Table of Contents
Boston ..................................................................................................................................................... 2
Public Transportation.......................................................................................................................... 3
Getting here ............................................................................................................................................ 6
By Car .................................................................................................................................................. 6
By Bus (Regional) ................................................................................................................................ 7
By Train ............................................................................................................................................... 7
By Air ................................................................................................................................................... 8
How to get there ................................................................................................................................. 8
Directions to campus via subway: ...................................................................................................... 8
Driving Directions................................................................................................................................ 9
Parking: ............................................................................................................................................. 10
Transportation to Boston University from Logan International Airport ........................................... 10
VISA ....................................................................................................................................................... 11
Certificate of Eligibility: The I-20 and DS-2019 ................................................................................. 11
The SEVIS Fee .................................................................................................................................... 11
Who needs to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee? ........................................................................................ 12
How do I pay the I-901 SEVIS fee? ................................................................................................ 12
Do I need a receipt? ...................................................................................................................... 12
Other information ......................................................................................................................... 13
The Visa Application Process ............................................................................................................ 13
Application Procedures ..................................................................................................................... 14
Non-immigrant Visa Application Fee ............................................................................................ 15
Photo Requirements for Visa Processing ...................................................................................... 16
Digital fingerprinting ......................................................................................................................... 17
How long does it take to get a visa? ............................................................................................. 18
Arriving in the United States ............................................................................................................. 18
Departing the United States ............................................................................................................. 21
Documents Required for Re-entry: ............................................................................................... 21
Renewing Your Visa....................................................................................................................... 22
Departure upon Program Completion .......................................................................................... 22
Travel within the United States .................................................................................................... 22
Registration, Attendance and Course of Study Requirements ............................................................. 22
Medical Insurance ............................................................................................................................. 23
Holidays and Vacations ..................................................................................................................... 24
Employment .......................................................................................................................................... 24
On-Campus Employment .................................................................................................................. 24
Social Security Number ..................................................................................................................... 25
Social Security Card Application Procedures ................................................................................ 25
Off-Campus Employment.................................................................................................................. 28
Travel ................................................................................................................................................ 28
Dependents and Other Family Members...................................................................................... 29
Completion of Studies ................................................................................................................... 29
Failure to Comply with Responsibilities ............................................................................................ 30
Currency/Banking ................................................................................................................................. 30
Banking.............................................................................................................................................. 30
Currency Exchange ........................................................................................................................ 31
Tutoring and Peer Support.................................................................................................................... 31
Housing ................................................................................................................................................. 32
Temporary Lodging ........................................................................................................................... 32
Permanent Lodging ........................................................................................................................... 32
Finding an Apartment ....................................................................................................................... 33
Student Services.................................................................................................................................... 34
Office of the University Registrar...................................................................................................... 34
BU Identification Card (Terrier Card)/ Terrier Card Office ................................................................ 34
Student Link ...................................................................................................................................... 35
Libraries............................................................................................................................................. 35
Boston
Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and the largest city in New England, with a population of
about 5,000,000. This includes a student population of 250,000 representing over 50 colleges and
universities, from all areas of the United States and the world. Boston is an exciting, diverse city to
live in. Living in Boston will give you an excellent opportunity to experience one of the oldest cities
in the United States, and to get a first-hand glimpse of American history.
Many of the most important events of the American Revolution and the founding of this country
took place in or around Boston, and historical monuments and museums can be found all
throughout the city. Boston is definitely a "college city," and many opportunities exist for study
diversions! There are museums, performances, restaurants, bars, clubs and sporting activities to suit
every interest and taste.
Climate
Weather in New England can be unpredictable and changeable. However, there are four seasons
with distinct weather conditions. New England is famous throughout the United States for its
autumn (also known as "fall"), which begins in late September and dazzles locals and tourists alike
with the bright reds, oranges and yellows of the leaves on the trees.
Winter often brings very cold temperatures and snowstorms, especially from December through
February. Weather becomes milder towards April, as days become longer and warmer and flowers
begin to bloom. Summer in Boston is often very hot and humid. You will need to bring clothing for all
seasons, from light summer clothes to heavy coats, boots and hats for winter.
Average temperatures in Boston for each season are as follows:
Autumn:
46 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (8 to 15 degrees Celsius)
Winter
0 to 37 degrees Fahrenheit (-17 to 3 degrees Celsius)
Spring
38 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (3 to 15 degrees Celsius)
Summer
60 to 95 degrees
Fahrenheit
(15 to 35 degrees Celsius)
Public Transportation
Boston has a very compact downtown area, making it easy to get around by foot or via public
transportation. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (more commonly known as the
MBTA, or "T") maintains the public transportation system in Boston. This system of underground
trains (subway), buses and trolleys allows you to travel easily all over the city of Boston as well as the
suburbs. Owning a car and paying for mandatory auto insurance can be very expensive, and parking
is difficult in Boston, so using public transportation can be much more economical and worry-free.
For comprehensive schedules and route maps and fares for the subway, commuter trains and buses,
please visit the MTBA website
You have a lot of options for getting around the city…

The BUS (Boston University Shuttle)

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
We live right on the B line of the Green line. Check out the MBTA Website for more
information about fees.

The Bus Route 57 drives through campus.

Bicycles
o
Bike Safety on Campus
o
Landry’s Bicycles, 890 Commonwealth Avenue
o
Back Bay Bicycles, 362 Commonwealth Avenue
o
International Bicycle West, 88 Brighton Avenue
Subway Fares
Travel anywhere on the Blue, Orange, Green, Red, and part of the Silver Line for the same price.
FARE
PASSES / TICKETS
FARE
PASSES / TICKETS
$2.00
CharlieCard
$2.50
CharlieTicket / Cash-on-board
$70
LinkPass - unlimited travel on Subway plus Local Bus
Bus Fares - Local
For Inner and Outer Express Bus fares, read the complete Bus Fares page:
FARE
PASSES / TICKETS
$1.50
CharlieCard
$2.00
CharlieTicket / Cash-on-board
$48
Monthly Bus Pass
$70
LinkPass - unlimited travel on Local Bus and Subway.
Commuter Rail Map
Commuter Rail fares depend on the distance of travelled (zones). Read information:
FARE
PASSES / TICKETS
$2.00 $11.00
Zones 1A - 10
$70 - $345
Monthly Pass, unlimited travel to and from your zone plus travel on all bus, subway
and Inner Harbor Ferry.
50%
Seniors and Persons with Disabilities
Getting here
By Car
There are three main routes into Boston:

I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike) from the West

I-95 from the North and South

I-93 from the North and South
By Bus (Regional)
Nationwide bus companies including Greyhound and Peter Pan stop downtown at South Station.
Several regional bus companies offer scheduled service from Boston to New Hampshire, Cape Cod,
Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York City.
South Station
By Train
Amtrak has scheduled train service to Boston from New York and other points in the Northeast
Corridor. The trip from New York City takes three and a half hours on Acela Express trains, and about
four hours on other trains.
Amtrak has three Boston stops:

Rte. 128 is about 12 miles from downtown and is a good place to get off if you are visiting
the western or southern suburbs.

Back Bay Station is in the Back Bay, convenient to hotels in the Back Bay, South End, and the
Orange Line subway.

The third terminal is South Station, near the Financial District and on the Red Line subway. It
is convenient if you are staying at the hotels along the waterfront, seaport, and the theatre
district.
By Air
Logan Airport is located in East Boston. Massport gives options getting to and from the airport
How to get there
Directions to campus via subway:
Your destination is the “Kenmore Station” stop on the Green Line. There are several ways to get to
Kenmore Station, depending on where you enter the subway system:

Take the Red Line to Park Street Station, where it intersects with the Green Line. Transfer to
an outbound Green Line B, C, or D train to Kenmore Station.

Take the Blue Line (including Airport stop) to Government Center, where it intersects with
the Green Line. Transfer to an outbound Green Line B, C, or D train to Kenmore Station.

Take the Orange Line to Downtown Crossing, where it intersects with the Green Line. Follow
the underground concourse platform to the Green Line, then board an outbound B, C,
or Dtrain to Kenmore Station.

Take the Green Line from any stop between Lechmere and Hynes Convention Center: Board
any outbound B, C, or D train to Kenmore Station.

Take the Green Line from the suburban branch of the “B” train (any stop between the
Boston College and Boston University West stations): Take an inbound train to Kenmore
Station. If you are at the Boston University Central, Boston University East, or Blandford
Street stations, you are within easy walking distance and may not need to board a train.

Take the Green Line from the suburban branch of the “C” train (any stop between the
Cleveland Circle and St. Mary’s Street stations): Take an inbound train to Kenmore Station.

Take the Green Line from the suburban branch of the “D” train (any stop between the
Riverside and Fenway stations): Take an inbound train to Kenmore Station.

