Communiqué, Volume 20, Number 3

May 2024

Special Edition of the Scholar Communique

New Process for Departments to Obtain BUID Numbers for Scholar Processing

As part of SIS Renewal, ISSO will no longer have access to create BUIDs for foreign nationals. We have been working with IS&T to prepare for changes in functionality for BUID account creation and provisioning access for BU affiliates. Effective immediately, host/hiring departments must obtain a BUID via the affiliate sponsorship process prior to submitting any requests for immigration sponsorship for individuals who do not already have a BUID.

With this transition in mind, we are pleased to announce a new ISSO Processing Affiliate.  Hiring departments can use this new provisional affiliate account to obtain a BUID for employees who will require immigration processing via the ISSO. Departments will need to update the affiliate as appropriate once ISSO processing is complete before they can set up the employee to be hired and paid through SAP. Host departments can continue to use the Visiting Researcher or Visiting Student affiliates for uncompensated scholar affiliations.

To ensure timely processing and communication, please note the following:

  • Ask the new hire/affiliate if they have a prior BUID and if so, reference that number on your request for processing:  Once someone has a BUID it can be updated and used for subsequent affiliations. Your new scholar or employee may already have a BUID if they:
    • have ever applied for admission to BU,
    • taken any coursework at BU (including Fitness and Recreation courses),
    • have been employed by BU (even short-term), or
    • are a dependent, spouse or child of a BU employee.
  • Use the proper legal name when creating the affiliate account: Please use the individual’s legal name, as indicated on their passport.
  • Include BUID on the ISSO Form A Request for Immigration Processing
  • Onboarding for employees/scholars:  For new scholars or employees who do not require ISSO immigration processing, please provide the BUID to your new scholar/employee before they check-in with the ISSO.

Please refer to the IAM FAQs or contact ithelp@bu.edu if you have any question about creating an Affiliate Account.

The Scholar Services Team remains committed to advising and assisting our international scholar community and appreciates your continued support!