You can view all of our program start dates on this page, and you can find information about visa requirements here.

CELOP recommends applying as soon as possible in order to avoid immigration-related delays. You can view the visa processing times at your local embassy or consulate on this page.

Questions? Contact CELOP

Ready to apply to CELOP? Make sure you meet the admissions requirements of the program you want to attend by going to the PROGRAMS tab.

• You must be at least 17 years old at the start of your program and be in your final year of high school or completed high school. High school programs students are 15-17 years old*.
• You must be able to speak, understand, write, and read simple English sentences. 
• You must have available funds to pay all program fees program fees.

(If you only meet one of the above requirements, please email us at celop@bu.edu for special approval). 

*If you are under 18 years old at the start of any CELOP program, you must submit a signed and dated Boston University Parental Acknowledgement, Consent and Release from Liability Form.

Review step-by-step instructions to create your account and apply

Full-time students needing an I-20 and F-1 visa will follow this procedure:

1. Complete the online CELOP application
2. Set up your BU email account
3. Access your I-20
4. Begin the F-1 visa application process
5. Notify CELOP of updates to your visa application
6. Arrive in Boston within 30 days of the program start date

CELOP will provide detailed instructions to guide you through each of these steps. Please contact celop@bu.edu if you have any questions about any of these processes.

You are a transfer student if you are already in the U.S. attending another institution.

Step 1. Click the “CELOP Application” button above

Step 2. Create a BU Web Account

• If you already have a BU ID, do NOT create a new account.

• After you create an account, you will receive an email to verify your web account and how to continue your application.
• Follow the instructions in that email.

Step 3. LOGIN to Application Homepage

Step 4. Start a New Application

• Select the semester you are applying for.
• If you do not see your desired semester, DO NOT start an application for a different semester.

Step 5. Supporting Documents

• Passport – upload a scanned image of your passport.
• Financial documents – upload a scanned image of your financial documents.
  • If financial documents are NOT in the student’s name, the student must also submit an Affidavit of Support form.
  • If the student is sponsored by a government, employer or other institution, the student must provide a valid financial guarantee letter.
• Visa – upload a scanned image of your visa.
• I-94 – upload a scanned image of your I-94.
• I-20 (all 3 pages) from previous schools – you must submit copies of ALL previous I-20’s issued to you.

Step 6. Pay the application fee & Submit your Application

• CELOP can only process your application AFTER you pay the application fee and submit your application.

• Once you submit your application, click “OK” when you see this prompt from Nelnet Campus Commerce:

*Please note: You MUST allow pop-up’s in your browser in order to receive this prompt.

• Enter your application fee payment amount when you see the screen below:

• On the next screen, provide your credit card information:

• Confirm that your credit card information is correct. Once your payment has been processed, you will see a confirmation page and will receive a confirmation email.
• After you submit your application, CELOP Admissions staff will begin processing your application.

Step 7. After your application is complete and reviewed, you will receive a Transfer-In Form by email

• You must complete Part 1 of the Transfer-In Form.
• The DSO at your previous school will complete Part 2 of the Transfer-In Form.

You are a continuing student if you are currently attending a CELOP program.

Step 1. Click the “CELOP Application” button above

Step 2. Click on CREATE APPLICATION

• Do NOT create a new account.
• Use your BU Login name and Kerberos password.

Step 3. Start a New Application for the next semester

• Select the next semester.
• Then, click on “Click Here to Start A New Application”.

Step 4. Supporting Documents

• Passport
• Visa
• I-94
• I-20 – all 3 pages of your current I-20 only

• Financial documents only if you need to extend your I-20.
• If financial documents are NOT in the student’s name, the student must also submit an Affidavit of Support form.
• If the student is sponsored by a government, employer or other institution, the student must provide a valid financial guarantee letter.

Step 5. Pick up a “Continuing Application Checklist” at the front desk

Step 6. Complete the “Continuing Application Checklist”. Bring the form and all supporting documents to the front desk