Take the Green Line from the suburban branch of the “E” train (any stop between the
Prudential Center and Heath Street stations): Take an inbound train to Arlington Station,
then transfer to an outbound B, C, or D train to Kenmore Station.
Driving Directions
From Logan Airport:
Take Route 1A Boston to Sumner Tunnel, then proceed to Storrow Drive. Follow Storrow Drive West
to the Kenmore Square exit. Follow local directions below.
From the North:
Take Route 1 or I-93 South to Boston. After the bridge, take the Storrow Drive/Cambridge exit.
Follow Storrow Drive approximately 2 miles to the Kenmore Square exit. Follow local directions
below.
From the Southeast:
Take I-95 or Route 3 North to I-93 North into Boston. Take exit 26 onto Storrow Drive and follow 2
miles to the Kenmore Square exit. Follow local directions below.
From the South:
Washington, DC or NYC, take I-95 N to New Haven, CT. Then take I-91 N to Hartford, where you will
get I-84 East. Follow this to I-90 East, the Massachusetts Turnpike. Follow the directions from the
West below.
From the West:
Take the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) East to Exit 18, Brighton/Cambridge. Follow the right side of
the ramp towards Cambridge. At the bottom of the ramp there will be several traffic lights. Turn
right at the hotel onto Storrow Drive. Exit Storrow Drive at the Kenmore Square exit. Follow local
directions below.
Local Directions:
From the Kenmore Square exit off Storrow Drive, follow ramp to traffic lights. Turn right onto
Beacon Street. At this point, the road will fork. Follow the right side of fork for all Bay State Road
destinations.
Otherwise, follow the left side of fork into Kenmore Square and at the second traffic light, bear right
for all Commonwealth Avenue destinations.
Parking:
Cash-only parking is available in the Granby parking lot at the corner of 665 Commonwealth Avenue
and Granby Street. Please note that this lot fills up very early each day. There are a limited number
of metered parking spots throughout campus. Those on Commonwealth Avenue and Bay State Road
are closest to the Reception Center. They have varying restrictions and time limits:

Meters on Bay State Road west of Deerfield St. have 4 hr limits

Most other meters on campus have 2 hr limits—but always check!

Quarters only: 1 quarter/12min = 5 quarters/hr = $1.25/hr

There is a quarter machine at the Reception Centre if needed
Transportation to Boston University from Logan International Airport
The airport “T” station on the Blue Line provides a link to downtown Boston. You can board a shuttle
bus outside any terminal that will bring you to the subway station. Take an inbound Blue Line train
(marked BOWDOIN) to the Government Center station. Exit the Blue Line train and board a “B”
Green Line train to Boston University. The International Students &Scholars Office is located near
the St. Paul Street station.
You may also take a taxi to campus. This may be the easiest option if you have a lot of luggage. The
taxi fare will be approximately $20-25, and drivers expect a tip of around 15-20%.
Time for Fun!
While academic achievement is your primary goal at Boston University, part of the uniqueness of an
international education in Boston is taking the opportunity to explore the pastimes, culture and
nightlife of this lively and diverse city.
Music, Theatre, Movies, Ballet….find out what’s going on!
No matter what your taste, there is sure to be something going on in Boston to interest you. The
possibilities are too long to list here, so check out these resources and explore the options!

The Boston Globe Calendar Section, which is part of every Thursday’s Globe, lists
performances and activities in the Boston area for that week. You can also
check http://www.boston.com for this information.

The “Arts” section of the Boston Phoenix newspaper, which is free at newsstands every
Friday, lists performances for the week. http://www.bostonphoenix.com

Ticketmaster, http://www.ticketmaster.com, lists musical, sporting and theatre
performances in the area. You can check dates and purchase tickets online

Bostix, located at Faneuil Hall or Copley Square in Boston, offers half price tickets on day of
performance for many performing arts events. Cash or traveler’s check only. Tel.
617.723.5181.
Boston is also home to world-class museums, championship-winning sports teams, and an array of
shopping options. For additional information about the city of Boston, check out these websites:
MET International City of Boston page
http://www.boston.com
http://www.cityofboston.gov/
http://www.boston-online.com
VISA
Certificate of Eligibility: The I-20 and DS-2019
The I-20 and DS-2019 indicate that an international applicant has been accepted as a full-time,
degree-seeking student, with the required proficiency in the English language (documented by
TOEFL test scores or their equivalent) or a student enrolled in an English language training program,
with sufficient financial support (documented in the DCF form) to study at a U.S. academic
institution.
Once you have been accepted to study at Boston University, the ISSI initiates the process of issuing
your I-20. You must have this form before you can obtain an F-1 non-immigrant student or J-1
exchange visitor visa to attend a school in the U.S. It is also required in order to maintain lawful
student status when transferring or changing schools within the U.S.
The Form I-20 is a paper record of your information in the database called SEVIS. Each school that
accepts you will mail you a Form I-20. Before you apply to pay the fee, you must select one school
and use that Form I-20 to pay the I-901 fee and to apply for the correct student visa.
Check your Form I-20 against your passport information to make sure that your name and date of
birth (DOB) are correctly listed and spelled. If it is not correct, contact the school official who sent
you the Form I-20 and ask the DSO to correct it.
The SEVIS Fee
Once you have received your I-20 or DS-2019, you are required to pay a federally mandated SEVIS
fee for the maintenance of their electronic record. You must pay the fee before you can apply for
your visa. The SEVIS fee cannot be processed at a U.S. consulate or port of entry.
You must have proof of payment of the SEVIS fee when you apply for your visa and at Customs when
you enter the country. If you pay the fee by credit card, you will be able to print the receipt
immediately. If you pay by check or money order, you will receive a receipt in the mail.
Canadian citizens should note that although you are not required to procure a visa to enter the
United States, you are still required to pay the SEVIS fee before entering the country to study at the
University.
Who needs to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee?
 All prospective F and M students from countries where a visa to travel to the United States is
mandatory

All prospective F and M students from visa waiver countries (before seeking admission at a
U.S. port of entry)

Any non-immigrant in the United States applying for a change of non-immigrant status to F-1
or M-1 status (before applying for a change of non-immigrant status)

An F or M student applying for reinstatement of student status because of a violation of
status (before applying with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)

An F or M student who has been absent from the United States for more than five months
and wishes to re-enter the United States to return for further study in the same course of
study (before re-entry into the United States)
o

There is an exception for students who have been working toward completion of a
course of study for a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified
school in authorized overseas study. Contact your designated school official (DSO) if
you believe this applies to you.
A dependent of an F-1, M-1 or J-1 student who will be applying for an F-2, M-2 or J-2 visa
does not have to pay an I-901 SEVIS fee
How do I pay the I-901 SEVIS fee?

A prospective F or M student with a country of citizenship or country of birth of Cameroon,
Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria or Gambia must pay by money order, Western Union Quick Pay or
certified check drawn from a U.S. bank. All other prospective F or M students also have the
option to make a credit card payment on FMJfee.com.

SEVP will accept third party payments, meaning someone else can pay your I-901 SEVIS fee
using the same method of payment. For students who cannot pay the fee by credit card,
third party payers are also restricted from paying the fee by credit card.

For instructions on how to complete the Western Union Quick Pay/Quick Collect form,
please visit here.

You can access the PDF version of the Form I-901 on SEVP’s website here. Print and mail in
your paper Form I-901 with your check or money order, according to the instructions on the
form.

For detailed instructions or for assistance on how to make an I-901 SEVIS fee payment, call
the SEVP Response Centre at 703-603-3400.
Do I need a receipt?
Yes. In order to get your student visa, you must present proof of your I-901 SEVIS fee payment at
your visa interview.

The printed confirmation will serve as proof of payment for the I-901 Fee

Print a receipt of payment after you have completed your I-901 payment onFMJfee.com.

If you would like to request corrections to your I-901 SEVIS fee receipt because you have
noticed misspellings, would like to go to a different school, or would like to transfer your
payment to a new SEVIS record, you must first e-mail a detailed request
to FMJfee.sevis@ice.dhs.gov.
Other information
Because of the high volume of fee transfer and change requests, please e-mail your request a
minimum of two weeks before your visa interview to ensure enough time to complete the changes.
You can check the status of your request by logging intoFMJfee.com to review the status of your
correction and print your I-901 SEVIS fee receipt. Within two weeks, if your requested changes are
not complete, please contact the SEVP Response Centre at 703-603-3400.
Contact your DSO if you are applying to do the following:

Extend your student status

Transfer to another school

Receive authorization for optional practical training
For more information, see the SEVIS I-901 Fee Frequently Asked Questions page on SEVP’s website.
For information on the SEVIS I-901 fee, forms, and options for payment,
visit www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/
To file and submit payment of the SEVIS fee, or to check on the status of your payment,
visit https://fmjfee.com/i901fee/
The Visa Application Process
To obtain a non-immigrant student visa, you will apply at the United States Embassy or Consulate in
your home country. As part of the application process, an interview is required. The waiting time for
an interview appointment can vary so submitting your visa application early is strongly
recommended.
Visit http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/wait_4638.html on the U.S. Department of State
website for a list of wait times for U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide. Note: An ink-free
digital fingerprint will be taken as part of the application process.
The following documents are required as part of your visa application:

I-20 (for F-1) or DS-2019 (for J-1) SEVIS-generated form provided to you by Boston University

Non-immigrant visa application, Form DS-160.

MRV fee receipt to show payment of the visa application fee

SEVIS fee receipt
Your passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least 6-months beyond
your intended period of stay in the United States.

Financial evidence of sufficient funds to cover the cost of tuition and living expenses during
your studies.

