Immigration for Employees

The Office of General Counsel processes employer-sponsored visa petitions for faculty and staff, including H, O, and other nonimmigrant visas.  Our office also provides employment-based permanent residency petitioning for full-time faculty of the University upon request by the relevant University Department.  This page provides some basic information about the process.  Information about visas for students and exchange visitors can be found through the Center for International Services and Programs.

H-1B/O-1 Sponsorship:  The University sponsors eligible faculty and staff for H-1B/O-1 visas at the initiation of the relevant Department or Office.  The Office of General Counsel has developed a checklist that provides complete information about the documents required for the process from both the Department and the employee.  Because the majority of processing time is outside of the University's control, it is best to start the process as soon as possible. 

Employment-Based Permanent Residency:  The University will sponsor eligible full-time faculty for employment-based immigration at the initiation of the relevant Department.  Such sponsorship is not automatic and must be specifically requested by the faculty member and his or her Departement.  All faculty requesting such sponsorship must be: currently employed by the University and in a position that is otherwise eligible for such sponsorship in accordance with federal regulations.  The Office of General Counsel will provide services at the Permanent Labor Certification (ETA-9089) and Form I-140 stages, but the faculty omember remains responsible for the Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status, "Green Card Petition") and any associated forms and costs (i.e. attorneys fees, filing fees, etc.).