For long-term employment (including tenure-track positions) in teaching and research, the H-1B visa status is most commonly used. H-1B status can be extended for up to six years and allows transition to permanent residency for qualified foreign nationals.

The H-1B process involves approval by several governmental agencies and significant processing times. Because the H-1B approval process can take up to six months, it is highly recommended that paperwork to initiate an H-1B application be submitted seven to eight months in advance of the employment start date.

Understanding the H-1B Process

UT Policy for Hiring Foreign Nationals (PDF)
H1B Overview & Legal Implications (PDF)
H1B Process Timeline (PDF)

Documents required to initiate an H-1B petition

H1B Request Packet (PDF)
H-1B Initiation Worksheet (PDF)
Export Control Certification (PDF)
H-1B Department Letter of Support Template (DOC)
H-1B Packet for the Employee (PDF)
Extension of the H-1B

Additional Information

ISSS Foreign Scholar Services Fee information