One 2”x 2” color photograph
You should also be prepared to provide the following:

Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended

Scores from standardized tests (e.g. TOEFL, SAT, GE, GMAT, etc.)
Application Procedures
Step 1 - Please read carefully instructions to establish if you are eligible to Renew your Visa by Mail.
If you do not meet the requirements to renew your visa by mail, you must schedule an appointment
and apply in person at the Embassy. To schedule an appointment for your interview, please follow
this link to the Visa Information Service (Monday through Friday 07:00-20:00, except Irish Bank
Holidays) for further information.
Step 2 - There are two options to schedule an appointment for your interview, please follow the
instructions on this page:

OPTION 1: BY PHONE
Callers in Ireland: Please note that you must have completed the DS-160 online visa
application and must have your application number before you ring for your appointment.
Applicants should dial (01)903-6255, calls may be placed to the above number Monday
through Friday 07:00-20:00, excepting Irish Bank Holidays.
(A live operator will schedule your appointment and provide visa information)
Callers from outside Ireland: Please note that you must have completed the DS-160 online
visa application and must have your application number before you ring for your
appointment. Applicants should dial (00-3531)903-6255, calls may be placed to the above
number Monday through Friday 07:00-20:00, excepting Irish Bank Holidays.
(A live operator will schedule your appointment and provide visa information)

OPTION 2: ONLINE
To book an appointment online: Please note that you must have completed the DS160 online visa application and must have your application number before you book your
appointment online. Applicants should log on to http://usvisa-info.com and follow the
online instructions. Please ensure you select that correct visa classification for your purpose
of travel. Otherwise you will be required to reapply for a new application and pay a new
application fee. All application fees are non-refundable.
Step 3 - You need documents that show that you are travelling to the United States for a temporary
stay, that you have a permanent residence outside the United States and other binding ties that
assure your departure from the United States after your temporary stay. Please, do not send any
supporting documents in advance of your interview.
Step 4 - You need evidence such as a Bank Statement showing that you have sufficient funds to
cover all expenses in the United States or convincing documents to show how those expenses will be
met by another person.
Please review NIV Checklist (see below) for additional documents you will require to submit based
on the visa category for which you are applying.
Student or Exchange Visitor Visa Applicants
Students (Category F or M)
• A SEVIS generated Form I-20 issued by an educational institution approved by DHS. The name and
date of birth on this form must match exactly the name and date of birth in your passport;
• Proof that the SEVIS fee has been paid;
• Evidence that you have the necessary funds at your disposal to cover all expenses;
• Evidence of your intent to return to a residence outside the United States after completion of your
program;
Exchange Visitors (Category J)
• Documentary proof of funds to cover all expenses;
• A completed Form DS-2019 that matches exactly the name and date of birth in your passport;
• Proof that the SEVIS fee has been paid;
• Form DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan - Exchange visitor (J visa) trainee or intern visa
applicants must present this form when applying for a visa.
Non-immigrant Visa Application Fee
The Department of State implemented a tiered structure for non-immigrant visa application
processing fees (also called the Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee), with different fees for different
visa categories. The tiered structure and fees are outlined in the detailed chart below.
Fees are payable online before booking your visa appointment. The visa fee may be paid using a
debit card or wire transfer, credit cards are not accepted. No exceptions can be made to these
policies.
Currently Non-immigrant visa application processing fees (per person). The fee payable is listed in
the chart below:
*Petition-based visas
PLEASE NOTE: Effective March 26, 2013, the official exchange rate for all consular services changed
to $1.00 = €0.80. All applicants who apply for their visas on/after March 26, 2013, are required to
pay fees at this exchange rate, regardless of when the visa appointment was made.
J1-J2
(Exchange visitors)
F1/F2
$160
(Academic students)
$160
€128
€128
Photo Requirements for Visa Processing
Please note: To apply for a non-immigrant at U.S. Embassy Dublin you must complete the webbased online visa application. To complete this form, you need a digital photo. Please follow link to
the DS-160information page on this website for further information to upload your photo and the
photo specifications before you begin completing your application. You must upload a photo in
order to submit your online visa application. If the photo you upload is not accepted as suitable, you
will be given the option to continue without a photo. If you choose to do this, you must bring with
you to the interview a photograph which meets the required photo specifications described on this
page.
Photographs that do not meet the requirements as set out on this page will be rejected. This will
result in delaying the processing of your visa application.
In order to safeguard the travelling public and utilize the latest biometric identification techniques,
all applicants for non-immigrant visas must present full-face photographs, taken against a white or
off-white background, showing the entire, uncovered head. Applicants who wear a head covering or
hat for religious reasons may continue to do so, but only if that head covering does not obscure any
portion of the face.
NOTE: Most photo machines or photo booths do NOT provide photographs of the correct size for
U.S. visas.
Please ensure that your visa photograph meets the following requirements:
1. The photograph of each visa applicant must be an un-mounted full face photo, taken within
the past six months, 2 by 2 inches square, either in colour or black and white against a white
background.
2. Sunglasses or other paraphernalia, which would detract from the face, are not acceptable. A
photograph of a person wearing a head covering is permitted, provided that enough of the
face is uncovered to establish identity. A photograph of a person wearing a traditional
facemask or veil that conceals portions of the face and does not permit adequate
identification is not acceptable.
3. Since a separate visa is issued to each qualified applicant, an individual photo is required in
all cases. Group photos are not acceptable.
4. It is particularly important that the photo be recent and clearly in focus. It is vital that the
background be white or off-white. Photos taken in front of busy, multi-coloured, patterned,
or dark backgrounds will not be accepted.
5. A "full face" photo is one in which the applicant is facing the camera directly. The applicant
should not be looking down or to either side. The face should cover about 50 percent of the
area of the photo. It is preferable that the ears be exposed. The key requirement is that the
photograph clearly identifies the applicant.
6. The photograph should measure 2 inches square (roughly 50 mm square) with the head
centred in the frame. The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the
chin) should measure between 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm) with the eye level
between 1 1/8 inch to 1 3/8 inches (28 mm and 35 mm) from the bottom of the photo.
7. Photos of members of the military, airline employees or other personnel wearing hats are
not acceptable.
8. Digitally-altered photographs will not be accepted. This includes alterations of color or
pattern in the background of the picture. Photographs that are out-of-focus, air-brushed or
otherwise substandard will not be accepted. Digital photographs must be of sufficiently high
resolution that the pixels are not visible.
Digital fingerprinting
For U.S. Visas
The chosen biometric identifier method is a digital photo and electronic fingerprints. During the
interview with a consular officer, the applicant will simply be required to place his/her ten fingers on
an electronic scanner in a procedure that is completely inkless and adds only a few seconds to the
interview process.
About the Information Collected
The electronic data from the ten fingerprints is stored in a database and is made available at U.S.
ports of entry to Department of Homeland Security immigration inspectors. The electronic
fingerprint data is associated with an issued visa for verification and the privacy of the data is
protected by storage in the database. Visa records are, by law, confidential. Requests for access to
visa records by law enforcement are subject to statutory, regulatory and other legal restrictions.
How long does it take to get a visa?
Due to the requirements of biometric processing, we cannot provide same-day issuance. Please plan
to be without your passport for at least three working days after your interview to allow for visa
issuance and return. Please visit travel.state.gov for further information on processing times.
Some applicants may be subject to additional clearances or administrative procedures that may add
weeks to the processing time. Do NOT make travel commitments or purchase tickets until the visa
has been received.
Arriving in the United States
What should I do when I arrive?
Arriving in the United States should be a smooth experience if you have everything ready.
Form I-94
The Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record” is a critical record. It shows that you have been legally
admitted to the United States, the class of admission, and the authorized period of stay. It is very
important that the information on the record is correct. Inconsistencies between the information on
the Form I-94 and Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records can reduce the
chances of a successful systems interface. In particular, this can cause issues with status verification
for Social Security numbers.
If you arrive by a land port, you will receive a paper Form I-94. If you arrive at the port of entry by air
or sea, an automated Form I-94 record will automatically be generated for you by U.S. Customs and
Border Protection (CBP) officers. CBP will provide you with an admission stamp on your passport
that is annotated with date of admission, class of admission and admitted-until date. The electronic
arrival/departure record can be obtained at www.cbp.gov/I94.
Secondary Inspection
If the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry cannot verify your
information, or if you do not have all of the required documentation, a CBP officer may direct you to
an interview area known as “secondary inspection.” Secondary inspection allows inspectors to
conduct additional research in order to verify information without causing delays for other arriving
passengers.
The inspector will first attempt to verify your status by using SEVIS. In the event that the CBP officer
needs to verify information with your school or program, we strongly recommend that you have
the name and telephone number of the designated school official (DSO) at your school. If you
will arrive during non-business hours (evening, weekends, holidays), you should also have an
emergency or non-business hour phone number available for this official.
Under certain circumstances, the CBP officer may issue a Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor Form
(I-515A), which authorizes temporary admission into the United States for 30 days while you obtain
and submit the necessary documentation to SEVP. Work with your school without delay to submit
the proper documentation required by the Form (I-515A).
Form I-515A
If you arrive at the U.S. border without all the necessary paperwork, CBP officials may issue you
a Form I-515A, “Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor”.
What is a Form I-515A?
If you arrive at the U.S. port of entry without all of your required documents or with unsigned or
missing information, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer may deny your entry into the
United States. As an alternative, the officer has discretion to issue you a Form I-515A, which allows
you temporary entry into the United States for 30 days.
What does it mean if you receive a Form I-515A?
Receiving a Form I-515A is not good, but it is better than having to travel back home. It is serious and
can become a real problem if you do not pay attention.
You must send all of the required documents, signatures or information to the Student and
Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) I-515A processing team within the period of temporary entry. If
you do not do this, SEVP will terminate your SEVIS record. Your student, exchange visitor or
dependent status will end, and you must leave the United States or file for reinstatement of status
with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within five months.
How to Avoid Getting a Form I-515A
To avoid receiving a Form I-515A, you should hand-carry the following paperwork when you arrive at
the U.S. port of entry (Do not put them in your checked baggage. You will not receive your baggage
until you have received admittance from CBP.):

