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.
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…
President Trump established a new $100,000 fee for employers seeking H-1 approval from USCIS to employee foreign nationals outside of the U.S. in fall of 2025. See ISSO news for more details. On Monday, June 8, 2026 the Federal District…
DHS announced in January 2026 that they were pausing all nonimmigrant processing at USCIS Service Centers (petitions for extensions, changes of status, employment authorizations etc.) for nationals from the 39+ travel ban countries until DHS could establish new vetting procedures.…