International Faculty & Scholars

Getting Started

Once the decision has been made to extend an offer of employment (or continued employment) to an international faculty member, it is imperative that International Programs & Exchanges be notified as early as possible in order to obtain the appropriate work authorization in a timely manner.

International Programs & Exchanges (IPE) will work with the department contact to obtain the appropriate work authorization on behalf of the international faculty member. Please note, however, that U.S. immigration laws are quite complex and subject to change. Regardless of an individual's qualifications, it is not always possible to obtain work authorization because this depends upon the employee's immigration history and individual circumstances.

Depending upon the visa status requested, the time required to obtain appropriate work authorization may vary significantly, from a few weeks to several months and even longer in the case of petitions for employment-based permanent resident status.

To initiate the visa application and/or work authorization process for J-1 Exchange Visitor, H-1B, ETA 750 (Labor Certification) or I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker), the department should forward a signed Request Form to International Programs & Exchanges. International Programs & Exchanges is unable to begin work on a case until the applicable Request Form and supporting documentation has been received in our office.