Immigration classification is based on a person\u2019s primary purpose in the U.S., and outlines the length of authorized stay as well as eligibility and conditions for study and work.<\/p>\n
Most internationals at Boston University hold either F-1 Student or J-1 Exchange Visitor immigration status<\/a>, both of which require full-time study and allow limited U.S. employment that enhances the student\u2019s academic goals.<\/p>\n In order to assist international students in meeting the terms of their immigration requirements, ISSO staff often relies on recommendations from academic advisors and other campus professionals in order to take action on a student\u2019s immigration record.<\/p>\n The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, known as SEVIS, is a real-time electronic system that is used to maintain records for individuals in F or J status. Therefore, every F-1 student and J-1 exchange visitor has a unique SEVIS record. This record was created by the ISSO prior to issuing a student’s immigration document. An individual’s SEVIS number can be found in the upper right corner of his or her immigration document.<\/p>\n For information on SEVIS visit: Your SEVIS record<\/a><\/p>\n For information on paying the SEVIS fee visit: SEVIS fee<\/a> An F-1<\/a> or J-1<\/a> student must register for and complete at least 12 credit hours each fall and spring semester to maintain their lawful immigration status. Please note that additional credit requirements vary depending on the school\/program to which the student was admitted, because the required credit hours for some degree programs may exceed the 12 credit hours required for immigration purposes. Dropping below 12 credits without prior authorization by the ISSO is considered a violation of F-1 or J-1 immigration status.<\/p>\n For information regarding full course of study\u00a0 and authorized exceptions visit: Full-time enrollment requirement<\/a><\/p>\n To recommend a student for a reduced courseload see: Reduced Courseload Recommendation<\/a>.<\/p>\n In certain cases, a student may be doing non-credit academic work that is considered the equivalent of full-time. The Office of the University Registrar outlines guidelines as to the type of academic activity that might qualify for full-time certification<\/a>. When students receive their initial immigration documents from BU, it is based on the anticipated dates of their program or affiliation at BU. This anticipated completion date can change for many reasons \u2013 students change majors or programs and research can take exciting yet unexpected turns that require additional time to complete \u2013 this is all a very normal part of academia. So, if some additional time is necessary to complete their studies or affiliation at BU, the ISSO can advise them on their options and the required paperwork.<\/p>\n To recommend a student for a program extension, please see Program Extension Recommendation<\/a>.<\/p>\n For additional information on extending immigration documents see:\u00a0Program Extension<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n Sometimes, students\u00a0 may need to interrupt their studies or affiliation with BU for a number of personal reasons. Some examples include if they plan to request a leave of absence (LOA) for non-medical or medical conditions, if they have been suspended or are under review for suspension, if they are planning to withdraw from classes, or if they must attend to personal issues in their home country.<\/p>\n An interruption of study usually requires the ISSO to end a student\u2019s SEVIS record and reissue a new I-20 for the student\u2019s return. The steps needed to request a Leave of Absence<\/a> may require academic confirmation from an advisor or department.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n Immigration documents and records should always be accurate. Whether their local address, name, citizenship, funding or other personal information has changed, it is important to inform the ISSO and follow any required procedures.<\/p>\n For detailed information on requirements for reporting a change of address visit: Change of address<\/a><\/p>\nSEVIS record<\/h3>
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nFull-time Enrollment and Exceptions<\/h3>
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nProgram Extension<\/h3>
Leave of Absence<\/h3>
Change of address or other personal information<\/h3>