International Affairs

H-1B Visa Process and Requirements

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1. Obtaining H-1B Status

The Office of International Affairs is the sole designated office at A&M-SA authorized to process H-1B petitions. Private legal counsel is not permitted to file applications.

Required Beneficiary Documents:

• Identification: Passport copy, U.S. Visa copy, and I-94.
• Immigration History: Current I-20, EAD card, I-797, or other work authorization documents.
• Professional Credentials:
  • Updated CV (include education, work history, grants from the last 5 years, and collaborators).
  • Professional IDs (Google Scholar, LinkedIn, ORCID, Scopus, etc.).
• Employment & Education:
  • A&M-SA Offer Letter and Job Description.
  • Diploma or Early Degree Confirmation Letter.
  • Completed H-1B Biodata and Biographical forms.

2. Filing Fees and Processing Times

All fees must be paid via separate checks payable to the "Department of Homeland Security." Do not initiate checks until instructed by International Affairs.

Processing Timelines:

• Standard Processing: Typically 3–5 months.
• Premium Processing: Guarantees USCIS review within 15 business days.
• Internal Preparation: The TAMUSA preliminary process (wage determination, labor application, etc.) takes an additional 1.5 to 2.5 months.

3. Duration and Portability

• Maximum Stay: Generally 6 years.
  • Exceptions: Time spent abroad is "recoverable," and one-year extensions may be available if a Labor Certification or I-140 has been pending for 365+ days.
• Portability: If you already hold H-1B status with another employer, you may begin working at A&M-SA as soon as the petition is filed with USCIS (you do not need to wait for approval).

4. Travel and Re-Entry

• Change of Status: Do not leave the U.S. while a "Change of Status" petition is pending; doing so will result in the petition being abandoned.
• Notification: Inform International Affairs of travel plans at least two weeks before departure.
• Documentation: Always carry original immigration and employment documents when re-entering the U.S.
• Export Control: If traveling with a university laptop or teaching/presenting abroad, you must contact Export Control for approval and potential loaner equipment.

5. Special Requirements

• J-1 Home Residency Requirement: If you were previously subject to the two-year home residency requirement, you must provide a USCIS I-612 waiver approval before you can be sponsored for H-1B status.
• Check-In Process:
  1. International Affairs: Check in immediately upon arrival in the U.S. or on campus.
  2. Human Resources: Complete the HR onboarding and orientation process.

Contact Information

For guidance on the H-1B petition process, please contact International Affairs:

• Email: International.Affairs@tamusa.edu
• Location: Central Academic Building (CAB), Suite 434