A valid passport

A signed Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status” for F or M
non-immigrants (students or their dependents) or a signed Form DS-2019, “Certificate of
Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status” for J non-immigrants (exchange visitors or their
dependents)

Evidence of financial support (If you must have a visa, provide whatever information you
provided to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate)
You also should hand-carry (not put in checked baggage) the following documentation, if applicable:

Evidence of acceptance by your school or exchange visitor program, such as recent tuition
receipts or an acceptance letter

Paper receipt for payment of your SEVIS I-901 Fee

Name and contact information for your designated school official (DSO), including a 24-hour
emergency contact telephone number at the school
Make sure that all this paperwork is up-to-date, accurate and verified, where necessary.
What to do if CBP issues you a Form I-515A:
The CBP officer who issues you a Form I-515A may tell you what documents, signatures or
information are missing or incomplete. The form is a checklist that describes exactly what is missing
or incomplete and tells you what you must do.
You have 30 days from the date of entry into the United States to submit your correct paperwork to
the SEVP I-515A processing team. If you receive a Form I-515A, the first thing you should do is to
alert your DSO. Your DSO will work with you to make sure you have everything in order. Collect the
necessary paperwork, and send the originals by mail.
You must submit this paperwork before the “admit until” date on your Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure
Record.” Mail the documentation to the following address:
Student and Exchange Visitor Program
DHS/ICE
ATTN: SEVIS/I-515A Processing Team
500 12th Street SW STOP 5600
Washington, DC 20536-5600
SEVP will process your documents and return them to a DSO at your school. If your submission is
correct, SEVP will return your documents with a letter of approval and the Form I-94 will have an
extended departure date. Then, you can get the documents from your DSO for you to keep safely.
Reporting to your School
You have 30 days to enter the country before your official program start date, which is recorded
in SEVIS. You must report to your school by the program start date listed on the Form I-20,
“Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status” you received. This is one of the rules you agree to
when you received your student or exchange visitor status. If you do not follow this rule, you are
not maintaining your status.
It is best to contact your school immediately after entering the country so that there is no question
of your arrival.
If you cannot enter the United States for the term listed on your Form I-20 or if you will be late by a
few days, immediately contact your designated school officials so that they can accurately enter this
information in your SEVIS record.
Departing the United States
While you are in F-1 and J-1 status, you are permitted to leave the United States and re-enter
provided you present the required documentation. You should review all of the following
information carefully before leaving the U.S. with intent to return to continue your studies. It is
advisable to check with the ISSI before travelling outside the U.S. as well.
Documents Required for Re-entry:
1. Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date. If your passport will expire in that
time frame, contact your consulate.
2. Unexpired F-1 or J-1 visa valid for further entries. Note: Many visas have the letter “M” printed in
the entries block (beneath your passport number) which means there is no limit on the number of
times you may re-enter the U.S. on your visa. But if your visa is expired or you have used the number
of entries allowed, you will need to apply for a new F-1 or J-1 visa overseas (most likely in your home
country) in order to re-enter the U.S.
If you obtained a new passport that does not contain a visa stamp, make sure that you carry both
the new passport and the old passport bearing your valid U.S. entry visa stamp.
3. Valid I-20 or DS-2019 endorsed with a travel signature by an International Student Advisor at the
ISSI. The advisor’s signature is required on page 3 of the I-20 or page 1 of the DS-2019 and is valid for
one year, except when you travel to Canada, Mexico, or one of the Caribbean Islands (except Cuba)
or when you are engaged in Optional Practical Training. In these cases, your I-20 or DS-2019 must be
signed within 6 months prior to your planned re-entry date to the U.S.
Given the large international population at Boston University, the ISSI can be very busy, especially
around vacation times, holidays and the end of the semester. Be sure to allow a minimum of 5 days
to obtain the travel signature on your documents.
4. Original copies of ALL previous I-20’s or DS-2019’s.
5. Employment Authorization Document (“EAD Card”): If you are currently engaged in postcompletion Optional Practical Training (OPT), you need to present your EAD Card and proof of
employment at the port of entry along with the other required documentation listed here.
Consider carrying the following documents as well; an immigration officer could ask to see these:

SEVIS fee receipt (if applicable)

Current financial documentation

Proof of full-time enrolment (request at Registrar’s office.)
Travel for Dependents (F-2 non-immigrant visa)
The re-entry requirements for dependents are essentially the same as those for F-1 and J-1 visa
holders. Each dependent must carry his/her own I-20. If a dependent travels separately from you,
make sure he/she carries a photocopy of your F-1 visa, I-94 card and your I-20. For more
information, visit www.ice.gov/sevis/travel/faq_f6.htm
Renewing Your Visa
If your U.S. visa stamp has expired, you will need to apply for a new entry visa stamp at the U.S.
Embassy or Consulate overseas, most likely in your home country. Be sure to contact the local U.S.
Consulate or Embassy first to find out the necessary procedure and the approximate processing
time. You must plan carefully and allow yourself ample time.
The following documents are required:

Enrollment Verification: You may request this from the Registrar's Office at 120 Hayden Hall.

Official Transcript – You may request this through the website of the Registrar’s Office.

Proof of funding - You must present proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and
dependents, if any, for at least one academic year.

For additional information, visit: www.ice.gov/sevis/travel/faq_f3.htm
U.S.-Visit Program
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced an additional security measure, called
the "U.S.-VISIT" program. All visitors to the United States will have two fingerprints scanned by an
inkless device and a digital photo taken by an immigration officer upon their arrival at a U.S. port of
entry (airport or seaport). DHS will store the information and share it with selected law-enforcement
agencies on a need-to-know basis. In the future, most visitors will be required to verify their
departure as well.
Departure upon Program Completion
Once you have completed your program of studies and/or any authorized post-completion practical
(F-1) or academic (J-1) training, you must leave the United States within 60 days (F-1) or 30 days (J1).
Travel within the United States
Generally, special permission is not required to travel within the U.S. It is recommended that you
carry your passport, I-94, and I-20 whenever your travel outside the Boston area
Registration, Attendance and Course of Study Requirements
Registration and Attendance. You must register for classes and attend school each fall and spring
semester. You do not have to enrol during the summer unless summer is your first term of
enrolment or you are completing your program of study during the summer.
Course Load. You must register for a full course load unless:



