Extending Employment or Activity
In order to insure that your scholar can continue in their position at BU, it is important that their documents are current and accurate. Doing this requires communication with the ISSO. In some circumstances either an extension of the scholar’s current immigration or a change to another immigration classification is required.
All immigration classifications have associated time frames and eligibility requirements. If the employment or activity will continue beyond the current end date, processing at the ISSO may be required. To ensure that your scholar can continue their appointment at BU uninterrupted and can maintain their lawful status in the U.S., we recommend that you commence extension or change of status paperwork approximately four to six months prior to the current end date.
As a courtesy, we send monthly reminder notices to both administrators and scholars with upcoming expirations, but ultimately, it is up to the scholar and department to keep track of such things.
Processing for Scholars who require immigration sponsorship
Please forward the completed processing request to the ISSO well in advance of the end date of the scholar’s current employment end date or immigration classification for continuing scholars who require either J-1, H-1B, TN, F-1OPT STEM or O-1 sponsorship.
Employment/activity changes for BU Employees with Independent Employment Authorization
Employees with independent employment authorization based on their status in the U.S. must apply for an extension of their work authorization and receive the approval before they can continue their BU employment. If applicable, scholars should consult with their immigration sponsor to discuss their eligibility for employment authorization. In cases where the employee will not be eligible for an extension of their employment authorization, consult with the ISSO to evaluate options for continued employment.
Employment verification (I-9) based on extension or status change
All extensions and changes in status for employees require a re-verification of employment eligibility (I-9). The re-verification process is done at the ISSO, usually in conjunction with the scholar picking-up the related immigration paperwork during our walk-in or I-9 hours, or during a scheduled appointment (for H-1B and O-1 status) and must occur prior to the end date of the current authorization. Employees who are extending their H status are eligible to continue working based on proof of filing the H extension for a period of 240 days and employees who have applied for an OPT STEM extension can extend for 180 days while awaiting the new OPT employment authorization document. For other immigration categories, there is no allowance for employment while the extension is pending – so the process must be completed prior to the end date of the current authorization – or there may be a gap in employment.