There are several types of student visas and the ISSO will determine which is the best one for you to study at BU, based on your circumstances. To be considered a student, you must be enrolled part-time or full-time in a degree or non-degree program and your primary activity at BU is to study.
Student Visa Overview
F-1 Student classification
Most international students at BU are in this classification, as it is designed to facilitate study toward a specific educational objective.
Eligibility
To be eligible for F-1 status, you must be admitted to or enrolled in a full-time degree or non-degree program, and demonstrate sufficient financial support for your program of study.
Length of Permitted Stay
As a student in F-1 status, you are admitted to the U.S. for “D/S” (duration of status)—this allows you to stay until the program end date reflected on your I-20, as long as you maintain full-time registration, legal status, and a SEVIS record in good standing. If you finish your program early, your I-20 will be adjusted to reflect your official graduation date. At the end of your program of study, F-1 status permits a 60-day grace period for you to prepare for departure from the U.S.
Considerations
Limited work permission is available for on-campus employment and certain off-campus placements related to your major field of study. Qualifying family members may be eligible for F-2 dependent status.
The J-1 student category is an alternate immigration option for students who receive qualifying financial sponsorship or who are participating in a formal university exchange program. To be eligible for J-1 student status, you must be admitted to or enrolled in a full-time degree or non-degree program. You may qualify if you are financially sponsored by your home government, if you receive substantial funding from scholarships or a private sponsor, or if you are at BU as part of a formal exchange program. As a student in J-1 status, you are admitted to the U.S. for “D/S” (duration of status)—this allows you to stay until the end date reflected on your DS-2019, as long as you maintain full-time registration, legal status, and maintain a SEVIS record in good standing. If you finish your program early, your DS-2019 will be adjusted. At the end of your program, J-1 status permits a 30-day grace period for you to prepare for departure from the U.S. Limited work permission is available for on-campus employment and off-campus placements related to your major field of study. Qualifying family members may be eligible for J-2 dependent status. The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is intended for educational, scientific, and cultural exchange. As a J-1 student, you will be expected to return to your home country following your exchange program. In some cases, you may be subject to a two-year home residence requirement. In addition, you may be temporarily barred from returning to the U.S. as a J-1 research scholar or J-1 professor.J-1 Student classification
Eligibility
Length of Permitted Stay
Considerations
If you are currently in the U.S. in another immigration classification, you may be eligible to enroll in either full-time or part-time coursework at BU, provided you continue to maintain your legal status. Please note that some immigration classifications, including F-2, B-1/B-2, and WB/WT prohibit full-time study or enrollment in a degree program. Your length of status in the U.S. will depend on your specific immigration classification. Certain statuses are granted for “D/S,” allowing the person to remain for “duration of status.” Alternatively, you may have been admitted until a specific date. Please refer to your most recent I-94 arrival record along with your other immigration documents. While many immigration categories allow study, keep in mind that you must have U.S. employment authorization if you are granted a work-based financial award, such as a teaching fellowship or research assistantship. U.S. employment varies by immigration category. If your current immigration status is coming to an end, if your status does not permit full-time/degree study, or if you will receive a financial award and require U.S. employment authorization, you may need to consider changing to F-1 or J-1 student status. The ISSO can help you evaluate whether your current status is appropriate to your academic goals and financial awards, and can offer immigration assistance as needed.Other Student Classifications
Length of Permitted Stay
Considerations
Apply for Student Visa
Learn about how to apply for your F-1 or J-1 visa
Entering the U.S.
Learn about traveling to the U.S. and entering at the Port of Entry