Checking in with ISSO as a new student or scholar (faculty, researcher or employee)
We are excited to welcome you to BU! All international students and scholars must complete check-in no later than 15 days after their official start of academic activities. Check-in provides the ISSO the opportunity to:
- Review your immigration documents to confirm eligibility for intended study, research, or employment;
- Report the arrival of BU sponsored F-1 and J-1 students and scholars in valid status to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, thus activating your SEVIS record;
- Help you get settled on campus and answer your questions as you begin your activities at BU; and
- Ensure that all students and scholars are added to email lists that provide valuable immigration related information, including travel advisories and tax information, throughout the year.
Completing check-in is required by immigration regulations. Please plan to complete your initial ISSO check-in immediately after you have arrived in the U.S. or, to campus to begin your activities to avoid jeopardizing your legal immigration status in the U.S., and contact us with any questions concerning your immigration status or your adjustment to BU.
Who Must Check In
You are considered an international student or scholar if you are not U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Permanent Resident (“Green Card” holder). You must check-in with the ISSO if you are:
- a new international student in any immigration status
- a continuing international student beginning a new program of study or returning from a leave of absence
- a new scholar (faculty, researcher, or other employee).
If you are a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Permanent Resident (“Green Card” holder), you are not required to check in, however your information may need to be updated in the University system and ISSO may require copies of your passport and/or U.S. Permanent Resident card.
New Students in F-1, J-1, and other immigration classifications
When do new students need to check-in?
- As soon as you have arrived in the U.S., or in Boston, to begin your academic program.
- No later then 15 days after your academic program start date.
- We will send you an email prior to the start of class with detailed instructions on how to complete Initial ISSO Check-in.
How do new students check-in with ISSO?
Students beginning a new program of study must take 2 actions to complete Initial ISSO Check-in.
- Update your current and foreign immigration addresses through contact info section of the MyBU Student Portal Click here for further instruction and sample addresses.
- Complete check-in through the ISSOPortal. Go to the Request Center and click on the icon for Initial ISSO Check-in. Follow the instructions in the request to complete the questionnaire, upload required documents and confirm your understanding of conditions to maintain status and officially submit the request to ISSO. Monitor the status of your request through the Request Center in the ISSOPortal. An ISSO team member will review your documents and process your check-in the ISSOPortal within 10 business days. You will receive an email ONLY if we need clarification or additional documentation.
What immigration documents will new students need to upload to the ISSOPortal:
- All relevant immigration documents (i.e. bio page of passport, Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, Form I-20, Form DS-2019, etc.)
- please upload scanned versions of I-20s or DS-2019 forms that include signatures
- Immigration documents for any spouse and/or child(ren) who have accompanied you to the U.S. in a dependent visa status such as F-2 or J-2
- Any documents issued to you upon your entry to the U.S
- Any other immigration status related documents, if applicable (e.g. I-797 Approval Notice)
New faculty, researchers & employees (scholars)
New J-1 Exchange Visitors: Review our appointment scheduling options for details on how to register for your mandatory New J-1 Scholar Check-in and Orientation session. Once you register, we will send more details and instructions about required documentation.
New BU Employee (receiving a BU salary): Review our appointment scheduling options for details on how to set up your ISSO check-in and clearance and for more information about required documentation. You must complete a Form I-9 at the ISSO within three (3) days of your employment start date so schedule your appointment accordingly.
New Visiting Researcher or Visiting Student (or other uncompensated affiliates): Please e-mail your ISSO Scholar Advisor your relevant immigration documents (i.e. passport, I-94 arrival record, EAD, I-797 approval notice, Form DS-2019 or Form I-20 etc.), your BU appointment letter (confirming the terms of your visiting appointment) and a completed Scholar & Employee Clearance Form.
Students and scholars who will be receiving compensation from Boston University (salary, stipend, on-campus employment, etc.) will also be required to complete an Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification with the ISSO.
