Profile Management for Scholars & Employees

Immigration regulations require that the ISSO collect data on all international employees and scholars. This data is collected so that we can insure institutional compliance and provide immigration processing and advice as appropriate. Since most the data we require is provided by either the host department or the scholar it is important that you share in the responsibility and provide accurate information and timely updates to the ISSO. While the responsibility to maintain immigration status and employment eligibility falls largely on the foreign national, the ISSO provides regular reminders based on the data provided. However, we rely on host departments and each scholar to communicate updates and changes to the ISSO.

Because each BU scholar has unique immigration and employment circumstances, the dates used for ISSO record keeping may differ. The ISSO start date is the first day of the scholar’s BU activity. The ISSO end date is always the earliest of the following:

  • Last day of ISSO immigration sponsorship: If ISSO-sponsored immigration status (such as J-1 or H-1B) is required, the profile end date matches the approved sponsorship period.
  • Last day of employment authorization: If a scholar’s Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expires before the BU appointment ends, the profile end date will match the EAD expiration date to prevent unauthorized employment.
  • Last day of BU activity: If the EAD remains valid beyond the intended appointment period, the profile end date will reflect the end of the BU activity or appointment.

As a result, the ISSO profile end date may not always match the appointment end date.

It is important for departments and scholars to understand which date the ISSO is using, as ISSO communications are typically based on the applicable profile end date. Contact the ISSO if you have questions or if any of the dates on record are incorrect or change.

 

The ISSO record keeping system is separate from other BU systems and does not automatically update when changes are made in SAP or elsewhere. Because employment, activity, or sponsorship changes may affect immigration status or work authorization, departments must notify the ISSO of any updates to previously submitted employment, activity, or immigration sponsorship information.