Recent Immigration-Related Actions of the current U.S. Administration
On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security replaced the longstanding “duration of status” (D/S) model with a fixed-period admission model for F and J visa holders. The new rules were supposed to take effect on September 15, 2026. Our colleagues in the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) have been carefully studying new immigration rules to fully understand its impact here at Boston University. ISSO continues to update its website with new information to help guide your understanding and decision-making related to federal rule changes. Please check out the BU Today story with details about virtual town halls. We invite all international students to attend ISSO’s virtual town halls to learn more about the new regulation and how BU is supporting students through this transition. We also encourage international students and scholars to use the many supports and resources available at BU Support Pathways.
Int’l Student Experience
Int’l Students & Scholars Office (ISSO)
English Translations
If you previously attended a non-English speaking institution, you will need to provide an English translation of all your documents, transcripts and academic records. If your previous school does not provide English copies, you must submit a certified English translation of your transcripts and academic records (coursework, graduation/diploma certificates) with the originals. The translation may be completed by an embassy (if available) or professional translation service or public notary. Recommendation letters must also be in English.
English Language Proficiency
All graduate applicants must demonstrate academic-level proficiency in the English language regardless of citizenship, residency or place of birth.
How do I provide evidence of English language proficiency?
The English language proficiency requirement can be satisfied in any of the following ways:
A. You are a legal citizen or permanent resident (“Green Card” holder) of the United States. This includes citizens of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands.
- If you correctly list your citizenship in the application (it is a required field), there is nothing you need to do. You satisfied the requirement.
B. You are a legal citizen of one of the following 35 countries: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Micronesia, Montserrat, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Kingdom, or Zimbabwe.
- If you correctly list your citizenship in the application (it is a required field), there is nothing you need to do. You satisfied the requirement.
C. You are a legal citizen of Cameroon or Canada and have earned your post-secondary degree (bachelor’s or higher) at an accredited college or university where English is the sole official language of instruction.
- You must correctly list your citizenship in the application (it is a required field).
- Your transcript must clearly state that English is the sole language of instruction at that institution. English must be the only medium of instruction for all academic coursework (excluding foreign language classes). You may also include an official letter from the institution confirming that English is the sole language of instruction at that institution (not just your specific program) and attach it to the transcript.
- An English language or English literature degree from an institution where English is not the sole language of instruction is not acceptable. A multilingual program is not acceptable; all classes must be taught in English (excluding foreign language classes). A “dual degree” where a student is simultaneously enrolled in an English-speaking country and another country is not acceptable. Studying as an exchange student in an English-speaking country is not acceptable.
- Please upload this transcript and/or letter to your application. As a next step, please email grsphd@bu.edu and include your name and email address as listed in your application (we need to be able to locate your application). At that point, we will review your application and if your documents meet these exact criteria, you will have satisfied the requirement. We will not proactively review your application, you must email our office.
D. You have studied in the United States (or one of the before-mentioned 37 countries) at an accredited college or university in the same degree-seeking, English-only speaking program for at least two consecutive years (24 months) or more prior to the start date of our PhD or MFA program.
- Your transcript must clearly state that English is the sole language of instruction at that institution. English must be the only medium of instruction for all academic coursework (excluding foreign language classes). You may also include an official letter from the institution confirming that English is the sole language of instruction at that institution (not just your specific program) and attach it to the transcript.
- An English language or English literature degree from an institution where English is not the sole language of instruction is not acceptable. A multilingual program is not acceptable; all classes must be taught in English (excluding foreign language classes). A “dual degree” where a student is simultaneously enrolled in an English-speaking country and another country is not acceptable. Studying as an exchange student in an English-speaking country is not acceptable.
- Please upload this transcript and/or letter to your application. As a next step, please email grsphd@bu.edu and include your name and email address as listed in your application (we need to be able to locate your application). At that point, we will review your application and if your documents meet these exact criteria, you will have satisfied the requirement. We will not proactively review your application, you must email our office.
E. You have received, or expect to receive, an undergraduate or graduate degree (bachelor’s or higher, incl. a one-year master’s degree) from an institution anywhere in the world where the sole official language of instruction in English, prior to the start date of our PhD or MFA program..