You need less than a full course load to complete your studies by the end of that school
term.
You have obtained approval by the ISSO staff (recorded in SEVIS) in advance, a reduction in
course load due to a medical condition or academic difficulty.
You are authorized for -- and working -- in a period of "Academic Training" after completion
of your program.
Undergraduate Students. While you have the right to register for as many classes as Boston
University policy allows, you must register for at least 12 credit hours each fall and each spring
semester.
Non-Degree Students. If the "program objective" in item #4 of your Form DS-2019 is not an
academic degree from Boston University, you must be engaged in a "prescribed course of study" as
defined and approved by the ISSO. You are limited to a maximum of twenty-four months as a nondegree exchange visitor student.
Interruption of Study
If you fail to register for or withdraw from a fall or spring semester, you are no longer in lawful J-1
status and are not eligible to remain in the United States. Applying for and obtaining an official
"leave of absence" from Boston University does not preserve your lawful J-1 status. Please contact
the ISSO immediately if you believe you must interrupt your studies. The only interruptions which
are permitted by the Department of State regulations are those which are due to a medical
condition which prohibits continued study, and they must be approved by the ISSO.
Click here for more information about a leave of absence and other interruptions of study.
Medical Insurance
Medical Insurance Coverage
There is no socialized or national system of health care in the United States, and medical treatment
is extremely expensive. All Boston University students are required to have appropriate medical
insurance coverage. As part of your tuition and fees, you will be charged a medical insurance fee.
This means that you will automatically be covered through Boston University's student medical
insurance plan.
If you already have health insurance coverage from another source (for example, through a company
that sponsors your study in the United States) you may request a "waiver" of this fee by completing
a form and providing proof of appropriate insurance to the Student Accounting Office. Please note,
however, that your insurance plan must meet strict requirements in order for you to qualify for the
waiver. With very few exceptions, state law prohibits Boston University from accepting coverage by
an insurance company outside the United States. Before enrolling for coverage or renewing
coverage in an insurance plan other than Boston University's student health plan, check with the
Student Accounting Office to determine if it meets the waiver requirements.
For more information about student medical insurance:
Student Accounting Services
Chickering Medical Insurance (BU's student plan)
BU's group policy number is 711110
Student Health Services
Student Health Services are available to all full-time Boston University students. The services
available include a Walk-In Medical Clinic, gynecological and family planning services, a mental
health clinic, referrals to specialists and an infirmary.
Holidays and Vacations
You may remain in the U.S. and will be considered to be maintaining J-1 status during holidays and
vacation periods observed by Boston University, including summer, provided:
You are eligible and intend to continue your studies for the next school term, and
The end date in item #3 of your Form DS-2019 will not be reached before you resume your studies.
Employment
General. You must have written authorization in order to be lawfully employed. If you have
permission to work, you may not be employed for more than 20 hours each week during fall and
spring semesters unless authorized for more under Academic Training. During Boston University
holidays and vacation periods, including summer, you may be employed for more than 20 hours per
week. Both on- and off-campus employment will be authorized in SEVIS.
On-Campus Employment.
J-1 students may be employed at most on-campus jobs after requesting student employment
permission from the ISSO. The employment must occur on the premises of the University and may
not exceed 20 hours per week during the Fall and Spring semesters. However, full-time (more than
20 hours per week) on-campus employment is allowed during the summer vacation break and when
classes are not in session during winter intersession and spring recess.
Important Note
J-1 students who withdraw from classes or who otherwise fail to maintain status, must discontinue
on-campus employment immediately.
If You Have a DS-2019 Not Issued by Boston University
If a J-1 program sponsor other than Boston University has issued your DS-2019 (as noted in section 2
of your document), you must provide the ISSO with a letter from your program sponsor that permits
you to work on-campus at Boston University. Until you provide such a letter, or your document
already specifies on-campus employment is required for your studies (e.g. Graduate Teaching
Fellows and Research Assistants), you will not be permitted to accept on-campus employment.
Employment After Completion of Academic Program
J-1 students who have completed their academic program are no longer eligible to work on campus
unless they have been issued a new DS-2019 to begin a new program and are registered for the next
semester of study at Boston University. Otherwise, they may continue working only if authorized by
the ISSO (or their sponsoring agency listed in section 2 of the DS-2019) for Academic Training
employment that is related to their field of study.
Social Security Number
You will need a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) in order to receive a paycheck.
Social Security Card Application Procedures
Purpose
To inform international students and scholars of the procedures that must be followed to obtain a
Social Security card with an assigned Social Security Number.
What is a Social Security Card?
A Social Security Card provides a unique identification number that allows the United States
government to monitor and tax wages earned by employees in the U.S.
Please note that a Social Security Card does not grant employment authorization, it simply provides
a unique identifying number to allow employers to pay wages and deduct the appropriate taxes on
behalf of the U.S. government. Each different immigration classification has varying rules regarding
possible employment authorization.
Eligibility
You must be physically present in the U.S. in an immigration classification that permits employment.
With regard to specific classifications held by most Boston University international students and
scholars, the following eligibility criteria also apply:
1. Students in F-1 status are eligible under any of the following circumstances:
a. If they have been offered an on-campus job or already begun working at an oncampus job
b. If they have been granted Curricular Practical Training employment authorization
c.
If they have been granted Optional Practical Training employment authorization
and have received
d. their Employment Authorization Document (EAD); and the validy period of the EAD
has begun.
2. Students in J-1 status sponsored by Boston University are eligible:
a. At any time while pursuing their program of study.
b. After completion of the program of study if the student has been granted Academc
Training (AT) employment authorization.
3. Students in J-1 status sponsored by an outside agency should consult with their Exchange
Program Sponsor regarding their eligibility and the documentation they need to apply.
4. Scholars in J-1 status are eligible at any time up to 15 days prior to the end of the period of
their exchange program as indicated on their Form DS-2019.
5. Scholars in H-1 or O-1 status are eligible at any time up to 15 days prior to the end of the
approved period of employment as indicated on their I-797 Approval Notice.
6. Scholars in TN status are eligible at any time up to 15 days prior to the end of the approved
period of employment as indicated on their passport stamp.
7. Students and scholars in possession of and Employment Authorization Document (EAD) are
eligible to apply only after the validly period of the EAD has begun; and no later then 15 days
prior to the expiration of the EAD. (Students in F-1 status, see #1 above).
When should you submit the Application for the Social Security Card?
You may submit an application for a Social Security card to the Social Security Administration in
person on any business day (except holidays) between the hours of9:00 am and 4:00 am . When
possible, it is best to obtain the Social Security card prior to beginning any employment in the U.S. If
you begin employment without a Social Security Number, you must inform your on-campus
employer as soon as you receive your Social Security Number for payroll purposes.
What documents should you submit for an Application for a Social Security Card?
You must present ALL of the following documentation:
1. A completed Application for a Social Security Card. The application form is available at the
ISSO, on-line at www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf , or at the Social Security Administration
office.
2. Unexpired foreign passport with U.S. visa stamped inside
3. Original Form I-94 Departure card (small white card stapled into passport)
4. Click here to see a chart of additional documents required, or download a full set of
instructions which includes the chart of additional documents required.
Where should you submit the Application for a Social Security Card?
Social Security Administration
Thomas P. O’Neill Federal Office Building
10 Causeway Street Room 148
Boston, MA 02222
Telephone # (800) 772-1213
By MBTA: North Station "T" stop on the green or orange line; building is next to the TD Banknorth
Garden. For a map to the office, go to:https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/Controller
Receiving Your Social Security Card and Number
The Social Security Administration may need some time to verify your current immigration status
before they can issue a Social Security card. In most cases, a Social Security card should be mailed to
the address you listed on your application form within 14 business days. If you do not receive a
Social Security card within 30-60 days, you should contact the Social Security Administration via
telephone at 1-800-772-1213 or visit the Social Security Administration website at: www.ssa.gov to
inquire about the status of your pending application.
The notation on the Social Security card should read Valid for Employment Only with INS
Authorization which means that you may need to obtain work permission in order to commence
employment. To find out more about employment authorization, please contact a staff member at
the ISSO or visit the ISSO website at www.bu.edu/isso.
Foreign Language Assistance
To find out more about the Social Security Administration in your native language, visit the Social
Security Multilanguage Gateway at: www.ssa.gov/multilanguage/index.htm l.For Free Language
Interpreter Services, call (800) 772-1213 between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm.
Additional Information
If you will be employed at Boston University in any capacity, you must report to the ISSO no later
than your third day of employment to complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 for
payroll purposes. Please contact the staff of the ISSO for more information.
For more information regarding Social Security number visit one of these pages of the Social Seurity
Administration web site:
International Students And Social Security Numbers:
www.ssa.gov/pubs/10181.html
Foreign Workers And Social Security Numbers:
www.ssa.gov/pubs/10107.html
Social Security Numbers For Noncitizens:
www.ssa.gov/pubs/10096.html
Application for a Social Security Card:
www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.html
Social Security Administration home page:
www.ssa.gov
Questions About Taxes and Your Boston University Paycheck
Please contact Student Payroll if you have questions about taxes or any problems with your Boston
University paycheck.
Off-Campus Employment
J-1 students may engage in off-campus employment under the options specified below. You may
not begin employment off-campus before obtaining written authorization from the ISSO. Please
contact your ISSO advisor if you have questions about any of the following options:
