Whether you’re a\u00a0student, a postdoctoral researcher, a faculty member, or a visiting researcher, you will need the appropriate immigration classification\u00a0to fulfill your primary purpose at BU. It’s important that you understand your\u00a0immigration documents and records as well as\u00a0the necessary steps to maintain your lawful status in the U.S. throughout your time at BU.<\/p>\n
Once the ISSO has been notified of either your admission to a program of study or\u00a0your established\u00a0academic or employment affiliation with BU, we will determine the appropriate immigration classification to support your stay.<\/p>\n
If you’re a student or scholar holding a BU-sponsored F-1, J-1, or\u00a0H-1B immigration classification, the ISSO will provide you with a handout outlining the specific rights and responsibilities associated with those classifications upon your arrival. This information can also be accessed on individual classification pages.<\/p>\n
To be considered a student, you must be enrolled part-time or full-time in a degree or non-degree program and your primary activity at BU is to study. Students may hold F-1<\/a> or J-1<\/a> visas; most undergraduate students are designated F-1.<\/p>\n To be considered a scholar, your primary activity at BU is to conduct research, teach, or work. Scholars typically hold J-1<\/a> or H-1B<\/a>\u00a0visas, depending on their type of BU affiliation\u2014but other classifications may be used.<\/p>\nScholars<\/h3>\n