If you’re an international student looking to work on campus, here’s what you need to know. You may work on campus while attending Boston University if you’re granted permission by the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). Work permission is usually granted to students with F-1 or J-1 immigration status. In rare instances, students in other visa statuses may be granted work permission.
You may work through the date authorized by the ISSO (also referred to as Work Expiration Date) or until you graduate or withdraw from Boston University, whichever comes first. If your work authorization expires, you may not work until you are granted an extension by the ISSO.
International students with pending applications for permanent residence may work on campus if they have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Depending upon your immigration status and job type, you must request specific authorization:
J-1 Student On-Campus Employment Authorization
J-1 Student On-Campus Employment Authorization
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.
Bring your DS-2019, passport and I-94 (or print out) to the ISSO.
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.
On-Campus Employment with a Non-BU Employer (F-1 and J-1 students)
If you want 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, you must request ISSO authorization.
Request a letter (on letterhead) from your employer that verifies your work location, specifies a start 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.
Make an appointment with your ISSO advisor. Bring the employer letter to the appointment, along with your I-20 or DS-2019 and passport.
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.
On-Campus Employment at an Off-Campus Location (F-1 and J-1 students)
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.
Request a letter (on letterhead) from the employer that verifies your work location, specifies a start 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.
Make an appointment with your ISSO advisor. Bring the 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.
Once you have been authorized to work, you must also meet student employment eligibility criteria during the time period you wish to work. Graduate and undergraduate students in their final semester who are registered only part time may be allowed to work, if granted permission by the ISSO.
Work authorization through the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) is required for international students to work off campus.