Students Who Wish to Gain Experience Related to Their Field of Study
Academic Training (AT)
J-1 students may participate in off-campus training that is directly related to their major field of
study. AT may take place both during study and after completion of studies. However, there are
time limitations as to when AT may begin and how long it may last.
Students Experiencing Unexpected Financial Difficulties
The following benefits may be available to J-1 students who, through circumstances beyond their
control, are experiencing an unforeseen loss of funds that is affecting their ability to continue
studying in the United States. Please read the eligibility requirements carefully:
Economic Necessity
Off-campus employment permission that does not have to be related to a student's field of study,
but is restricted to 20 hours per week while school is in session. However, any hours already being
used during a semester toward employment under the terms of a scholarship, fellowship or
assistantship, or any on-campus employment will count against this limit.
Dependent Employment. Dependents in J-2 status may apply to the USCIS for employment
authorization. ISSO staff would be pleased to offer information, guidance and assistance to
dependents interested in this benefit.
Travel
Travel Within the U.S. You may freely travel within the U.S. provided you maintain your lawful J-1
status and have the following valid documents in your possession:
Passport
Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status)
Travel Outside the U.S. You may leave the U.S. at any time. If you leave, you may be allowed to
return if you have the proper, valid documents including an unexpired J-1 visa in your passport. If
you travel to Canada, Mexico or certain islands adjacent to the U.S., you may be eligible to re-enter
the country even if the J-1 visa in your passport has expired, provided your visit does not exceed 30
days. You should consult with the ISSO before making any trips outside the country.
Click here for more information on travelling to Canada, Mexico and the adjacent islands.
Before Completion of Studies. Procedures for returning to Boston University are distinct from those
for returning to attend a different school, as follows:
If you wish to return to Boston University, you should contact the ISSO at least two weeks before
you plan to travel and request travel authorization.
If you wish to return to study at a different school, you must notify the ISSO and you must obtain a
Form DS-2019 from your new school before you re-enter the U.S. Entering this country using a Form
DS-2019 from a school where you do not intend to study can cause serious immigration problems.
After Completion of Studies. The date you officially complete your studies (see "Completion of
Studies" section below) is very important to your ability to travel and re-enter the U.S. If you
attempt to return to the U.S. using your current Form DS-2019, you may be denied the right to reenter the country unless you have been authorized to engage in "Academic Training" employment.
Upon your arrival back in the country, you must present to the CBP inspector a valid Form DS-2019
which has been (1) issued to you by the ISSO for the purpose of engaging in "Academic Training" and
(2) endorsed for travel by the ISSO.
We also recommend that you travel with an offer letter from your employer and the Academic
Training authorization letter issued by the ISSO.
Note: If you travel outside the country and return to Boston University, please bring your passport
and Form DS-2019 to the ISSO so that we may update your records. It is very important that we
maintain current copies of your documents.
Dependents and Other Family Members
If you are married, you may be eligible to have your spouse (husband or wife) and/or children (under
the age of 21) visit you or join you for the duration of your studies. Please contact the ISSO for more
information.
Other members of your family (parents, siblings, etc.) may also be able to visit you during your
studies. ISSO will be pleased to issue a Letter of Invitation to assist with their visa application.
Click here for more information about adding dependents.
Completion of Studies
Department of State regulations state that your lawful J-1 status automatically ends thirty days after
you officially complete your studies unless you take some action to remain lawfully in the U.S.
Undergraduate Students and Graduate Students Who are not in Thesis or Dissertation
Programs. You officially complete your studies on the day of the graduation ceremony which is held
at the end of your last semester of enrolment.
Graduate Students in Thesis or Dissertation Programs. Your official date of completion will be the
the day of the graduation ceremony of the semester in which submit your thesis/dissertation. You
must be enrolled in that semester, as well.
Prior to the expiration of your Form DS-2019, you must
Apply, if eligible, for "Academic Training" employment authorization
Apply, if eligible, to move from one program to another at Boston University or transfer to another
institution
If eligible, change to a different immigration status
After completing your program of study, if you do not plan to remain in the United States by
following one of the procedures above, you must depart the U.S. within 30 days.
Failure to Comply with Responsibilities
If you fail to comply with your responsibilities under Department of State and DHS regulations, you
may face severe penalties based on the immigration laws of this country. You should work closely
with ISSO staff to make certain that you comply with all J-1 regulations.
Further Information
The staff of the ISSO will be pleased to provide you with additional information, counselling and
assistance so that you may achieve your educational goals while at Boston University.
Currency/Banking
Boston is one of the more expensive areas in the United States. If possible, you should either open a
bank account in Boston before you arrive or bring funds with you in a form that local banks will allow
you to immediately use (travellers checks in U.S. dollars, for example). If you open a bank account
with a personal check from a financial institution that is not in Massachusetts, local banks will
require you to wait a week or more before you can withdraw money from the account. If your check
is not in U.S. dollars, you will have to wait even longer before you can use your money. Banks do this
to allow time to make certain that the check will be honoured by the bank on which the check was
written. Please do not bring large sums of cash with you as it is not safe to travel with.
Banking
To open a bank account, you will generally need to provide identification materials such as passport
and visa documents, proof of attendance at Boston University, and a Social Security number or an
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). For information on how to apply for a Social
Security number or an ITIN, please contact the International Students and Scholars Office
(ISSO) upon arrival to Boston University.
There are two types of accounts that you may open: checking accounts and savings accounts.
Checking accounts allow for easy access to your money to pay bills and make purchases. Most banks
charge a monthly fee for a checking account. When opening a checking account, make sure to
compare banks and ask about fees. It is often possible to get a better deal. Also make sure to inquire
about the locations of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).
Savings accounts allow you to save your money and earn interest. Again, be sure to compare
interest rates, fees and rules regarding minimum balances at different banking institutions.
There are many banks in the Boston area that are well known and have many branches in the area.
They are also most likely to offer special services for students.
Citizen’s Bank
560 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215 USA
617.536.6138
Fax: 617.247.1823
Fleet Bank
771 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215 USA
617.443.2709
Fax: 617.247.0568
881 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215 USA
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange offices are located at Logan Airport, as well as at many large banks
American Express Travel Agency also provides currency exchange services at the following locations:
1 State Street
Boston, MA
Phone: 617-723-8400
39 JFK Street
Cambridge, MA
Phone: 617-868-2600
Tutoring and Peer Support
Suppose your reading comprehension in Spanish class is excellent, but you’re tongue-tied when
called on to speak. Or maybe you’re about to enter BU as a freshman and wish you had an ally to
teach you the ins and outs of campus life.
What you’re looking for is here: peer support, tutoring services, language conversation groups and
help with study and writing skills.
The Educational Resource Center (ERC) offers group programs and individual support to help you
succeed, from your first day on campus until you fling your graduation cap in the air.
ALL OF THESE SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE ERC:
The Writing Center offers one-on-one sessions to help you polish your writing skills, including the
initial step of generating ideas. You can also sign up for workshops on grammar and writing research
papers.
Peer Tutoring is available at no charge to undergraduates. ERC recruits the best students from across
the University to work as tutors across all disciplines.
Freshman Resource Advisors are student volunteers from the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS). They
help incoming CAS freshmen (and transfer students too) make an easier transition to Boston
University. You’ll find similar services offered through our other schools or colleges.
The Language Link can help you improve your foreign language skills in small, informal conversation
groups led by native and accomplished speakers. It’s a great way to practice and have fun in 12
different languages.
For more information and a complete list of services, visit the Educational Resource Center website.
Housing
Temporary Lodging
If you are living off campus during the academic year and have not secured housing arrangements in
advance, or have a housing assignment from the Office of Housing and arrive before the opening of
the residence halls, you may have to spend a few nights in a hotel or hostel. You will need to make
your own arrangements to do so.
You may also contact the Greater Boston Visitors Bureau at 1.800.888.5515 to help you find
appropriate accommodations at different price ranges.
Information on temporary on-campus housing for those participating in Orientation for International
Graduate Students can be found on the Orientation Office's Web site.
Permanent Lodging
If you will be living off campus during the academic year, you must secure your own housing
accommodations.
There are two types of permanent housing:
1. on-campus and nearby apartments owned and operated by Boston University, and
2. off-campus facilities (houses or apartments) owned and operated by private individuals or
companies. Because of limited space, Boston University does not guarantee on-campus
housing to graduate students. You may contact the Office of Housing to inquire about the
possibility of on-campus apartments, but such units are very limited and it is likely that you
will be told that you must make your own arrangements to live off campus.
Finding an Apartment
Please note that the housing market in Boston is somewhat limited. Finding an apartment in Boston
can be challenging, especially in late summer or early fall when thousands of students return to the
city for the beginning of classes, and rent is high. Unfortunately, ISSO is unable to provide housing
placement for international students and scholars. However, we can make some suggestions to
make your search easier. It is a good idea to begin researching apartments as far in advance as
possible.
If you will search for an off-campus room or apartment, be sure to bring enough money with you to
pay for (1) temporary housing until you can move into your permanent housing, (2) the first month's
rent, (3) the last month's rent, (4) a security deposit, and (5) a possible realtor's fee. If, for example,
you rent an apartment for $1,000 per month, this means you should bring with you about $4,000 for
one-time rental expenses. This figure, of course, does not include the cost of temporary
accommodation, tuition, fees and other expenses.

