The pre-arrival section contains all of the information you need to know before you leave your home country, while the post-arrival section contains information you will find helpful once you arrive on campus.
We recommend that you schedule an appointment at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate as soon as possible. Please note that you cannot have your visa issued more than 120 days prior to the start date on your I-20 or DS-2019 form. The website of your particular Consulate or Embassy can be found online. Select the city and country where you will apply for a student visa (“non-immigrant” section) to learn what the procedures are for your particular consulate.
Typical Required Documents
Requirements can change frequently and may differ from consulate to consulate. Be sure to check with your particular consulate for requirements. The below list is intended to be a guide only.
- Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or DS-2019 form)
- Passport valid for at least 6 months in the future
- Form DS-160 (and DS-157 if applicable- only if you are a male between the ages of 16 and 45) can be filled out online prior to appointment
- Proof of admission to the U.S. university
- One 2 x 2 inch photograph
- Receipt for visa processing fee
- Evidence of ties to your home country
- Evidence of financial support
- Evidence of sufficient knowledge of English during the interview
- You may be asked for evidence of academic credentials qualifying you for admission (such as TOEFL, transcripts from previous schools, etc.). Originals are not required.
- You may be asked for proof of SEVIS payment
Common Questions
Do I need a visa if I am a Canadian citizen?
Citizens of Canada are NOT required to obtain a U.S. visa to enter the United States. However, a U.S. Immigration official will inspect your papers upon entry. You must have proof of Canadian citizenship, your Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or DS-2019 form) and proof of financial support. Make sure your documents are marked F-1 or J-1 D/S upon entering (especially if you are driving into the U.S.)!
What if I have received an I-20 or DS-2019 form from another school?
DO NOT enter the United States using a college or university’s I-20 or DS-2019 form if you do not intend to enroll at that school. If you have been admitted to more than one school, you must enter using the form for the school that you plan to attend and be sure to inform the other schools that you will not attend.
What if I am unable to attend BC?
You MUST inform your BC admissions office and the OISS immediately so that your SEVIS form can be canceled. You CANNOT enter using your BC immigration form if you plan to go to another school.
What if I am in the U.S. in a status other than F-1?
Please contact the OISS immediately to discuss your current status.
What if I am going to another school in the U.S. before I come to BC?
You should only get an I-20 from the FIRST school you will attend. When you are done with your program at the first school, you will need to have your SEVIS I-20 record transferred to BC.
What if I recently attended another school in the U.S. in F-1 status?
Your I-20 will have to be transferred from your previous school to BC. Contact the OISS for more information.
Can I use my tourist visa to enter the U.S.?
NO! You will have to leave and re-enter in the appropriate status
When you arrive at a U.S. port of entry, an immigration official will review your documents and stamp your passport. They should also write either "F-1 D/S" for F-1 visa holders or "J-1 D/S" for J-1 visa holders in this stamp. The immigration official will issue you an electronic I-94 number that corresponds with your admission to the United States. You can review your I-94 record online at any time. If you enter at a land border, instead of at an airport, a white I-94 card may be stapled to your passport.
Note: You must be especially aware with which visa status you are admitted into the U.S., especially if you have another visa stamp in your passport (such as a B-2 tourist visa) or if you are from a "visa waiver" country like Canada. Be sure to present your I-20 or DS-2019 to the immigration official.
How soon can I enter the U.S.?
You cannot enter the country more than 30 days prior to the start date on you I-20 or DS-2019.
What documents will I need to present?
Do not pack these in your baggage!
- Passport with F-1 visa (or J-1 visa)
- Form I-20 (or Form DS-2019)
- Evidence of financial resources
A variety of transportation options are available to you as you explore Boston.
Airport Transportation
Boston Logan International Airport is the closest airport to Boston College. The university does not provide transporation to campus from the airport. The most common types of transportation used from the airport, are taxis, hotel shuttle and by the public transportation system called the “T”.
Taxis
Taxis can be found at the ground transportation area outside each terminal. Fare to downtown Boston will be about $35, and to Boston College will be about $50, depending on traffic and the time of day. For good service, it is customary to tip about 15% in addition to the fare.
Public Transportation
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, or MBTA, operates Boston's mass transportation system. This system is the oldest in the U.S., and includes buses, trains, and subways lines known as the “T.” To get to campus for free, take the Silver Line to South Station, transfer to the Red Line to Park Street, and transfer again to the Boston College Green Line (also called the "B Line") outbound train. Stay on the "B Line" outbound train to the final station. For a faster route, you can pay for a Logan Express bus from the airport to Hynes Convention Center station. At Hynes, transfer to the Green Line B to Boston College Station. It will cost $2.75 for a one way trip on the “T.”
Shared Vans and Hotel Shuttles
Many van companies offer shared van service to area hotels. Visit your hotel's website for more details. Although it may take you a little bit longer to arrive at your destination, it is typically much cheaper, especially if you are traveling on your own (around $15 per person). If you are staying in a hotel, call the hotel first to see if they provide a free shuttle or if there is a shuttle company that they recommend.
Massport
Massport operates regional airports, bridges and seaports in Massachusetts including Logan International Airport
The Office of Residential Life and the Off-Campus Housing Office can answer many of your questions about on- and off-campus housing options, as well as temporary housing options near campus.
