Scholar/Employee Information:
The H-1B Temporary Worker Visa

The H-1B visa category is designated for individuals coming temporarily to the U.S. to perform services in a specialty occupation, which is defined as an occupation which requires theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge, and attainment of a bachelor’s or higher degree for the specific specialization (or its equivalent in experience). The university normally files H-1B visa petitions for physicians, professors and some postdoctoral research fellows.

The Department of Labor (DOL) is involved with the H-1B visa application and employers bear a certain liability when filing H-1B petitions. Employers must make attestations about the wages for H-1B positions and they must guarantee the return fare home if an H-1B’s employment is terminated before the end of the period of authorized stay. Willful violation of the regulations can result in the university being fined and prevented from filing H-1B petitions for one year.

To request an H-1B packet for a new employee, or to extend a current employee's H status, please fill out the H-1B Extension Packet and return it to Cathy Donahue at the Office of International Services.