Immigration Processing Request: Required Documentation

If immigration processing will be needed to facilitate or extend research, teaching, or other employment at BU, the host department must gather all required information and submit it to the ISSO. All information is required whether the request is for initial sponsorship or for a continuing scholar or employee.

Please Keep the Following in Mind as You Compile the Request:

  • All immigration processing requests must provide a BUID. Follow BU’s affiliate sponsorship process for any individual who does not already have a BUID
  • Be sure to use legal name, as noted in passport & answer all questions
  • Obtain required signatures on Form A and confirm that the scholar/employee has signed Form B
  • Review before sending to ensure that the packet is complete; missing fields and/or documents may result in processing delays

Required Documentation:

  • Completed, signed Form A (review attestations before signing) – completed by host department; signatures from department host/supervisor, chair and dean required for faculty and academic research requests. For staff sponsorship, signatures are required from principal supervisor and unit director.
  • Copy of appointment letter/employment offer letter
  • Information to gather from the scholar/employee as found on the scholar/employee checklist

Additional Documentation for J-1 Sponsorship Requests

  • J-1 Supplement Form (required for initial sponsorship requests ONLY); Additional guidance available
  • Financial documentation: For BU employees, funding must be reflected in the appointment letter. Supplemental documentation is required for other funding sources and must meet J-1 financial requirements.
  • No Patient Care Certification: Required for all J-1 scholars/employees who hold a medical degree. BU is not designated to sponsor foreign medical graduates in roles that include clinical care of patients. Please provide a certification from the Dean of the host school indicating that the intent of the appointment at BU is to conduct academic research only and that they will not have responsibility for nay clinical patient care.
  • J-1 Student Intern ONLY (if scholar is enrolled in a Bachelor’s program outside the U.S.): J-1 Student Intern Host Department Certification

Additional Documentation for H-1B, O-1 or TN Sponsorship Requests

If the scholar/employee is already in the U.S., and is eligible to engage in the BU employment or appointment with outside USCIS or sponsor authorization (e.g., F‑1 OPT, J‑2 EAD, pending green card EAD, J‑1 Academic Training, F‑1 CPT), immigration processing is not required. In these cases, ISSO does not require the full screening or the BU sponsorship documents listed above.  Please contact your ISSO advisor with questions.