Visa Types

F-1 (Student Visa)

The F-1 Student Visa is the most common visa for undergraduate students at Boston College. The eligibility criteria include admission to the University, evidence of financial funds to support the student's studies and living expenses in the U.S., and indication of English proficiency. To receive an F-1 student visa, students will need a Form I-20, which will be mailed once Boston College receives the Confidential Declaration of Finances Form (which will be available on this site in early March).

J-1 (Exchange Visitor Visa)

The J-1 exchange Visitor Visa is awarded in rare instances when a student's tuition and fees are being sponsored by an external party. The eligibility criteria include admission to the University with sponsorship, evidence of financial support, and indication of English proficiency. To receive a J-1 visa, students will need a Form DS-2019 which will be mailed once Boston College receives the Confidential Declaration of Finances Form (which will be available on this site in early March).

H-4 (Dependent H-1 Visa)

The H-4 Visa is awarded to the child of a holder of an H-1 visa (a work visa issued for those in special occupations). Students who hold an H-4 visa do not need to acquire an F-1 Student Visa. The H-4 visa permits a student to remain in the United States for the duration of his/her studies, but does not permit a student to hold a job in the United States. Students who wish to change their status from an H-4 visa holder to an F-1 visa holder must complete and submit the Confidential Declaration of Finances Form in order to receive a Form I-20 which will be needed to obtain the F-1 student visa.

For more information about visa types or for other immigration questions, please visit the web site of the Office of International Students and Scholars.

Confidential Declaration and Certification of Finances

In order for an international student (defined by citizenship, not country of residency) to enter the United States, the student must obtain a visa from a United States Consulate or Embassy. Among the necessary documentation needed to obtain a visa is the visa certificate, Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, issued by Boston College.

Once admitted to Boston College, students will receive a copy of the Confidential Declaration and Certification of Finances Form that must be completed by the student, the student's parents, and the family's bank. Through this form, the family will verify that it has the necessary financial support to meet the student's tuition and living expenses while in the United States. Boston College will not issue a Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 without receipt of the Confidential Declaration of Finances Form.

Once students submit the completed Confidential Declaration of Finances Form and a letter from their bank verifying that they have the required funds, Boston College's Office of International Students and Scholars will issue an I-20. This form is needed in order to obtain a student visa.

Click here for the 2013 Confidential Declaration of Finances (Adobe Reader required)

Transferring Visa Status

U.S. governmental regulations require that all admitted international students (who do not hold U.S. citizenship or Green Card status) who are currently attending secondary school or university in the United States on an F-1 Student Visa must apply for a Transfer of their F-1 status. These students must apply to have their I-20 forms transferred to Boston College within 60 days leaving their current school.

For example, if your secondary school graduation is on May 15, you will need to have your I-20 Form transferred no later then July 15. The same would hold true for a Transfer student. If you are a current university student whose semester ends on May 15, you will have until July 15 to have your I-20 transferred to Boston College. Please download the form below and return it to the Office of International Students and Scholars as soon as possible.

Students who do not transfer their I-20s within 60 days will lose their visa status. Please fill out this form, along with the Confidential Declaration of Finances Form, and return it as soon as possible.

Click here to download the Form for
Transfer of F-1 Status to Boston College.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are currently in the United States on a visa other than an F-1 Student Visa, please contact the Office of International Students and Scholars immediately. You will also be required to transfer your visa status.

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