Immigration Classifications Summary
Sponsorship classifications and the associated timelines for processing a request in that category are listed below. The length of time required to process a request for sponsorship can vary according to immigration classification, individual circumstances and processing time variations with U.S. government agencies. The estimates below assume the prospective scholar is currently outside of the U.S. For more specific information about the associated process, please select the linked text.
|
Immigration |
Academic |
Minimum |
Maximum |
ISSO |
Government |
Total |
| J-1 Short-Term Scholar |
Academic |
Graduate-level education |
6 months |
10 days |
20-30 days |
40 days |
| J-1 Research Scholar or Professor |
Academic |
Graduate-level education |
5 years |
10 days |
20-30 days |
40 days |
| J-1 Specialist |
Academic |
Expertise in |
1 year |
10 days |
20-30 days |
40 days |
| J-1 Student Intern |
Internship or academic research |
Enrolled in a college or university-level program abroad |
1 year |
10 days |
20-30 days |
40 days |
| H-1 Temporary Worker |
Teaching, research, |
Bachelor’s level |
6 years (in increments of no more than 3 years at a time) |
60 days5 |
120-180 days2 |
180-210 days |
| Independent Employment Authorizationsᶟ |
Teaching, research or other occupations (in major field for some) |
N/A – Authorization based on a benefit of status |
Varies |
n/a |
0 – 120 days |
0 – 120 days ( 0- 4 months) |
| F-1 STEM OPT |
Teaching, research, |
N/A – Graduate of U.S. college or university in certain designated major fields |
17 months |
10 days |
90-120 days |
100 – 130 days
|
| Visitor (B-1 or WB) |
Short-term and unpaid* affiliations (including one-time lectures or consultations)
*eligible for honoraria payment under limited circumstances |
Not Applicable |
B-1 = 6 months WB = 90 days
*9 days if receiving honoraria
|
10 days (assistance with invitation letter) |
20-30 days |
30 days |
| TN Trade NAFTA |
Teaching, research, |
Requirements |
3 years2 |
10 days |
2 days |
12 days |
| O-1 Extraordinary Ability |
Teaching, research, |
International |
3 years (extendable in 1 year increments) |
60 days |
150 days |
210 days |
Notes:
1. Select individual classification for additional processing information
2. Expedited processing can be requested from USCIS for a $1,225 fee
3. Individuals who are in the U.S. in a valid non-immigrant status may be eligible to obtain work authorization from either their sponsor or USCIS based on their status. Once they obtain the work authorization, they are employable within the limits of the approved authorization.
4. Estimates based on the time required for the average visa application at a US Consulate or Embassy and does NOT account for possible security clearance delays.
All requests and applications for BU sponsorship of foreign nationals must be processed through the ISSO. Only the ISSO staff is authorized to sign the legal documents and forms required to sponsor international scholars. If you receive any forms requiring an authorized signature, please forward them to the ISSO.
