International Employees
Visa Options and Factors to Consider when Hiring International Employees
Please Note: Each International Employee’s situation is unique, so please consult with IPO before selecting which visa type is the best fit. For any visa work categories not listed here, please contact IPO.
Employment: Authorized by School of Record AND USCIS Approval
Qualifications: Must have a valid EAD card (Work Authorization approved by USCIS
Minimum Duration: N/A
Maximum Duration:
- Initial OPT – 1 year
- STEM OPT – additional 2 years
Funding Source: May be funded by U of I, personal funds, home country, or other sources
Restrictions/Limitations:
- Must be full-time (21 hr/wk+)
- OPT can be with/without wages
- STEM OPT must receive wages
- Non-immigrant intent visa
Dependents: F-2 dependents are not permitted to work. Can study part-time
SEVIS Fee and Tracking: Yes
International Services Cost Recovery Fee: No
Early Termination: N/A
Source:
Employment: Authorized “incident to status” by the Program Sponsor (School of Record)
Qualifications: Must be authorized by the program (School of Record)
Minimum Duration: N/A
Maximum Duration: Depends on length of program from School of Record, 3-36 months
Funding Source: May be funded by U of I, personal funds, home country, or other sources
Restrictions/Limitations:
- No tenure track position
- May be subject to 212(e) two-year home residency requirement
- Subject to 12/24-month bar
- Non-immigrant intent visa
Dependents: J-2 visa classification-may apply for employment authorization. Can study full or part-time
SEVIS Fee and Tracking: Yes
International Services Cost Recovery Fee: No
Early Termination: N/A
Source: AT
Employment: Authorized “incident to status” by the Program Sponsor (IPO Staff)
Qualifications: Must possess a bachelor’s degree
Minimum Duration: N/A
Maximum Duration: Six months
Funding Source: May be funded by U of I, personal funds, home country, or other sources
Restrictions/Limitations:
- No tenure track position
- May be subject to 212(e) two-year home residency requirement
- Non-immigrant intent visa
- Subject to 12-month bar
Dependents: J-2 visa classification-may apply for employment authorization. Can study full or part-time
SEVIS Fee and Tracking: Yes
International Services Cost Recovery Fee: Yes
Early Termination: N/A
Source: J1 Short-term Scholar
Employment: Authorized “incident to status” by the Program Sponsor (IPO Staff)
Qualifications: Must possess a bachelor’s degree
Minimum Duration: Three weeks
Maximum Duration: Five years
Funding Source: May be funded by U of I, personal funds, home country, or other source
Restrictions/Limitations:
- No tenure track position
- May be subject to 212(e) two-year home residency requirement
- Subject to 12/24-month bar
- Non-immigrant intent visa
Dependents: J-2 visa classification-may apply for employment authorization. Can study full or part-time
SEVIS Fee and Tracking: Yes
International Services Cost Recovery Fee: Yes
Early Termination: N/A
Source: J1 Scholar/Researcher
Employment: Authorized “incident to status” by the Program Sponsor (IPO Staff)
Qualifications: Must possess a bachelor’s degree in specific field
Minimum Duration: N/A
Maximum Duration: Three years, renewable with re-entry into the U.S.
Funding Source: Must be funded by the U of I
Restrictions/Limitations:
- No tenure track position
- Mexican and Canadian citizens only
- Degree field must be on the NAFTA list
- Non-immigrant intent visa
Dependents: TD dependents are not permitted to work. Can study full or part-time
SEVIS Fee and Tracking: No
International Services Cost Recovery Fee: Yes
Early Termination: N/A
Source: TN
Employment: Authorized only for approved position, at approved salary level, and at approved employer
Qualifications: Must possess the minimum degree and experience required for the specialty occupation. Equivalent to at least a bachelor’s degree
Minimum Duration: N/A
Maximum Duration: Six years
Funding Source: Must be paid prevailing wage by U of I
Restrictions/Limitations:
- Employer, job, AND position specific
- Must meet Department of Labor prevailing wage determination
- Dual intent visa
Dependents: H-4 visa holders may apply for employment authorization. Can study full or part-time
SEVIS Fee and Tracking: No
International Services Cost Recovery Fee: Yes + USCIS and legal fees
Early Termination: May be responsible for moving costs back to last country of residence
Source: H-1B