International Student Housing Advisors
During the month of August, two graduate international students work in the Office of Residential Life and serve as housing advisors. They have been in your situation before and are a great resource! You can reach them by phone, email, or online.
617-552-3075
offcampus@bc.edu
Off-Campus Housing
Important information about living off-campus, as well as a list of available apartments nearby, can be found on the off-campus housing website. You can create an account and place your name on a list of students looking for housing so that you can be contacted by someone who has an apartment or room available. International graduate students will also be available to assist with housing questions during the month of August. If you do not have a BC username or password yet, you can create a 'guest' account that will be reviewed by the Off-campus Housing Office.
Office of Residential Life
- Maloney Hall, Suite 413
- 617-552-3060
Academic year: Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Summer: Monday–Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Boston College is committed to helping students meet their healthcare needs. Univeristy Health Services, University Counseling Services, and the Office of Health Promotion all provide a variety of on-campus services while you are enrolled at the university, and can provide referrals to off-campus services if necessary.
Incoming Student Health Forms
Massachusetts law requires all full-time students to provide proof of immunization against a variety of communicable diseases. All immunization forms should be submitted to Health Services PRIOR to the start of classes. Failure to submit your forms will result in a hold on student account, affect your ability to register for the next semester, and result in an administrative fee of $65. Forms are available through the University Health Services website.For more information about immunization requirements, please contact University Health Services.
Health Insurance for F-1 Students
The U.S. government and the State of Massachusetts require all international students to have health insurance from a U.S.-based company. Foreign health insurance policies are not considered to be comparable and therefore are not acceptable. Students will automatically be billed for the Boston College student health insurance plan. Information about the BC health insurance plan is available on the Office of Student Services website. In order to ensure international students are covered by a plan that provides coverage which meets or exceeds the Student Health Insurance Plan, international students are not eligible to waive Boston College Student Health Insurance. Do not enroll in a foreign health insurance plan, as you will then have duplicate coverage and will not be able to receive a refund.
Note: If you are insured through a parent/guardian’s health insurance plan offered through a U.S. employer or a government sponsored program (for example Government of Kuwait/UAE or Government of Saudi Arabia) with coverage that meets or exceeds BC’s student health insurance plan, you may be eligible to waive coverage. Please contact Student Services or visit the Student Services website for more information.
Health Insurance for J-1 Exchange Visitor Students
The Department of State requires that all J-1 exchange visitor students and their dependents obtain health insurance for the duration of their program which meets certain minimum criteria. The Boston College student health insurance plan, administered through Blue Cross/Blue Shield, meets these minimum requirements. Students will automatically be enrolled and billed for the Boston College medical insurance at their time of registration. Insured students have the option of enrolling their eligible dependents using forms available on the Student Services website. You may also enroll dependents online at the Gallagher and Koster website.
Any J-1 exchange visitor who fails to maintain the insurance coverage, or makes a material misrepresentation to Boston College concerning such coverage, will be in violation of his or her immigration status and subject to termination as a J-1 exchange visitor.
Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and the largest city in New England, with a population of over 600,000. It is considered a “college city” with more than 100 colleges in the Greater Boston area and a student population of over 250,000 students in Boston and Cambridge alone. These students represent all areas of the United States and the world. Living in Boston will give you an excellent opportunity to experience one of the oldest cities in the United States, and to get a first-hand glimpse of American history. Many of the most important events of the American Revolution and the founding of this country took place in or around Boston, and historical monuments and museums can be found all throughout the city. There are museums, performances, restaurants, bars, clubs, and sporting activities to suit every interest and taste.
City of Boston
The official City of Boston website offers a history of Boston and visitor information.
Visitors' Information
The Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau website provides information on hotels, restaurants and attractions. The Boston Globe's Boston.com provides up to date news, classified ads, weather and visitor information.
Climate
“If you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute, it will change!”
Weather in New England can be unpredictable and changeable. There are four seasons with distinct weather conditions: Autumn (also know as “fall”), winter, spring and summer. The most enjoyable weather is typically during the spring months of April through June when flowers bloom and temperatures are moderate and the early fall from September to early November. Summers can be very hot and humid and the coldest and snowiest months are January and February.
Average temperatures in Boston for each season are as follows:
| Season | Fahrenheit | Celsius |
|---|---|---|
Autumn | 46–60 degrees | 8–15 degrees |
Winter | 0–37 degrees | -17–3 degrees |
Spring | 38–60 degrees | 3–15 degrees |
| Summer | 60–95 degrees | 15–35 degrees |
CHECK-IN WITH OISS
International Student Check-In is a federally mandated process that requires new incoming students & scholars to report to Office of International Students and Scholars Services (OISS) and have their immigration documents reviewed. Check-In should be completed AFTER your arrival to the United States.
REMINDERS
Step 1:
New students should login to OISS Portal and complete the request "F-1 / J-1 Student Immigratoin Check-in" under OISS Requests as soon as possible after arrival.
New scholars should complete the online check-in form and upload the required immigration documents. You will need BC credentials and BC email password to access the online form.
Step 2:
Report to the OISS at the Hovey House at 258 Hammond St. no later than the second Friday after classes start.
- Bring your passport
- We kindly ask that you wear a face mask for check-in.
- Please do not arrive in large groups due to limited capacity in our office.
- Must be registered for classes full time no LATER than the DROP/ADD deadline.