If you are a student in J-1 status sponsored by Boston University, you will need to request ISSO authorization for on-campus employment. This authorization can be granted in an appointment or on a walk-in basis by an ISSO advisor.

1. Bring your DS-2019, passport and I-94 (or print out) to the ISSO.
2. You will receive on-campus work authorization for one calendar year (12 months) at a time or the length of your J-1 program, if shorter.

If you are J-1 student sponsored by another J-1 Program Sponsor (as listed in section 2 of your DS-2019), you will need to request written permission from your program sponsor to start on-campus work, unless your DS-2019 shows that you will be funded through a Graduate Teaching Fellowship or Research Assistantship.

You may wish to work at a BU commercial firm—such as the Barnes & Noble Bookstore at Boston University (BU Bookstore)—that provides services for students on campus.

1. Request a letter (on letterhead) from your employer that verifies your work location, specifies a specific start date and end date, and confirms that you “will work no more than 20 hours per week during the Fall or Spring semesters.” The letter must be signed by a manager or supervisor.
2. Once you have this letter, make an appointment with your ISSO advisor. Bring the employer letter to the appointment, along with your I-20 or DS-2019 and passport.
3. If the employment is approved, your ISSO advisor will issue an authorization letter with the name and location of your employer and the dates for your on-campus employment.

You may not change employers or job location nor work beyond the specified hours and end date as endorsed in this letter of authorization from the ISSO.

If you are conducting contractually-funded research at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with Boston University, you must be approved by the ISSO before beginning employment, even if you will be paid by the University.

1. Request a letter (on letterhead) from the employer that verifies the location you will work at, specifies a start date and end date, and confirms that you “will work no more than 20 hours per week during the Fall or Spring semesters.” The letter must be signed by a manager or supervisor.
2. Make an appointment with your ISSO advisor. Bring the department and employer letters to the appointment, along with your I-20 or DS-2019 and passport.

If you are approved, your ISSO advisor will issue an authorization letter with the name and location of your employer and the dates for your on-campus employment. You may not change employers or job location nor work beyond the specified hours and end date as endorsed in this letter of authorization from the ISSO.