J-1 Process

The J-1 is the most common immigration classification used to host international scholars as it allows for a variety of arrangements from short-term or long-term unpaid visiting appointments, to full-time paid appointments and/or a combination of both.

To initiate processing, the host department must obtain an official academic appointment on behalf of the international scholar through the standard appointment channels at the school or college and follow the instructions on the Scholar Processing Checklist.  Please note that all new J-1 requests require additional paperwork to verify English language proficiency.

For Visiting Researcher or other unpaid appointments or for individuals who will be paid by BU, but may require additional support for accompanying family members, proof of sufficient financial support for the duration of the appointment must be included with the processing request. Please consider ISSO processing estimates when requesting J sponsorship and forward the completed application request packet to us at least 60 days prior to the desired appointment start date.

As a Department of State designated J-1 program sponsor, the ISSO is required to monitor and report the location and activities of the J-1 Exchange Visitor and their J-2 dependent family members throughout their stay at BU. Therefore, the sponsoring department must immediately inform the ISSO staff of any changes to the scholar’s activity including, but not limited to, changes in activity, remuneration, site of activity, length of activity, change in immigration status and termination of activity