Bachelor's level or equivalent in a specialized field	3 years²	30-60 days	120-180 days³	180-210 days (6-7 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:

Click on an individual classification to learn more about sponsorship policies and procedures
Can be renewed under certain conditions
Expedited processing can be requested from USCIS for a $1000 fee
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

ISSO
Boston University
January 13, 2009

January 13, 2009