Purpose |
Educational & cultural exchange |
Temporary employment in a specialty occupation |
Appointment Title Eligibility |
See Academic Titles Eligible for Sponsorship
|
Most academic titles, with salary from UCI at a wage that meets the higher of the prevailing wage or the actual wage |
Cost/Fee Responsibility |
Minimal fees to pursue J status; J-1 Exchange Visitor or Department is responsible for all fees |
Employer (UCI) is responsible for all fees except for H-4 dependents |
Duration |
Up to 5 years in “Research Scholar” category; length is determined by J visitor category |
Up to 6 years; initial application is for no more than 3 years. |
Processing Time |
Up to 2-3 months; IC processing time is 15 business days with a complete request. |
Up to 5-6 months; IC processing is 2-3 months with a complete request. |
Status Requirements |
- Visa document is issued by sponsoring institution (UCI)
- J-1 exchange visitor must participate in academic program objective and activities
- J-1 exchange visitors must comply with Department of State (DOS) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations.
- Mandatory health insurance requirements
- May be subject to Two Year Home Country Physical Presence requirement.
- 12 month/24 month bar may apply
|
- Approval for H-1B status is required from USCIS
- Requires certification from Department of Labor (DOL)
- Changes in employment (i.e.: change in location, job duties, salary, etc.) require a new or amended petition.
- Minimum B.A./B.S. degree or PhD for postdoctoral positions
- Dual intention is permitted; H-1B may participate in employment and also have intentions to file immigrant visa application
|
Non-UCI Employment |
Allows occasional lectures, honoraria, short-term consultations as long as activity is related to program objective, and authorized by the IC. |
H-1B employee is only eligible to work for UCI. Occaisional speeches and lectures at other institutions may be possible, but no compensation is possible. |
Dependents |
- J-2 status for spouse and children under 21
- May apply for work authorization (EAD)
- J-2 earnings may not be used to financially support J-1
|
- H-4 for spouse and children under 21
- Work authorization is limited and only allowed when primary H-1B is in the process of obtaining permanent residency.
|
Transfers |
Transfers to another institution may be possible |
Change of employer requires filing of a new petition |
Taxes in the U.S. |
J-1 Exchange Visitors may qualify for tax treaties and benefits |
H-1B are taxed fully on worldwide income |
On-Site Requirement |
Must be fully in-person or predominantly in person. Limited to hybrid work that includes at least 3 days onsite with only 1-2 days remote. |
|