- Your transcript must clearly state that English is the sole language of instruction at that institution. English must be the only medium of instruction for all academic coursework (excluding foreign language classes). You may also include an official letter from the institution confirming that English is the sole language of instruction at that institution (not just your specific program) and attach it to the transcript.
- An English language or English literature degree from an institution where English is not the sole language of instruction is not acceptable. A multilingual program is not acceptable; all classes must be taught in English (excluding foreign language classes). A “dual degree” where a student is simultaneously enrolled in an English-speaking country and another country is not acceptable. Studying as an exchange student in an English-speaking country is not acceptable.
- Please upload this transcript and/or letter to your application. As a next step, please email grsphd@bu.edu and include your name and email address as listed in your application (we need to be able to locate your application). At that point, we will review your application and if your documents meet these exact criteria, you will have satisfied the requirement. We will not proactively review your application, you must email our office.
F. You have passing English language proficiency test scores.
- Refer to “Which test do you accept and what are the minimum scores?” below
If you do not have passing English proficiency scores and/or do not meet any of the criteria for exemption, you are automatically disqualified; you cannot apply to one of our PhD or MFA programs. You cannot appeal. Application fees will not be refunded.
I should be exempt for other reasons. Can you waive the requirement?
No. We will not waive this requirement for any reason. It is the applicant’s responsibility to confirm that they satisfy this requirement (refer to: “Do I have to take an English proficiency test” above) and follow the instructions. Please read the above-mentioned criteria carefully. You must provide English language proficiency test scores if you do not meet the exact criteria. If you do not meet any of the criteria and do not have passing English language proficiency scores, you will be automatically disqualified and you cannot apply to one of our PhD or MFA programs. You cannot appeal. Application fees will not be refunded.
Which tests do you accept and what are the minimum scores?
We accept the following English proficiency tests and minimum scores:
- TOEFL: Most recent Internet-based Test (iBT) only (test center or home edition). We do not accept “MyBest Scores.”
- 100 Overall Score (on a scale from 0-120) for test taken on or before January 20, 2026.
- 5 Total Score (on a scale from 1-6) for test taken on or after January 21, 2026.
- IELTS Academic: 7.0 Overall Band Score. IELTS Academic test only. IELTS General Training, IELTS UKVI, and IELTS Online tests are not accepted. From mid-2026, IELTS will no longer offer a paper-based test. All IELTS tests will be delivered on computer.
- CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH QUALIFICATIONS: 185 Overall Score on B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency exams
- DUOLINGO: 130 Overall Score
We recommend that you take the test at least 3 to 6 months prior to the application deadline. If you do not have passing English Proficiency Scores and/or do not meet any of the criteria for exemption, you are automatically disqualified; you cannot apply to one of our PhD or MFA programs. You cannot appeal. Application fees will not be refunded.
How do I submit my test scores?
TOEFL
The Graduate School must receive your official TOEFL test scores from ETS electronically. The Graduate School does not accept test scores on paper or sent via email.
The ETS institution code is 3087 to send official TOEFL scores to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences at BU. You do not need to specify a department code when requesting test scores be sent to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. If the system requires you to enter a program code, you may enter any department code (ex: “99”). The Graduate School will receive your scores regardless of the department code.
Please ensure the registration number, name, and birth date on your online application match the information you provided to ETS. This information allows your test scores to be matched to your application. Please note that if you select an institution code for an institution outside of BU, you will need to contact ETS and have your scores resent to institution code 3087. We will not accept a copy of any test score as a substitute for an original report.
If you did not request that your test scores be sent to GRS at institution code 3087 when you took the test, you can always order additional score reports. Visit the ETS website for more information on ordering TOEFL reports. Please remember that photocopies of test score reports are not considered official.
CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH QUALIFICATIONS
After you have completed the exam and have submitted your admissions application, please email a copy of your Cambridge English Certificate to grsphd@bu.edu with subject line “Cambridge English Qualifications,” and include your first and last name, the email address used in application (it must match the application, the email will be used to find your application in the system, please make sure you check that it is correct and spelled correctly), your Cambridge English Qualifications Candidate ID, and the name of the PhD or MFA program to which you are applying in the email.
