International Scholar Invitation Overview
J-1 Exchange Visitor
J-1 status is used for professors, research scholars, short-term scholars, and specialists for temporary participation in approved programs of teaching, research, observation, and consultation. The two most common types of J-1 visitors to UCD are research scholars and professors. Postdocs, lecturers, visiting scientists, and visiting researchers are all eligible to apply for a J-1 visa. Undergraduate Student Researchers may also apply for a J-1 visa to participate full-time in a prescribed course of study or research project toward a degree at their home institution.
H-1B Specialty Worker Status
The H-1B visa classification is for non-immigrant employees in a “specialty occupation,” where the position requires a specific advanced degree and the employee has the specific advanced degree (minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a specific field). The H-1B also has minimum wage requirements that must be met by the employing department and requires the filing of a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor (DOL) prior to filing an H-1B petition with the USCIS (immigration service). Departments at UC Davis would usually sponsor an H-1B status for employees who have full-time teaching and/or research appointments for the duration of a period of proposed employment for which secure funding is available.
E-3 Professional Worker for Australians
The E-3 classification allows Australian nationals to temporarily work in the U.S. in a “specialty occupation” under the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement. The E-3 status has minimum wage requirements that must be met by the employing department and requires the filing of a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor (DOL) prior to filing an E-3 petition with the USCIS (immigration service).
TN Professional Worker for Canadian and Mexican Nationals
Qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens may seek temporary admission to the U.S. under the provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement to accept full-time employment with the University, to engage in activities at a professional level in one of the professions or occupations covered under NAFTA Specialty Occupations (Appendix 1603.D.1).
O-1 Individuals with Extraordinary Ability
The O-1 classification applies to an individual who has extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, or business; who has "risen to the top of his or her field," which has been demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim; and who is coming to the U.S. to work in the area of extraordinary ability. UC Davis uses this category only when the employee is fully qualified and no other visa category can be used.
B-1 or W-B Visitor for Business Status
B-1 Visitor for Business is a visa classification that can be used by international visitors making a short visit to UCD. B-1 visitors are not eligible for employment in the United States and are not eligible to apply for a Social Security number.
Visitors from countries participating in the visa waiver program are eligible for the W-B Business Visitor status. In general, the same rules apply to the W-B as apply to the B-1. However, a significant difference is that individuals requesting W-B status, who enter the U.S. without a B-1 visa stamp in their passport, can only stay in the U.S. for a maximum of 90 days and cannot extend their stay or change their status inside the U.S.