Registration and Visa Information

Visiting international students are welcome to take courses at Boston University Summer Term. Whether you choose to study full-time in the summer or just want to take one course while you visit the US, we are here to help you understand and navigate the rules and regulations for studying at BU this summer. Please be aware that taking Summer Term courses does not constitute admission to a degree program at Boston University.

To register for Boston University Summer Term, international students need to complete several forms depending on their current immigration status. Some of these forms are online, and some need to be mailed, emailed, or faxed to the Summer Term office.

Visiting international students should use the following information to determine their immigration status and the forms that need to be submitted in order to register for Summer Term courses at Boston University.

Please send all documentation to:

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

Phone: 617-353-0556
Fax: 617-353-5532
Email: sumintl@bu.edu

• I am coming to the US to study full-time at Boston University this summer.

  International students who are coming to the United States for the purpose of studying full-time at Boston University during the summer must have an F-1 student visa. In order to apply for a student visa, you must obtain an I-20 from Boston University. Full-time international students must be registered for eight credits if studying for one summer session, or 12 credits if studying for both sessions.

  The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) will provide you with an I-20 after you submit the following application materials by mail, email, or fax to the Summer Term office:

  • International Student Online Enrollment Form
    
  • $50 international student service fee (payable by credit card after submitting the International Student Online Enrollment Form)
  • Registration form for Summer 1 and/or Summer 2
  • Directory Information Restriction Form (optional)
  • Health Immunization Record
  • Estimated Expenses
  • A letter from your financial institution stating that you (or your sponsor) have sufficient funds to cover your summer expenses
  • Financial Sponsorship Certification (needs to accompany all other financial documents if you will be sponsored by a family member or other individual )
  • Copy of valid passport (including copy of data page and passport expiration date)
  • Copies of the front and reverse side of your I-94 card and other relevant immigration documents (only required if you are currently in the US)
  • Credit Card Authorization 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. You will then need to pay the SEVIS fee and schedule an interview with your local United States Consulate to obtain approval of your visa (instructions provided with I-20).

• I am currently in the US and enrolled in another program or at another university in F-1 immigration status and will not continue in that program.

  Current F-1 students whose current I-20s will expire or whose programs will end before enrolling in Summer Term must apply for an I-20 from Boston University for their summer study. See above for necessary application materials.

• I am currently in the US and enrolled in another program or at another university in F-1 immigration status and intend to return to the same school in the fall.

  Current F-1 students enrolled full-time in a college/university program in the spring, and who will be enrolled in the same academic program in the fall, do not need a new I-20 from Boston University to study during the summer. They can study either part-time or full-time during their summer break from their current institution. However, they are still required to check-in at the ISSO upon arrival on campus.

  Students enrolled in English language, non-degree, or other short-term programs will likely need to enroll full-time to qualify for F-1 student immigration sponsorship and should follow directions for "I am currently in the US and enrolled in another program or at a university in F-1 immigration status and will not continue in that program."

  To register for Summer Term courses, international students with valid I-20s and valid F-1 student status must submit the following application materials by mail, email, or fax:

  • International Student Online Enrollment Form
  • $50 international student processing fee (payable by credit card after submitting the International Student Online Enrollment Form)
  • Registration form for Summer 1 and/or Summer 2
    
  • Health Immunization Record
  • Copy of valid passport (including copy of data page, passport expiration, and F-1 visa)
  • Copies of the front and reverse side of your I-94 card
  • Copies of page 1 and page 3 of ALL of your I-20 forms
  • Credit Card Authorization Form (optional)

• I will be traveling in the United States during Summer Term and want to take a course.

  Students may not study under a visitor immigration classification if their main purpose for being in the country is to study at Boston University for the summer. If the main purpose for being in the country is travel or tourism, you may take one course at Boston University during the summer. However, it is recommended that all students study full-time under the F-1 student status.

  To register for Summer Term courses, visitors must submit the following by mail, email, or fax:

  • International Student Online Enrollment Form
  • $50 international student processing fee (payable by credit card after submitting the International Student Online Enrollment Form)
  • Registration form for Summer 1 and/or Summer 2
  • Health Immunization Record
  • Copy of valid passport (including a copy of data page and passport expiration)
  • Copies of the front and reverse side of your I-94 card (only required if you are currently in the US)
  • Credit Card Authorization Form (optional)

If you are not sure which instructions apply to you, please contact us - we're happy to help you with your questions.