Use Boston University resources!
Contact the Office of Off-Campus Housing at 617-353-3523 for information about their
resources and listings. Their Web site has apartment listings, roommate listings, a list of local
real estate agents and links to other helpful website. This office also provides information
about leases and tenant rights. You may also contact the Boston University Office of Rental
Property Management by telephone at 617/353-4101 or by facsimile at 617/353-3737. This
office manages apartments owned by Boston University.

Check the Internet!
Some helpful websites that have listings for apartments and roommates
arewww.bostonapartments.com, boston.craigslist.org, www.roommates.com,re.boston.com
, www.apartmentaccess.com, www.allbostonapartments.com

Discount Realtors
There are some realtors in Boston who have agreed to offer discounted services to Boston
University students, faculty, staff and alumni. When you contact any of these agents for
assistance YOU MUST TELL THEM YOU ARE A BOSTON UNIVERSITY AFFILIATE in order to
receive the discount on their services. A list of these realtors is included in your admissions
packet.

Use Personal Connections
Apartments are often found by word of mouth. Make sure to ask friends, relatives,
classmates, people from your academic department, etc. if they know of any available
apartments or of people that need roommates.

Keep Your Eyes Open
Individuals often post notices for apartments or roommates on community bulletin boards
in Laundromats, grocery stores, or in different buildings of the university.
If you are unable to make permanent housing arrangements before your arrival on campus, we
suggest that you arrive at least a few days early and use that time to find a suitable place to live. It is
difficult to find appropriate, affordable housing in the Boston area. If you have friends or relatives
living in Boston, you may want to seek their advice regarding housing.
If you plan to have your family live with you, we suggest that you either secure housing
arrangements before arriving in Boston, or to arrive first to find housing and later send for your
spouse and/or children to join you. If you wish to ship any personal belongings, please make
arrangements to have them sent after you have arrived and have a permanent address.
You will also most likely need to purchase furniture and other household items for your apartment.
To do this cheaply, one good idea is to check newspaper ads and notices on community bulletin
boards for "moving sales," "tag sales" or "yard sales." It is often possible to find household items at
very low costs at these sales, usually held at people's homes. Also, look in the phone book to find
shops that sell used furniture or appliances.
Student Services
For detailed information, please visit the website for Students Activities Office
atwww.bu.edu/students/
Office of the University Registrar
The Office of the University Registrar maintains student records, issues transcripts, verifies
attendance, issues diplomas and non-dining I.D. cards, produces the class schedule, supervises
registration and Veterans Affairs, and records grades.
Every student is required to register for the classes they are supposed to take before the scheduled
deadline.
To register, students should select their classes from the Class Schedule and register according to
instructions provided by their School or College. Most continuing students are eligible to use TelReg
and WebReg to register for their semester classes. Students should check with the advising office in
their School for more information on the School's requirements. Incoming freshmen or first time
students are ineligible to use TelReg and WebReg and must follow the walk in or mail in registration
procedure using a Registration Form, as instructed by their School. Students should contact their
School or College for further information.
BU Identification Card (Terrier Card)/ Terrier Card Office
All Boston University students are assigned a nine-character, computer-generated I.D. number. This
University I.D. number or 'U' number will be used for all University records including registration,
class adjustments, and access to the Telephone Information System.
Terrier Cards for new students are issued at the start of the first semester. Photo identification must
be presented to receive a new card. Valid identification includes a driver's license, state
identification card or passport. The Terrier Card is valid for on-campus identification only.
Students who reside in on-campus housing will receive their Terrier Cards when checking into their
University residences.
New, full-time Charles River campus students who reside off-campus may obtain their Terrier Card,
Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. from
Office of the University Registrar
881 Commonwealth Avenue, Second Floor
or
Terrier Card Office
775 Commonwealth Avenue, Lower Level
New part-time students will receive their Terrier Cards in the mail during the beginning of the
semester.
Student attending the Medical Campus should obtain their Terrier Card from
Medical Campus I.D. Room
Collamore Building,
715 Albany Street, Room 212
Monday through Friday from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Student Link
The Student Link provides direct access to public and personal academic, financial and institutional
data maintained in the University's central computer system.
To access information on The Link, you need a BU login name and a Kerberos password. These are
the same pieces of information used to protect your account on ACS (Academic Computing System),
your Boston University e-mail, your entry in Boston University's electronic directory, and a growing
number of computing services.
You create a BU login name and Kerberos password when you apply online for an ACS account. You
will need your BU ID number, so have your Terrier Card on hand.
If you have questions or problems creating your BU login name or choosing a Kerberos password,
please see an IT Help Desk consultant at the Front Office of Information Technology at 111
Cummington Street.
Libraries
BU has a range of different libraries specific to subjects. They are:

