ISSO Admissions Processing Guide

General Information

This section provides you as an administrator with details regarding the process for collecting, reviewing, and issuing immigration documents to our newly admitted international students.

Required Documents

The following is the list of documents that must be submitted with each student file, however, please note that there are 5 different categories for which additional documentation may be required or less may be necessary.  Please see each category for the additional information.

1. ISSO Coversheet (International Student Admissions Coversheet) – printed from online university registration screens

2. Completed and signed International Student Data Form (ISDF) or International Student Coversheet (IAC)

3. Copy of passport data page, including expiration date

4. Financial document(s) – issued not more than one year from start date of program:
   • Student’s bank statement/letter (and/or)
   • Sponsor letter and bank statement/letter (and/or)
   • BU Scholarship/Financial award letter (and/or)
   • Combination of all of the above if/when required or necessary

5. Proof of English proficiency: ISSO pays close attention to documentary evidence to insure each international admit meets the University English proficiency standards.  The ISSO will continue to enforce the need for written explanation.

6. Copy of letter of admission

Additional information

and additional required documentation for each category

ISSO Processing once a file is received

File is complete:

• Standard/CELOP Start outside US: ISSO will process an immigration document.
  • CELOP Start: Student will be issued an immigration document reflecting the CELOP start date. A remark on the immigration document will read similar to: “Program to begin with Intensive English Language Training”.

• Transfer student: ISSO will send the student instructions and a transfer form via email.
  • Completion of the Transfer Form:
    • The student and the student’s current institution will need to complete their respective section and determine the appropriate transfer release date of the student’s SEVIS record. The current school or the student will need to return the completed form to the ISSO and the current school will need to release the SEVIS record to Boston University.
    • Upon receipt of the completed transfer form, the release date as indicated on the Transfer Form will be entered in the Document Tracking screen.
    • The SEVIS transfer release date is generally the date that the student will complete studies or OPT at the current institution. BU will not have access to that student’s SEVIS record to issue an immigration document until that date has been reached.  Once the release date has been reached: ISSO  will issue a transfer immigration document to the student

• Continuing student: ISSO will send the student instructions regarding the process
  • Completion of the Continuing Student Form if one was issued:
    • Student and academic advisor of the current program will need to complete their respective section of the form and return the completed form to ISSO.
    • Upon receipt of the completed Continuing Student Form, the program completion date indicated on the form will be entered in the Document Tracking screen.
    • The completion date is generally the date the student will complete the current BU program. ISSO cannot update the student’s SEVIS record to issue an immigration document until after that date has been reached.
    • Once the completion date has been reached (for CELOP students it is the last date of the program published by CELOP): ISSO will issue a continuing student immigration document.

• Students in other immigration status: ISSO will email student with information regarding their options which is dependent on their immigration classification:
  • Student’s current immigration status permits them to study
  • Student is required to change immigration status in order to begin an academic program. They will be instructed in the email to contact the ISSO to discuss change of immigration status options.
  • Student will receive their immigration document from another sponsor.

File is incomplete

• ISSO will contact department to inform and request missing documentation/information.

ISSO Document Tracking will be updated by ISSO staff

• Please review the ISSO Document Tracking Fields on the ISSO website for details.

What students receive from ISSO

• Welcome letter from ISSO Director
• Appropriate immigration document
• Information packet (SEVIS fee payment, visa application, and other pertinent information)