Colleges and universities need the tools to recruit and retain the most talented professors, faculty, and executive team, regardless of their country of origin. Non-profit colleges and universities can sponsor professionals on the H-1B employment visas outside of the competitive lottery. Additionally, other immigration options exist depending on the experience, expertise, and country of origin of the foreign national. If you would like to hire international faculty or staff and don’t know where to start, we offer complimentary consultations – request yours today.
H-1B Employment Visas
The H-1B visa is the cornerstone of higher education immigration. Non-profit colleges, universities, and research facilities are not beholden to the annual H-1B “cap” and its restrictive timeline and lottery. The H-1B visa applies to any position considered a “specialty occupation” and requires at least a bachelor’s degree (or its foreign equivalent) – including professors, administrators, researchers, and scholars.
J-1 Exchange Visa
J visas may be used for work-authorized categories including professors and research scholars. The J-1 visa is intended to be used for cultural exchange and enrichment. However, this visa isn’t a good option for a professor/researcher who would like to work long-term at the university. In fact, the J-1 visa can’t be used for a candidate on a tenure track, or who has completed a professor program in the 24 months preceding the start date of employment.
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For a comprehensive overview of visas, green card options and the PERM process for higher education employers, download our complimentary 56-page Higher Education Employer's Guide. You will receive your Guide by email, as well up-to-date, need to know information about immigration and higher education.
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O-1 Extraordinary Ability Employment Visas
The O Visa for extraordinary ability is intended for the top few in the field of expertise in the world. Additionally, The candidate must have a major award or prize (Nobel, Fields, etc.); OR documentation 3 of 8 categories specified in the Regulations; OR other “comparable evidence”. In addition, The job does not need to require extraordinary ability. The initial O-1 period is 3 years, annual extensions indefinitely thereafter in one-year increments. While difficult to obtain, the O-1 visa can be worth applying for if other options are not viable, as its qualifying categories can be broadly interpreted.
Treaty Country Visas – TN and E-3
The TN visa is available to citizens of Mexico and Canada and the E-3 visa is available to citizens of Australia. These visas do not provide a pathway to U.S. permanent residence but can be extended indefinitely, as long as the foreign national returns to their country of origin every three years.
Employment visas: EB-1, EB-2 and NIW “Green Cards”
The EB and NIW petitions allow college and universities to sponsor the foreign national for a green card. In fact, In some cases, qualified individuals can use the EB and NIW categories to self-sponsor for permanent residence. To sponsor a foreign national on an EB-1 or EB-2 petition, the petitioner is able to prove “extraordinary ability” and the employer must show the position requires exceptional ability. College and universities that sponsor foreign nationals on EB-1, EB-2, or NIW petitions don’t have to receive labor certification from the Department of Labor, and foreign nationals typically enjoy a shorter wait time for their green cards.
PERM Process – Sponsoring for Employee Green Cards
The PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) process allows employers to sponsor foreign nationals for permanent residence in the United States. The PERM process requires employers to prove:
- No qualified U.S. workers are available to fill the position;
- The foreign national is qualified for the position offered; and
- The foreign national is eligible for permanent residence.
Click here for more information on the PERM process.
FordMurray attorneys work with colleges and universities across the US to help craft immigration strategies that build an international faculty and student body. Our comprehensive services also include SEVP certification and compliance programs, and expert counsel on student visas. Additionally, We offer complimentary consultations, and are always happy to help.
Latest News in Higher Education Immigration:
- USCIS Policy Guidance Eases Burden for International Students
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- USCIS Announces Flexibility for OPT Applications
- Looking Ahead: How a Biden Presidency Could Impact Immigration and Higher Education
- SEVP Backs Away from Temporary Plan Helping F-1/M-1 Students during the Pandemic
- SEVP Publishes Advice for DSOs and F-1 Students on OPT
