Initial ISSO check-in must be completed to maintain your legal immigration status. You must check-in after you arrive in the U.S. but no later than 15 days after your academic program start date.

Who Must Check-in With the ISSO

  • New international students in F-1 or J-1 Status
  • Continuing international students in F-1 or J-1 status returning from a leave of absence or regaining status by travel
  • Students in other immigration categories upon request from ISSO

Initial ISSO Check-in Instructions

First, update current and foreign addresses in the MyBU Student Portal

  • Current Address: U.S. address to be reported to SEVIS
  • Immigration Foreign Address: Address outside of the U.S. to be reported to SEVIS
  • U.S. Phone number required for J-1 students
  • See instructions and sample address

Second, complete check-in in the ISSOPortal

  • Go to Request Center > Initial ISSO Check-in
  • Follow instructions to complete the questionnaire, upload required documents, confirm understanding of status conditions, and submit
  • Monitor request status in the ISSOPortal; an ISSO team member will review within 10 business days
  • You will receive an email to your BU email address only if clarification or more documents are needed
  • Contact ISSO front desk for assistance if needed

Required Immigration Documents to Upload

  • Immigration Documents
    • Passport data page
    • U.S. Entry Visa (F-1 or J-1)
    • I-94 Arrival Record
    • I-20 or DS-2019, with student signature and date
  • Other status related documents, if applicable
    • EAD
    • I-797 approval
    • I-515A, if issued upon U.S. entry
  • Immigration documents for any F-2 or J-2 dependents accompanying you