Resources for International Graduate Students

Boston University has many resources for international graduate students. Here are a few links you should be aware of:

1. Official BU Resources and Offices: 

For all immigration and employment-related information, please visit the official International Students & Scholars Office page. Here, you can find comprehensive guides for:

NOTE: Due to the new BUGWU contract implementation, all processing for off-campus employment (CPT/OPT) has been put on hold. Negotiations between BUGWU and the administration are on-going and and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is in process. Updates on how to navigate the new process will be made available once the MoU is agreed upon. 

For other academic and non-immigration related concerns, please visit the BU Global Programs page. You can find a plethora of information related to:

2. Resources for immigrants and non citizens under the new federal immigration enforcement guidelines:

We understand that the current federal immigration policies can be stressful and confusing. Please reach out to your ISSO advisors, department staff and fellow international students and non-citizens if you need to talk. It is important to maintain solidarity and a sense of community during these times! However, here are some useful links:

BUPD and our Safety, Security & Preparedness office have helpful safety information including new FAQs to help reassure students about community values. The ISSO has established a special news page to update the community on immigration-related actions under the new Trump administration. Make sure you remember the basics of maintaining  student status, to carry your immigration documents on your person, and to make prudent decisions about international travel while we wait for more clarity from the Trump administration. International students are encouraged to reach out to Behavioral Medicine, the Dean of Students Office or their ISSO advisor for support during this complicated time.

If you are traveling outside the US or are likely to be “high risk” for vetting and arrests, it might be a good idea to meet with an immigration attorney and establish a relationship with them. Here are some links where you can find some (potentially free!) legal representation:
1. https://www.bu.edu/isso/news/immigration-related-activity-under-new-federal-administration/

Under “Additional Resources” one can find a Kerberos protected link for ISSO Immigration Lawyers. If you cannot access it, please email ISSO for a pdf version.

2. https://miracoalition.org/news/immigration-helpline/

3. https://www.boston.gov/calendar/free-immigration-consultations

UPCOMING: 

  • International Peer Mentorship Program for Graduate Students: If you wish to show your support or become a mentor in the future. Please fill out this survey:
    https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ufA94RKMBWPeSFXcElfxQw9Pisie4OgN
  • Last-Minute Tax Party: Haven’t filed your taxes yet? Don’t have parents or relatives who can guide you with the US Tax process? Join us at a tax party where you can carve out some time to file your taxes in the presence of other international students. More details coming soon! (Note: The GSO is not liable for any incorrect tax filing)
  • Scholarships, Fellowships and Funding Opportunities: We hope to provide a comprehensive, department specific, detailed lists of funding and scholarships for graduate students. However, this will take some time. We appreciate your patience.