Financial assistance from the university in obtaining an employment visa/authorization must be approved by the Human Resources Committee and is for full-time, and regularly employed faculty and salaried employees of the university. Prior to initial employment the university will pay for the cost of obtaining work authorization and/or an H-1B visa for the employee only. The term of the H-1B visa is typically three years which may be renewed an additional period of up to three years for a maximum period of stay in H-1B status with all employers of six years.
After three years of continuous employment, provided the work performance of the employee meets expectations, the university will seek renewal of the employee’s work authorization and/or H-1B visa and will support filing for permanent residence on behalf of the employee only. The cost of pursuing permanent residence for the employee will be the responsibility of the university. Work authorization approvals are not guaranteed by the university and employment is subject to successful approval notices from The Department of Homeland Security and/or other federal office.
If after the first year of continuous employment an employee wishes to seek permanent residence status independently; he/she may do so provided their work meets expectations; position and departmental operational need exists for employment continuation; and the employee has received approval for employment sponsorship through Academic Administration and the President’s Council. Other than the cost of legal fees and recruitment fees associated with a labor certification, all legal fees and other costs associated with pursuing permanent residence in the United States will be the responsibility of the employee.
To receive university support for permanent residence filings, employees will sign a formal agreement committing themselves to remain a university employee for a period of four years after receiving permanent resident status. It is to be clearly understood that this agreement is not a promise on the part of the university guaranteeing employment for four years. If the employee ceases university employment prior to the completion of the four-year period through resignation or termination, the employee agrees to personally repay the unamortized pro-rata amount (repayment amount excludes all legal and filing fees associated with any H-1B process). Amortization is on a straight-line basis (25%/year).
Any exception to this policy must be approved by the President’s Council.
Revised 8-2023