Visas
A key task of the Foundation's Human Resources Department is to help prospective and current employees retain and renew visas. Most HJF employees who require visas obtain either the H-1B visa or the "J" visa.
H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant classification used by an alien who will be employed temporarily in a specialty occupation. H-1B status requires a sponsoring U.S. employer. The employer (HJF) must file a labor condition application (LCA) with the U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) attesting to several items, including payment of prevailing wages for the position and the working conditions offered. When approved by the DoL, the employer must then file the DoL-certified LCA with a Form I-129 petition, plus the accompanying mandatory fee of $690 to U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS, formerly INS). Click here for the USCIS information page.
J Visa
"The primary purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program is to foster the exchange of ideas between Americans and foreign nationals and to stimulate international collaborative teaching and research efforts. The exchange of professors and research scholars promotes interchange, mutual enrichment and linkage between research and educational institutions in the United States and foreign countries." [22CFR 514.17] Click here for the USCIS information page.
Hiring and Application Procedures
- How to Apply for an H-1B Visa
- How to Apply for a J Visa
- Frequently Asked Questions About Visas
- USU Hiring Procedures for Employees Needing Visas (PDF)
SEVIS Program
The Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS) was implemented after the 9/11 terrorist attacks as part of the federal government’s effort to restore integrity to the nation’s immigration system. SEVIS is a web-based program that maintains information on international students (F/M visas) and exchange visitors (J visas) and their dependents residing in the United States.
Below are Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reminders for foreign students and exchange visitors registered in the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS). They are intended to ensure that legitimate students are quickly processed at ports of entry. A comprehensive list of answers to frequently asked SEVIS questions has also been posted online at www.ice.gov and www.cbp.gov.