We’re advocates for international exchange, promoting the academic, professional, and personal growth of Boston University’s diverse community of international students, faculty, and staff. We provide professional expertise on immigration and employment and help ensure student, scholar, and institutional compliance with federal regulations. ISSO staff are available to guide students and scholars through the often complicated requirements for foreign nationals studying and working in the United States.
Explore the latest updates, emerging issues and resources most relevant to our international student and scholar community.
For all international students. Detailed information on immigration sponsorship for F-1 students and students in J-1 exchange visitor status who are enrolled or planning to enroll at BU. Find information about admissions, visas, travel, and more.
For non-student BU visitors on non-immigrant visas engaging in research/academic activities, such as postdoctoral scholars, visiting professors, and researchers.
Current news for the international student and scholar community.
The US Department of Homeland Security published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on October 8, 2026 entitled Optional Practical Training Fees that, if implemented, would establish an additional fee of $70,000 for a first time OPT recommendation and…
The President of the United States issued a proclamation and updated Fact Sheet on September 18, 2026 to extend the $100,000 for employers submitting new initial H-1 petitions on behalf of foreign nationals physically outside the U.S. despite the fact…
A federal district court in Massachusetts has temporarily postponed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule seeking to replace duration of status (D/S) for F and J students and scholars with fixed periods of admission initially scheduled to become effective…
In response to updated guidance from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) narrowing standards for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) eligibility, ISSO will pause on certain CPT approvals in order to review institutional practices and academic program requirements. SEVP sent…
The US Department of Homeland Security published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on August 25, 2026 entitled Fee for Certain H-1 Petitions that would establish an additional fee of $103,265 on all initial H‑1B cap‑subject petitions including those…
Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) sent a broadcast email to all Designated School Officials (DSOs) on August 12, 2026, restricting the definition of the term “integral” in current regulations to tighten guidance for authorizing Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F-1…
Several media outlets have reported expanded ICE activity at US airports including speculation that that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increased its use of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) passenger data to target domestic air travelers, raising risks for…
The US Department of Homeland Security (USDHS) published new regulations today that will impact all F-1 student and J-1 exchange visitor categories. Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange…