Hiring a foreign national employee differs significantly from hiring a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. International Programs and Services assists departments and prospective employees with the necessary documentation and processes for a foreign national to obtain work authorization to join Michigan Tech.
Visas
H-1B
The H-1B nonimmigrant classification is available for employment in a specialty occupation—a position that requires the application of highly specialized knowledge and normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific specilty directly related to the position. Most university faculty positions qualify as specialty occupations because they require specialized academic preparation and an appropriate degree in a field related to the position. IPS welcomes inquiries from prospective H-1B faculty and/or their department and provides this checklist as a starting point for the filing process.
- H1-B Employee Checklist Form
- Fees – Hiring departments are responsible for all required USCIS fees.
The processing time for USCIS to adjudicate an H-1B (Form I-129) petition is approximately 8-10 months. You can check your case status online in the "Manage Your Case" section of the USCIS website. USCIS offers a premium processing option for an additional fee. Contact IPS for more information.
Employment-Based Immigration
University Policy 6.15.2: Permanent Residency Petition Process
Form I-140
Form I-140 is the petition for a foreign national to immigrate permanently for employment in the United States.
Michigan Tech University assists with the Employment-Based Immigration: Second Preference (EB-2) "special handling" process for teaching faculty. If an employee chooses to pursue permanent residency based on a National Interest Waiver or in the EB-1 classification instead (or in addition to the EB-2 process), approval from the dean and chair of the hiring department is required.
Employment-Based Immigration: Second Preference EB-2
You may be eligible for an employment-based, second preference visa if you are a member of the professions holding an advanced degree or its equivalent, or a foreign national who has exceptional ability. For categories and requirements visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website.
For eligibility criteria for EB-2, please go to:
USCIS Employment-Based Immigration: Second Preference EB-2
Employment-Based Immigration: First Preference EB-1
You may be eligible for an employment-based, first preference visa if you have an extraordinary ability, are an outstanding professor or researcher, or are a multinational executive or manager. Each occupational category has certain requirements that must be met. You can view the category requirements on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website.
For eligibility criteria for EB-1, please go to:
USCIS Employment-Based Immigration: First Preference EB-1
Resources
Travel Resources
- Foreign Entry Requirements (visa requirements for U.S. citizens traveling abroad)
- Travel Warnings
- U.S. Department of State
- U.S. Embassies and Consulates Worldwide
Visa Bulletin
A monthly Visa Bulletin published by the Department of State provides information on the cut-off dates which govern visa availability in numerically limited immigrant visa categories including EB-2.
Requesting Honorarium Payment For International Visitor
Departments who invite international visitors to the University and wish to pay an honorarium, please follow the process outlined in our University Policies and Procedures.
See Policy 2.6015, Employment of Foreign Nationals (University Policies and Procedures)