Mugar Memorial Library

African Studies Library

Astronomy Library

Beebe Communications Library

Educational Resources Library

Frederick S. Pardee Management Library

Music Library

Science & Engineering Library

Special Collections

Alumni Medical Library

Pappas Law Library

School of Theology Library
BU Libraries have the facility of a Web Catalog. It includes search, reserve services, borrowing
records, book renewal, library purchase requests, and other general information. You can visit them
at http://library.bu.edu/
Student Employment
The Student Employment Office works with currently enrolled degree students to assist them in
their on-campus employment endeavours, through the Job Board and Quickie Job Services. Student
Employment also assists students with the Payroll process. For more details, visit their web site
at www.bu.edu/seo/
Immigration Requirements for Entry
to the United States (F-1 Students)
If you have questions about this form please contact International Admissions at:
intadmis@bu.edu
Boston University International Admissions
Boston, MA 02215 Phone: 617-353-4492 Fax: 617-353-5334
Purpose
The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) at Boston University has prepared this handout for students who have a
Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status (SEVIS Form I-20) for a program of study at Boston University. It
describes the steps you need to take in order to pay the SEVIS fee, apply for an F-1 student visa, if necessary, and to enter the
U.S. as a student in F-1 immigration status.
Step 1: Read your enclosed SEVIS Form I-20
Your SEVIS Form I-20 indicates that we have created a record for you in the Student Exchange Visitor Information System
(SEVIS). Your assigned SEVIS ID number is in the upper right corner of page 1 of your SEVIS Form I-20. If any information on
your SEVIS Form I-20 is incorrect, please contact the International Admissions office immediately. If all of the information is
correct, complete item 11 on page 1.
Note: The spelling of your name and your date of birth must be exactly the same as reflected in your passport. If your name
and/or date of birth on SEVIS Form I-20 are not exactly the same as the information that appears in your passport, please
request that we issue you a corrected Form I-20. Submitting an incorrect Form I-20 can result in delays or denial of the visa
application. If you have not already done so, please send a photocopy of your passport so that we can make sure that all
information is consistent.
Step 2: Make sure your passport is valid
In order to avoid possible problems applying for a visa or entering the U.S., it is recommended that your passport be valid for at
least 6 months beyond the date you intend to remain in the U.S.
Step 3: Pay the SEVIS Fee
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) require proof of payment of the
SEVIS fee before issuing a visa or approving any benefits of status. This fee must be paid by new F-1 students with “initial
attendance” I-20s who are beginning an academic program in the U.S. in F-1 status. While immigration regulations indicate
that the fee should be paid a minimum of three business days prior to a visa application at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, we
suggest that students pay the fee as soon as they receive the Form I-20 to allow sufficient time for DHS to update the fee
payment in the student’s electronic SEVIS record. Please refer to the Student and Exchange Visitor website for more
information: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/index.htm.
The SEVIS fee is NOT required from students currently in the U.S. in valid F-1 immigration status. Similarly, the fee is not
required from students transferring to a new school or changing to another degree program or level within five months from the
completion of the previous F-1 program. However, students who have studied in the U.S. in F-1 status in the past, but have
departed the U.S. for longer than a five month period or changed to another immigration status must pay a new SEVIS fee
before commencing the new program regardless of whether the student will need a new F-1 visa. Citizens of Canada are exempt
from the requirement to possess a visa to enter the U.S., however, they are still required to pay the SEVIS fee. Proof of SEVIS
fee payment for these individuals will be verified at the U.S. port of entry before they are admitted to the United States in F-1
status.
The fee can be paid to DHS either 1) over the internet with an electronic application form (Form I-901) and a credit card (see
important note below), 2) by mailing a paper application with a check or bank draft drawn in U.S. dollars to a processing
center in the U.S., or 3) by making a payment at a participating Western Union in your area. There is currently no mechanism to
pay the fee at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate or at a U.S. port of entry. The fee can be paid by the student or by a third party inside
or outside the U.S. However, the student must have proof of payment when applying for the visa and entering the U.S. We
strongly recommend that students pay the fee online with a credit card whenever possible to secure an immediate receipt.
All students who pay the SEVIS fee will receive a formal receipt that should be used as proof of fee payment. The receipt Form I797 will be sent to the mailing address provided on the Form I-901. This receipt notice will take time to process and to arrive in
the mail. The Form I-901 instructions state that receipts will be sent via airmail at no additional cost. The payee can request
expedited courier delivery by indicating this request on the Form I-901 and by paying an extra fee at the time of initial payment.
If the courier delivery option is selected, the student must include a contact telephone number and actual street address since
the courier will not deliver to a P.O. Box. Although fee payments may be noted in the student’s SEVIS record, it is strongly
recommended that students retain the fee receipt with other important immigration documents to use as needed.
If you have been accepted to more than one school in the U.S., it is strongly recommended that you decide which school you will
attend before paying the fee as you must include the unique SEVIS ID number and school code found on the SEVIS Form I-20
issued by the appropriate institution. Although DHS has confirmed that a fee payment made on one SEVIS ID number can be
applied to another SEVIS ID number issued to the same individual, it could complicate a visa application and should be avoided
whenever possible.
To Pay the SEVIS Fee Online
1.
Log onto the following website: https://www.fmjfee.com and follow instructions.
2.
Complete the Form I-901 online. Make certain to type your name exactly as it appears on your SEVIS Form I-20 and complete each
section accurately. Make certain to include the SEVIS ID number (located on the upper right hand corner of your Boston University
SEVIS document) and the Boston University school code (BOS 214F 00056000). Indicate that you will use a credit card to make the
payment. You must supply the necessary Visa, MasterCard or American Express information to submit the online payment.
3.
Submit the electronic Form I-901 and electronic payment.
4.
Print a copy of the online receipt to use as temporary proof of payment until you receive the Form I-797 receipt.
5.
A formal Form I-797 receipt notice should be issued within three days from date of payment. It will be sent to the address you
indicated on Form I-901. Be sure to make copies of your receipt, and keep the original with your other important immigration
documents. NOTE: You do not have to wait for the formal receipt to arrive in the mail before applying for the visa. You may present
the receipt you printed from the web site to the consulate.
To Pay the SEVIS Fee By Mail
1.
Log onto the following website: https://www.fmjfee.com and follow instructions.
2.
Complete the Form I-901 online. Make certain to type your name exactly as it appears on your SEVIS Form I-20 and complete each
section accurately. Make certain to include the SEVIS ID number (located on the upper right hand corner of your Boston University
SEVIS document) and the Boston University school code (BOS 214F 00056000). Indicate that you will pay by check or money order.
Print payment coupon.
3.
Obtain a check, international money order or bank draft made payable to “I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee.” The
check should be for the exact amount plus amount required if you wish for USCIS to return the receipt to you via courier service.
4.
Mail payment coupon and check or money order to one of the addresses listed on the payment coupon depending on the mail service
you use to send the materials to the processing center.
5.
A formal Form I-797 receipt notice should be issued within three days from date of payment. It will be sent to the address you
indicated on Form I-901. Be sure to make copies of your receipt, and keep the original with your other important immigration
documents.
To Pay the SEVIS Fee at a participating Western Union Agent
1.
Log onto the following site: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/wu_instr.htm and follow the instructions for SEVIS I-901 Fee Payment
by Western Union Quick Pay.
2.
Print out and bring a copy of the instructions from this website along with a copy of the sample form from the same site
http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/wu_fm_inter.htm to a local participating Western Union Agent location.
3.
Travel to the nearest Western Union Agent location. Find a Western Union Agent at: http://www.paymentsolutions.com/agent.asp or call the telephone number of the Western Union Commercial Services Network Agent in your country.
4.
Complete a “Blue Form” at the participating local Western Union Agent location. This form may show words such as “Payment
Services” or “Quick Pay” printed in the applicable local language, however, all Quick Pay forms will be blue. Fill out all appropriate
information. Make certain to include your name exactly as it appears on your SEVIS Form I-20 and complete each section accurately.
Make certain to include the SEVIS ID number (located on the upper right hand corner of your Boston University SEVIS document)
your date of birth and the Boston University school code (BOS 214F 00056000) exactly as it appears on the sample form.
5.
Make the payment at the Western Union Agent.
6.
Retain the Western Union receipt to use as temporary proof of payment until you receive the Form I-797 receipt.
7.
A formal Form I-797 receipt notice should be issued within three days from date of payment. It will be sent to the address you
indicated on Form I-901. Be sure to make copies of your receipt, and keep the original with your other important immigration
documents.
Step 4: Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to obtain a valid F-1 visa
Citizens of all countries, except citizens of Canada, are required to be in possession of F-1 visas to enter the U.S. to study. You
must initiate the visa application process with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. It is strongly recommended that you
review the web site (http://www.usembassy.gov) of that consular post to learn about their specific visa application
procedures, documentary requirements and deadlines. Most consular posts will process an application 120 days prior to the
start date of the academic program listed on your SEVIS Form I-20. Please refer to the following U.S. Department of State
(DOS) website for more information: http://contact-us.state.gov/cgi-bin/state.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php
To apply for a visa, you will need to submit the following documents to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate:
1.
DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application from the following DOS website:
http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/forms/forms_4230.html
2.
Application fee (check with the Consulate for the fee amount and how it must be paid or visit the following DOS
website at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1263.html
3.
One photograph (2 inches square [51x51mm], showing full face, without head covering, against a light background as
explained on the following USDOS website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html
4. Passport
5.
Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status (SEVIS Form I-20) from Boston University
6. Form I-797 Receipt or online proof of SEVIS Fee payment.
7.
Admission letter from Boston University
8. Original financial documents proving the availability of sufficient funds as reflected on your SEVIS Form I-20
9. Documents which demonstrate that you intend to return home after your studies (see explanation below)
All visa applicants are required to schedule an appointment for an interview. Please keep in mind that it may take a few weeks
to schedule an appointment, so you should initiate your visa application as early as possible. Before your interview, practice
answering questions in English about your visa application, your plans in the U.S., and your plans after you return home. Be
positive and respond to questions with clear, concise answers during your interview.
You may not need to do anything special to prove that you intend to return home. It may be sufficient for you to explain, if
asked, that you plan to return to your country to work, to continue your studies, or to do whatever you plan to do when you
return home. However, you may be required to prove that you have such strong ties to your country that you will return there.
If you believe it is likely that you will need to prove this, or would like more information, please read the document on our
website, “ Proving "Nonimmigrant Intent" for U.S. Visa Application Purposes found at
(www.bu.edu/admissions/apply/international/visa-information) and refer to the information on the following DOS website:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/temp_1305.html
There are special procedures for citizens of Cuba, Syria, Sudan, Iran to apply for a U.S. visa. Please refer to the following USDOS
website for more information: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1300.html
The consular official may decide to process your application through a special “security clearance” before granting the visa.
Security clearances may take as long as a few months, so it is very important that you apply for your F-1 visa as early as
possible. Most consular officials request a security clearance for a visa application based on the national origin of the applicant
or on a determined level of sensitivity in a prospective field of study. Once the application has been sent for security clearance,
the applicant must simply wait until the consular post approves the visa.
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 visit the following DOS website at:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/denials/denials_1361.html and contact us and we will try to provide you with suggestions that
may strengthen your next application.
Step 5: Travel to the U.S.
Once you have obtained your F-1 visa, you are ready to travel to the U.S. Immigration regulations allow you to enter the U.S. no
earlier than 30 days prior to the start of your program indicated in section 5 of your SEVIS Form I-20. You must carry with you
items 4-9 listed in Step 4. Place these documents in a folder or envelope that you will have with you at all times during your
travel. During your trip to, or upon your arrival in, the U.S., you will be given a form called Arrival Record/Departure Record
(Form I-94). Using a pen, print the information requested on this form, making certain to spell your name exactly as it is spelled
in your passport.
Step 6: Apply for “admission” to the U.S.
When you arrive in the U.S., you will apply for “admission” and an Immigration officer will examine your documents.
You will need to present the following documents:
▪ Form I-94
▪ SEVIS Form I-20
▪ Passport with valid F-1 visa
▪ Proof of SEVIS fee payment
You will need to have the following documents ready to present, should the officer ask for them:
▪ Admission letter from Boston University
▪ Original financial documents
▪ Documents which demonstrate your intent to return home
The Immigration officer may ask you one or more questions. If you are asked about the funds that will pay for your studies,
answer the question and offer to show the officer your financial documents. If you are asked about your “intentions,” answer
the question and offer to show the officer the documents that demonstrate your intent to return home.
If you have the required documents and there are no more questions, the officer will “admit” you to the U.S. by processing your
passport, your Form I-94, and your SEVIS Form I-20. When you leave the inspection area, make certain you have the following
documents in your possession: (1) passport, (2) Departure Record (part of Form I-94), (3) the SEVIS Form I-20 and (4) all
financial documents.
Caution
It is important that you do not enter the U.S. on a B-1 or B-2 visitor visa, or in WT or WB status through the “visa waiver”
program. It is unlawful for individuals in these classifications to study full-time in the U.S., and it is difficult and sometimes
impossible to change your immigration status to F-1 once you are in the country.
Additional Information
You are required to report to the International Students and Scholars Office with your passport, I-94 card, and Form I-20 upon
your initial arrival to the Boston University campus from abroad.
The staff of the International Admissions Office would be pleased to provide you with information, advice, and assistance on
any visa or immigration matter that relates to your activities at Boston University. Please contact us one of the following ways:
Email: intadmis@bu.edu
Phone: 617-353-4492
Fax: 617-353-5334
Proving “Nonimmigrant Intent”
for
U.S. Visa Application Purposes
_____________________________________
Purpose
The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) has prepared this handout for individuals who will be
applying for F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor visas in order to begin or to continue a program of study,
teaching, or research at Boston University. It will describe one of the most important application requirements
you must satisfy – convincing the U.S. Consular officer that you have “nonimmigrant intent.” Following the
suggestions in this handout will strengthen your visa application. We recommend that you carefully prepare
your visa application and thoroughly document your qualifications.
U.S. Visa Policy
U.S. regulations require the Consular officer who considers your visa application to assume that you want to
immigrate to or remain permanently in the U.S. In order to qualify for an F-1 or J-1 visa, you must prove that
your visit to the U.S. will be temporary in nature and that you will return to your country after completion of
your activities here. Consular officers call this “nonimmigrant intent.” You can prove your “nonimmigrant
intent” by giving the Consular officer documents that indicate that you have strong ties to your country. The
stronger your financial, employment or family ties to your country, the more likely it is that the Consular officer
will believe that you intend to return home.
Assessing Your Situation
Below are some questions to help you decide if you should make a special effort to prove your “nonimmigrant
intent”. The more questions to which you respond with the answer “yes”, the more important it will likely be
for you to make a special effort to prove your intent to return home after your activities in the U.S.
•
Is it difficult to obtain an F-1 or a J-1 visa in your country?
•
Are a significant percentage of F-1 or J-1 visa applications denied by the U.S. Embassy or
Consulate in your country?
•
Are one or more members of your immediate family living in the U.S.?
•
Are you married and applying for F-2 or J-2 visas for your spouse and children?
•
Are one or more members of your immediate family U.S. citizens or permanent residents?
•
Is the financial sponsor for your activities at Boston University a friend or relative who lives in the
U.S.?
•
Will this be your first trip to the U.S.?
•
Have you recently finished one activity in the U.S. and now want to begin a new activity?
•
Have you ever been denied a U.S. visa?
If, based upon your answers to these questions, you believe you should make a special effort to prove that
you intend to return home, the next sections of this handout offer some suggestions about documents you
might take with you when applying for a visa.
Financial Ties
If you own property or have financial investments in your country, documenting them may help prove you
have strong financial ties. To prove this, you may not use any assets which will be needed to pay for your F-1
or J-1 activities. You will need to prove the availability of that financial support separately in order to meet the
minimum requirements for the visa.
Documents to Submit: -Official papers proving property ownership
-Copies of investment statements or certificates
-A letter or financial statement from your bank or accountant
Employment Ties
If you will be employed full-time upon your return, this indicates strong employment ties to your country. Your
employment ties are viewed as stronger based on the prestige, importance and salary of your job.
Documents to Submit: -A letter that guarantees a job upon your return and states how important your U.S.
activities will be for the type of work the employer wants.
-A letter from your current employer stating that you will resume your work with them
after your time in the U.S.
-A letter from a prospective employer stating that a position will be offered to you
upon your return.
Family Ties
If all members of your immediate family live in your country, the U.S. Consular officer may understand that
you have strong family ties to that country. If you are the oldest child or only child in your family, the Consular
officer may believe that you are more likely to return home because of that fact. If one or both of your parents
are not in good health, this is another reason you might be expected to return home.
Documents to Submit: -Copies of official documents proving family relationships and their residences
-Letters from physicians explaining important medical conditions of your parents
Your Visa and Immigration History
If you have visited other countries and returned to your country after those visits, you have demonstrated a
pattern of behavior which may lead the U.S. Consular officer to believe that you will return home after your
time in the U.S. The more trips you have made, the better your situation.
Documents to Submit: -Current and/or previous passport(s) containing entry and exit stamps from your
country and other countries
-Other official documents indicating departure and return to your home country
Additional Information
The ISSO has other handouts available on the visa issuance and U.S. entry process. If you will be applying
for an F-1 visa, please refer to the handout entitled Obtaining an F-1 Student Visa and Entering the United
States. If you will be applying for a J-1 visa, please refer to the handout entitled Obtaining a J-1 Exchange
Visitor Visa and Entering the United States.
The ISSO is pleased to provide you with information, advice, and assistance on any visa or immigration
matter, which relates to your activities at Boston University. You may contact us by telephone, facsimile,
postal mail, or e-mail. If you are in the Boston area, we invite you to make an appointment with one of our
International Student and Scholar Advisors.
For more information, please visit our website at
www.bu.edu/isso For more information on U.S. Embassies and Consulates, and on the visa application
process, you may visit the U.S. Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov/.