Resources for International Employees
The University of North Georgia (正澳门六合彩开奖结果) recognizes the unique contribution international faculty and staff make to our dynamic university community. It is important that units in which these individuals are employed are aware of university procedures for processing employment visa and permanent petitions.
Visa Types Permitting Employment
正澳门六合彩开奖结果 employees must have valid proof of employment eligibility in the U.S. due to citizenship, status as a permanent resident, or status as an employment-eligible non-resident. This proof of employment eligibility must be secured prior to the expected start date and must be maintained throughout the period of employment.
For non-residents, there are a variety of visa types that permit employment. Some require 正澳门六合彩开奖结果 sponsorship, others do not. Below is a chart of the most common visa types for employees at 正澳门六合彩开奖结果 and considerations surrounding these visa types. Please contact Human Resources, Monica Arrendale
If you have questions related to Student and Scholar services, please contact the Center for Global Engagement (CGE)
H-1B | J-1 Scholar | F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) | |
---|---|---|---|
Description |
Visa type for individuals in the U.S. performing services in a specialty occupation for a specific employer. |
Educational and cultural exchange visa type for research scholars, professors, short-term scholars, or specialists under the sponsorship of the university's exchange visitor program. |
Employment authorization for a student or recent graduate with an F-1 visa to pursue training directly related to their major field of study. OPT categories are Pre-Completion, Post-Completion, and STEM Extension. |
General Eligibility |
Position requires the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge, with a Bachelor’s degree as the minimum requirement for the profession. Offered actual wage meets or exceeds the Department of Labor's prevailing wage for the position. Faculty positions must be full-time, tenure track or non-tenure track. Limited term appointments will not be sponsored. Staff positions must be for at least one full year. Previous or current J-1 exchange visitors subject to 212(e) who have not met the 2-year home residency requirement or received a waiver are not eligible for a change of status from J to H-1B or for an H-1B visa. |
Scholar holds a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree with extensive experience in the relevant field. Possesses English language proficiency. Possesses adequate financial resources to complete his/her program. Not subject to the 12- or 24-month bars on participation. Will obtain adequate health insurance coverage. Has received an offer letter, if employed by 正澳门六合彩开奖结果. |
Position must be directly related to the F-1 student's major field of study. For STEM Extension OPT, student's major must be listed on the STEM Designated Degree Program list. The position must be at least 20 hours per week and the employer must complete and comply with the I-983 Training Plan. |
Length of Stay |
Status can be granted for an initial period of 3 years, with extensions possible for up to 3 more years for a total of 6 years cumulatively. |
Research Scholars and Professors: up to 5 years. Specialists: up to 1 year. Short-term Scholars: up to 6 months. |
Pre-Completion OPT: may be requested for up to 1 year. Post-Completion OPT: usually 1 year but may be less if Pre-Completion OPT was used. STEM Extension: 2 additional years after Post-Completion OPT. |
Who Files the Request for the Immigration Status |
正澳门六合彩开奖结果 is the petitioner; the employee is the beneficiary. |
正澳门六合彩开奖结果 department hosts, Human Resources issues the DS-2019, the scholar applies for the J-1 visa. |
F-1 student files the petition and ensures employment is accurately reported. |
Cost |
正澳门六合彩开奖结果 department pays the filing fees and associated costs (approximately $3,000 or more). Premium processing for a faster USCIS response time is optional, with an additional cost of $2,500 or more. |
Scholar pays for shipping of the DS-2019 and visa application fees. |
F-1 Student pays the I-765 Application Fee. |
Processing Time |
Approximately 6-8 months. Factors include collection of documentation, petition preparation, and USCIS processing times. Time can be reduced via USCIS premium processing, which guarantees an initial response within 15 days from when the petition is received. If applying for a change of status within the U.S., employee may begin working on the date approved by USCIS. If outside the U.S. needing a visa to entry to the U.S., please see approximate visa appointment wait times at travel.state.gov. |
DS-2019 can usually be issued 3-5 business days after receipt of fully completed request, provided documentation is acceptable. See the International Student and Scholarship Services Page Please see approximate visa appointment wait times at . |
Time is dependent upon the student's filing for OPT and the status of their OPT request with USCIS. Generally, OPT requests are adjudicated in approximately 3 months. |
Limitations |
Employee may only work for the employer and position authorized on the H-1B petition. Material changes in employment such as termination/resignation, change in positions or job duties, or salary may require an update to the petition and must be reported prior to the change. |
Advance authorization is required in order for scholar to perform employment activities off-campus. If subject to the 212(e) home residency requirement, scholar cannot change from J status to most other statuses while inside the U.S. AND cannot obtain an immigrant visa, H visa, L visa, K visa, or Permanent Residency status until having spent two years in their home country or received a waiver of the requirement. J-1 Research Scholar or Professor cannot start a new J-1 Research Scholar or Professor Program until two years after the end of the first program. |
OPT employment must be directly related to the F-1 student's major. F-1 students may only participate in OPT once per education level. The STEM OPT Extension may only be requested twice in a student's lifetime. |