Except for Canadian citizens, all travelers need a valid U.S. visa to enter the United States. Start your visa application at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and follow that post’s specific procedures, document requirements, and deadlines. Most posts accept applications no earlier than 120 days before your program start date. Ensure your passport is valid for a minimum of six months beyond your expected entry date to the U.S., and that your name and birth date on all visa related documents match your passport exactly. If you notice a discrepancy inform the ISSO immediately.
Check the U.S. Department of State website for information regarding:
J-1 Scholar
Check your DS-2019 for accuracy.
- The DS-2019 confirms BU invited you and that a SEVIS record was created.
- It lists your scholar appointment dates and details.
- Your SEVIS ID is in the top-right corner.
- Dependents (spouse, children under 21) receive their own DS-2019s for J-2 visas. If you plan to bring dependents and haven’t received their forms, or if any information on your DS-2019 is wrong, contact ISSO (or your J-1 program sponsor if a non-BU organization issued the form).
If the form is correct:
- Sign it in the designated space.
- Pay the SEVIS fee and schedule your visa appointment at the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate.
Bring the following documents for the visa appointment:
- DS-160 Online Non immigrant Visa Application
- DS-2019
- Letter of employment/appointment from BU
- Proof that you paid the SEVIS fee
- Application Fee
- One photograph meeting the criteria listed on the DOS website
- Passport (valid for a minimum of six months beyond your expected entry date to the U.S.)
- Be prepared to explain during your interview that you intend to return home after your U.S. program. You can usually state this verbally, but you may also bring documents showing ties to your home country (e.g., job offer, property deeds, family) to support your nonimmigrant intent.
- Keep in mind that government officials may review previous U.S. immigration history and activities in the U.S. and well as screen your social media presence to determine your eligibility for a visa.
With a J-1 visa, you may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before your program start date.
H-1B Scholar
Bring the following documents for the visa appointment:
- Form I-797B H-1B Approval Notice (U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
- Complete copy of BU’s petition to DHS, including the I-129, Certified Labor Condition Application (LCA), BU appointment/employment letter, and all supporting documents
- DS-160 Online Non immigrant Visa Application
- DS-2019
- Proof that you paid the SEVIS fee
- Application Fee
- One photograph meeting the criteria listed on the DOS website
- Passport (valid for a minimum of six months beyond your expected entry date to the U.S.)
- Keep in mind that government officials may review previous U.S. immigration history and activities in the U.S. and well as screen your social media presence to determine your eligibility for a visa.
- Any additional documents required by the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will apply (check the specific consulate’s instructions)
If your visa is denied, contact ISSO.
If a visa application is denied, it is difficult to get the consulate to change its decision. For this reason, it is important that you arrive at your appointment with the best and most complete supporting information. If your visa is denied, we suggest that you ask for the reason for the denial and request the reason in writing if possible. Please read the Visa Denial information on the DOS website and contact the ISSO; we will try to provide you with suggestions that may strengthen your next application.