IELTS
It is important that you schedule your IELTS test well in advance of the application deadline so your scores will be received before the application review. Applicants submitting IELTS scores will need to contact their testing center and request official test scores be sent electronically to Boston University Graduate School of Arts & Sciences via our e-delivery account name: Boston University Graduate Programs.
DUOLINGO
When you complete your Duolingo exam, please select Boston University Graduate & Professional Programs as a score recipient. After you submit your admissions application to GRS, please email a copy of your Duolingo Certificate to grsphd@bu.edu with subject line “Duolingo,” and include your first and last name, email address used in application (it must match the application, the email will be used to find your application in the system, please make sure you check that it is correct and spelled correctly), the Duolingo exam date, and the name of the PhD or MFA program to which you are applying in the email.
Can I submit passing scores after the application deadline?
No. Your application must be complete by the application deadline to be considered for admission. This includes your English language proficiency test scores. We recommend that you take the test at least 3 to 6 months prior to the application deadline.
How long are my test scores valid?
All English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, Cambridge English Qualifications, IELTS, Duolingo) are valid for two years (24 months). For example, an applicant who submits an application on December 15, 2026, must have taken the English proficiency test after December 15, 2024.
I sent my test scores in a prior year. Do you still have them on file?
All test scores must be submitted at the time of application. Unfortunately, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences will not be able to retrieve test scores sent from a previous application cycle.
Can I apply if my test scores do not meet the minimum requirements?
Applicants are strongly discouraged from applying if they have not met the minimum requirements at the time of the application deadline. Deadline extensions to retake tests will not be granted. Application fees will not be refunded.
Int’l Student Visa Documents (admitted students only)
International students must apply for the most appropriate visa that will allow them to enter the US to begin or resume their academic activities.
What will I need to submit after I accept admission?
- A completed and signed International Student Data Form (ISDF)
- Copy of the personal information page of your current passport
- Copy of your current U.S. visa (if you have studied/are studying in the U.S.)
- Your most recent I-94 (if you have studied/are studying in the U.S.)
- Any previous I-20s (if you have studied/are studying in the U.S.)
- Financial support documentation (Admission Offer Letter, Sponsorship Certification, and/or Bank Statement)
You must provide a bank statement or other appropriate evidence of financial support adequate to cover travel to and from Boston and for tuition and living costs for at least one full year at Boston University. Please refer to your admission offer letter. If your annual stipend exceeds the total for Room and Board, Books and Supplies, and Incidentals listed on the International Students and Scholars (ISSO) Estimate of Expenses page, and you are not bringing any dependents with you, your Admission Offer Letter should suffice. If you are bringing dependents with you, and your admission offer lists a 12-month stipend, please refer to the 12-month column of the Estimate of Expenses page; if you admission offer lists less than a 12-month stipend, please refer to the 9-month column of the Estimate of Expenses page. Please note the minimum amount listed may be increased by up to 5% each academic year.
Immigration regulations prohibit most international students from accepting any employment except University appointments during their study in the United States. Additional information can be found on the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) website. If you have questions, please contact our office at grs@bu.edu (please include your name and BU ID). Once all required documents have been received and reviewed by the Graduate School, they will be forwarded to the University’s International Students and Scholar’s Office (ISSO) for processing.
What happens next?
The University’s International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) will process your documents and, if approved, issue a “Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status (form I-20)” to you, which is a document that certifies a student’s admission to a U.S. educational institution and their eligibility to apply for a student visa.
Please review the ISSO’s student visa process information page. Important: After you accept the offer of admission, you will receive an email with a link to set up your BU Login (“Kerberos Account”) and BU Email (“Office 365 Outlook”). Please use the links in that email to set this up as soon as possible as you will receive your I-20 at your BU email address.
Should I submit these documents when I apply for admission?
No. You do not need to submit your international documents and financial documentation when you apply for admission. If you are offered admission and you accept the offer, you will receive an email prompting you to submit the required documents and form at that time.
All international applicants who are offered admission and accept their offer are then required to submit the completed and signed International Student Data Form (ISDF) with required passport/visa documentation. These applicants would be immediately notified by email and given instruction how to submit this documentation.
In the event applicants are offered admission without sufficient financial aid to cover the estimate of expenses for themselves and any dependents they may have, applicants must also submit appropriate financial documentation before official admission is given and the visa process can begin.
