How to Register

Visiting international students should use the following information to determine what documentation they need to submit in order to register for Summer Term courses at Boston University. The documentation that a student submits depends on his/her immigration status. Please read our Visa Information page to determine your immigration status.

Please send all documentation to:

Boston University Summer Term
International Coordinator
755 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 105
Boston, MA 02215

Fax: 617-353-5532
Phone: 617-353-0556

• A. I need an I-20 from Boston University so that I can apply for an F-1 visa.

  1. Complete the International Student Online Enrollment Form and pay the $50 international student processing fee by credit card upon submitting the form.
  2. Complete and send the following forms to the Summer Term Office:
     • Registration Form for Summer 1 and/or Summer 2 (Students on an F-1 visa must register for a minimum of 8 credits in one summer session or 12 credits for both sessions.)
     • Immunization Record Form
     • Copy of valid passport, including the data page and passport expiration date.
     • Financial Documentation:
       • Read the Estimated Expenses and the Financial Information documents.
       • Submit a bank statement or letter from your financial institution stating that you (or your sponsor) have sufficient funds to cover your summer expenses. This document must be written in English and converted to U.S. dollars.
     • Financial Sponsorship Certification needs to accompany all other financial documents if you will be sponsored by a family member or other individual.
     • Copies of the front and reverse sides of your I-94 card and other relevant immigration documents (only required if you are currently in the U.S.)
     • Directory Information Restriction Form (optional)

  The Summer Term Office will send you your I-20 by courier (FedEx or DHL) within approximately 15 days of receipt of your completed registration materials. When you receive your I-20, you will be officially registered for summer courses and will have the materials you need to apply for your student visa.

  Please note: the Form I-20 is not a visa. After receiving your I-20, you will need to pay the SEVIS fee and schedule an interview with your local United States Consulate to obtain approval of your visa (instructions will be provided with your I-20 and are also available on the International Students and Scholars Office website). We recommend that you schedule this interview in advance so that you have enough time to receive the F-1 visa before leaving your home country to come to the U.S.

• B. I am currently a student at a college/university program in current F-1 immigration status, I will continue my studies at that school in fall 2013, and I do not need an I-20 from Boston University.

  1. Complete the International Student Online Enrollment Form and pay the $50 international student processing fee by credit card upon submitting the form.
  2. Complete and send the following forms to the Summer Term Office:
     • Registration Form for Summer 1 and/or Summer 2 (Students on an F-1 visa from another school may register part-time or full-time in the summer.)
     • Immunization Record Form
     • Copy of valid passport, including the data page, passport expiration date, and F-1 visa.
     • Copies of the front and reverse sides of your most recent I-94 card.
     • Copies of Page 1 and Page 3 of ALL your I-20 forms.
     • Directory Information Restriction Form (optional)

• C. I will be traveling in the U.S. during Summer Term on a B-1 or B-2 visa.

  1. Complete the International Student Online Enrollment Form and pay the $50 international student processing fee by credit card upon submitting the form.
  2. Complete and send the following forms to the Summer Term Office:
     • Registration Form for Summer 1 and/or Summer 2 (Students on a B-1 or B-2 visa may register for one course)
     • Immunization Record Form
     • Copy of valid passport, including the data page and passport expiration date.
     • Copies of the front and reverse sides of your most recent I-94 card (only required if you are currently in the U.S.).
     • Directory Information Restriction Form (optional)

• D. I am currently in the U.S. in J-1, J-2, H-1, H-4 or another immigration status not listed above.

  1. Complete the International Student Online Enrollment Form and pay the $50 international student processing fee by credit card upon submitting the form.
  2. Complete and send the following forms to the Summer Term Office:
     • Registration Form for Summer 1 and/or Summer 2
     • Immunization Record Form
     • Copy of valid passport, including the data page, passport expiration date, and your most recent visa.
     • Copies of the front and reverse sides of your most recent I-94 card.
     • For J-1 Exchange Visitor immigration status in any category: Submit legible copies of the DS-2019 Form.
     • For F-2, J-2, H-4, or any other dependent immigration status: Submit legible copies of all immigration documents from your spouse or parent on whom you are dependent for your immigration status.
     • For any other U.S. immigration status: Submit copies of all of your I-797 Form(s) and/or any other relevant immigration documents.
     • Directory Information Restriction Form (optional)