Preparing to Exit BU

You may continue research, teaching, or other BU activities until the earlier of: the end date on your immigration/employment authorization or the end date set by your host department.

• J-1 scholars: use the program end date on DS-2019.
• Employees with USCIS work authorization: use the dates on the USCIS document.
• H-1B scholars: use the end date on Form I-797 (exceptions may apply).

Notify your host department to confirm your appointment end date, have them submit the End of Employment/Activity Notification, and work with ISSO to maintain immigration compliance.

If your program or BU appointment ends before the date on your current DS-2019, ISSO will issue an amended document with your actual completion date. Note: many post‑graduation benefits (e.g., work authorization or SEVIS transfer) must be requested within the grace period following your true program end date.

Note: If you’re planning to begin a new academic appointment or employment at BU, please contact your ISSO advisor.

J-1 Scholar Status

You may transfer your SEVIS record to another U.S. J-1 sponsor if all of the following apply:

• The new sponsor is Department of State–approved to sponsor your J-1 category.
• The transfer aligns with your original BU program objectives.
• You are currently in valid J-1 status.
• The transfer won’t extend your stay beyond the category’s maximum.
• The transfer occurs before the DS-2019 end date.

Contact your ISSO advisor if you are considering a transfer.

H-1B Status

If you plan to leave BU for another employer, consult your new employer, ISSO, and/or an immigration attorney to avoid status violations. If the new employer will file an H-1B petition for you, you must continue working at BU until the new petition is submitted. Proper timing and procedures are essential to maintain status.

After your program end date you may have a grace period—extra time to change status, start a new appointment, or prepare to depart the U.S. Check whether your immigration classification provides a grace period and note the date your legal status ends.

J-1 Classification

J-1 exchange visitors have a 30‑day grace period beginning on the last day of your BU employment, or activity (regardless of the DS-2019 end date). If you use Academic Training, the 30 days begin the day after your AT ends. J-2 dependents receive the same 30‑day grace period.

During your grace period you may:

• Travel within the U.S.
• Prepare to depart (sell belongings, close accounts, etc.)
• Transfer your SEVIS record to another school, if eligible
• Apply for Academic Training — note this usually must be started earlier
• Apply to change to another immigration status, if eligible

You may NOT:

• Continue research, or employment at BU or elsewhere
• Work on‑campus or off‑campus without proper authorization
• Apply for a program extension (this must be done before your program ends)
• Leave the U.S. with the intent to reenter under the completed J program

H-1B

H-1B status generally has no grace period. If you are not extending or securing new U.S. employment, depart by the I-797 end date. If your BU employment ends before that date, notify ISSO and plan to leave the U.S. by the employment end date even if the I-797 lists a later date.

Other Immigration Statuses

Many other statuses are date specific. If you have a date-specific U.S. entry visa or I-94 arrival record and do not have a grace period, you should depart the U.S. by the end date listed on your I-94 arrival record or U.S. entry visa. Once your status expires, you must stop your academic activities.

Additional steps you should consider as you prepare for departure:

• Talk to your advisor to insure that you understand how your departure from BU will affect your immigration status:
  • How long can you remain in the U.S.?
  • What steps do you need to take to transition to employment elsewhere?
  • If you are in J-1 status, are you subject to any associated bars or restrictions?
• Clean out your workspace and return any office equipment (e.g., keys, SecurID, laptops).
• Contact Human Resources regarding benefits status (vacation days, retirement plan, etc).
• Report your new address to BUWorks, your host department and the ISSO (you will want to get those tax forms next year!)

Other personal matters to consider:

• Notify your landlord (most leases require 30 days’ written notice) and tell your roommates.
• Cancel or transfer utilities, subscriptions, and insurance (health, car, life).
• Close or update bank accounts and arrange vehicle disposition if applicable.
• Leave a forwarding address with the post office.
• Pay outstanding fines (library, parking).
• Arrange shipping or storage for belongings; sell or donate items (online, garage sale, thrift shops).
• Unsubscribe from unneeded email lists.