Should I wait until April 15 to submit the documents?
Although you may have until April 15 to inform us of your decision to enroll at Boston University, we are unable to process your I-20 documentation until you formally accept our offer of admission. We encourage you to submit your international student visa documents and accept your offer, especially if you are outside of the United States, so you can begin your student visa application as early as possible. Please note that U.S. consulates will not issue student visa more than 120 days in advance of your study start date. International students on new student visas cannot enter the U.S. earlier than 30 days prior to the start date shown on their I-20. All students must arrive on campus no later than the first day of fall classes. Students unable to arrive on campus on time may request a deferral of their application to the next fall.
Do I have to pay a tuition deposit?
No. None of the PhD programs offered by Boston University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GRS) require a tuition deposit. The MFA in Creative Writing and the MFA in Playwriting programs do also not require a tuition deposit.
I have fellowship support. Do I need to submit financial documents?
All full-time PhD degree students and MFA degree students in Creative Writing and Playwriting will be admitted with full fellowship aid. If you are admitted to a PhD or MFA program, please select the appropriate option on the International Student Data Form and upload your admission offer letter listing your fellowship support as your financial document. If you are bringing any dependents, please refer to the “What are the estimated costs that have to be covered?” FAQ below.
Unfortunately, financial aid for all other students far exceeds our capability to support many highly qualified students. If in the event you are recommended for admission without financial aid, you would need to provide financial documentation to begin the visa process.
What forms of financial support are acceptable?
We accept checking or savings bank account statements, bank loan statements, additional scholarship award letters, or support letters from the government or independent organization. The financial documents must be in English and clearly state your name or, if applicable, your sponsor’s name. The currency on all financial documentation must be in U.S. dollars. Additionally, bank letters should specify either the amount of U.S. dollars in the account, or a minimum U.S. dollar amount available for use.
If you are being sponsored, then a bank statement must be accompanied by a legalized letter of sponsorship. Photocopies of any financial documentation are not acceptable. The International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) has detailed information regarding financial support documentation on the ISSO Website.
Please note that once a financial document is sent to our office, it will not be returned under any circumstances. Students should request two copies of bank statements or bank letters from their bank as the second copy of the bank statement or bank letter will be needed for visa processing at the student’s embassy appointment.
What are the estimated costs that have to be covered?
The International Students & Scholars Office provides an estimate of expenses that should be sufficient for one year of attendance at Boston University. The most recent estimate is posted on the ISSO Website. Please be aware that this estimate is updated on a yearly basis. If the estimate posted on the website is for a previous academic year, you should expect an increase and submit financial support documents accordingly. Your PhD fellowship should cover the estimate of expenses for the student. The MFA fellowship covers most but not all of it, please refer to your admission offer letter and the figures published on the ISSO’s website. If you are bringing any dependents with you, you will need to provide additional financial documentation.
What is a Financial Sponsorship Letter?
A “Financial Sponsorship Letter” or “Legalized Letter of Support” is an original letter, written and signed by your sponsor(s), stating their relationship to you and that they are willing to support you for the upcoming academic year at Boston University with a specified amount of money (which must be sufficient to cover the estimated expenses as determined by the International Students & Scholars Office). It does not have to be notarized or signed by a lawyer. The submitted letter must be an original letter, not a photocopy, and must be signed and dated within the past year. A Financial Sponsorship Certification Form can be used in place of a legalized letter of support.
When will I receive my I-20 or DS-2019?
The Graduate School will review your documents for completeness and contact you if something is missing. If your file is complete, it will be forwarded to the University’s International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). Processing of international documents may not begin until the University announces the new tuition rates for the upcoming academic year, which typically happens in early to mid-March.
All students will receive an email with a link to set up their BU Login (“Kerberos Account”) and BU Email (“Office 365 Outlook”). Please set it up as soon as possible as international students will receive their I-20 at their BU email address.
If you are concerned about the status of your immigration documents, you should first contact grs@bu.edu (please include your name and BU ID). If your materials were sent to the ISSO more than a week from the day you contacted our office, you may contact ISSO’s Assistant Director for Admissions & Student Support Services at 617-353-3565 or issogac@bu.edu to check the status of your immigration document.