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Visa Sponsorship Basics:

International Affairs Mission:. To provide programs and services to enhance and facilitate the stay of international staff and students at UTMB, including:Immigration advising / visa processing Orientation and educationCross-cultural activities Serve as liaison and advocate . What is a ?Visa"?.

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Visa Sponsorship Basics:

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    1. Visa Sponsorship Basics: Overview of visa sponsorship

    2. International Affairs Mission: To provide programs and services to enhance and facilitate the stay of international staff and students at UTMB, including: Immigration advising / visa processing Orientation and education Cross-cultural activities Serve as liaison and advocate

    3. What is a “Visa”? A visa is a permit to enter a specific country for a specific purpose In this presentation we will discuss only United States visa rules and regulations Visa information for entry to other countries is available at: http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/fco

    4. What is “Visa Classification”? A category of temporary immigration status that: Has specific criteria of eligibility Is issued for a specific type of activity Has specific rules for maintenance of status

    5. Variables Affecting Visa Classification Eligibility Prior US immigration history Periods of absence from US Highest earned academic degree Minimum requirements of UTMB job Desired start date of UTMB activity Plans of accompanying dependents Long range plans in US

    6. Nonimmigrant Visa Overview

    7. How long does it take ? Each visa request involves multiple steps Different visa classifications require different steps We have control only over the portion of the process which we perform For our specific targets, see our “Turn Around Policy” (copy provided)

    9. How early should “Initial” J-1 document be requested? Allow about 3 months: 2-3 weeks for our process 1 week for courier delivery 2-4 weeks to schedule visa appointment 2-4 weeks to obtain visa and travel to U.S.

    10. How Early Should “Transfer” J-1 Document Be Requested? Allow about 2 months: 2-3 weeks for our process 4-6 weeks visitor relocation time

    11. When should initial H-1B be filed? Allow about 6 months (w/out Premium Processing): 1 month, minimum, for OD&IA process 4-5 months for USCIS adjudication 1 week for courier delivery 2-4 weeks to schedule visa appointment 2-4 weeks to obtain visa and travel to U.S.

    12. When Should a “Premium Processed” H-1B Petition be filed? Allow about 2 months if in US; up to 4 months if currently overseas: 1 month, minimum, for OD&IA process 1 week mail time to arrive at USCIS 15 days USCIS processing time 1 week to receive original approval (mail) 1 week to forward by courier overseas 2-4 weeks to make visa interview apt. 2-4 weeks to be issued visa stamp

    13. When should “transfer” H-1B be filed? Allow about 2 months: 1 month, minimum, for our process 3-4 weeks for hard copy receipt notice to arrive from USCIS by mail Contingent upon valid H-1B status with prior employer, UTMB employment may begin once USCIS receipt notice is on file

    14. Comparison of J-1 to H-1B

    15. Comparison of J-1 to H-1B

    16. How long does US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) take? Processing times vary according to: Visa classification USCIS Service Center USCIS staff reassignments to handle critical projects General processing times for USCIS adjudication can be viewed at: https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/ptimes.jsp

    18. How long does it take for a visa stamp to be issued? Processing times vary by visa classification and U.S. consular post Processing times at US consulates abroad can be viewed at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/tempvisitors_wait.php

    19. What if something goes wrong…..? Delays can be caused by: Error on form or petition Name inconsistencies Passport issuance problem Security Advisory Opinion Difficulty establishing “temporary intent” Request J-1 2-4 months in advance Request H-1B 6 months in advance

    20. When can work begin? Visa document issued or approved Visa stamp approved by US consulate Visitor travels to U.S. & UTMB Department has created “Position,” and “Opening” to fill “Position,” in People Soft HCM Visitor checks in with OD&IA OD&IA completes I-9 Verification

    21. When can “transfer” begin work? Visa document start date is current USCIS receipt notice (if any) on file “Position” is created, and “Opening” is created to fill “Position,” in P/S HCM Visitor checks in with OD&IA OD&IA completes I-9 Verification

    22. Tips to Facilitate the Process Tip 1: Clarify goals and objectives with visitor and OD&IA Advisor before requesting visa document: Does visitor intend to pursue a different objective in the U.S. later? Does the P.I. have other plans in mind for the visitor? Are there visa implications of such a change of objective?

    23. Tip 2: Work through Departmental Contacts Each UTMB department has an identified OD&IA liaison (see list) The departmental AA has been trained by OD&IA to prepare visa sponsorship requests Consult with your AA regarding an appropriate start date and required documentation

    24. Tip 3 Establish a reasonable start date: 3-6 months in the future for J-1 who is overseas 6-8 months in future for H-1B who is overseas 2-3 months in future for H-1B already in that status working for another US employer

    25. Tip 4: For an accurate visa eligibility determination submit to OD&IA: “Pre-Arrival Datasheet” completed by prospective visitor Copies of passport bio and visa pages and all prior US immigration documents

    26. Tip 5: Reduce confusion by allowing the Administrative Assoc. for your area (Mary Boyle or Margie Wronski) to coordinate all communications with OD&IA.

    27. Tip 6: Provide required documents together: Missing items cause delays! Advisor’s work cannot begin until all information is received Certain information could be a “deal breaker”(e.g. J-1 2-year requirement, credential evaluation) See checklists at: http://intranet.utmb.edu/international/visainfo/adminforms.htm

    28. Tip 7: Allow us time to do a great job: Some types of applications take longer to prepare Some personal situations are more complex than others Some times of the year are busier Processing times can vary due to individual circumstances

    29. Tip 8: Follow all normal recruitment and appointment requirements: Recruitment packet must be approved before initiating visa sponsorship request “Position” and “Opening” must be created in People Soft HCM HR Recruiter must move prospective employee record to “ready to hire” in People Soft HCM

    30. All international “new hires” must visit OD&IA on or before first date of employment Employment is contingent upon approval of appropriate visa status and documentation of employment eligibility Requirements for International “New Hires”

    31. Questions & Answers We appreciate your feedback! Thanks for attending! Let us know how we can help!!

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