The H-1B visa classification is for non-immigrant employees in a “specialty occupation,” where the position requires a specific degree and the employee has the specific 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 s

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.

• Skip to: Exceptional Extensions
• Change of Status or Departure
• After Permanent Residence

The H-1B status is limited to a six-year status.  However, there are four exceptions to this limit.  It is possible to obtain H-1B status beyond the six-year limit for the following individuals:

• Skip to: Visa Requirements
• Documents
• Automatic Revalidation

The H-1B visa status can be granted for up to three (3) years at a time, with a maximum of six (6) years of presence in the U.S.

We encourage new H-1B scholars to meet with an H-1B advisor at SISS for orientations.  These meetings last about 30 minutes and cover issues such as legal requirements for maintaining your H-1B status, obtaining a driver’s license, obtaining a social security number, travel while in H status, and many other issues.  We will also give an orientation to the Davis or Sacramento area if H-1B employees are new to this area. 

• Skip to: Timing Issues
• Applying Outside the U.S.
• Department Information
• Steps

UC Davis sponsors scholars for H-1B visa status at the request of the hiring department.  Generally, UC Davis sponsors H-1B employment for full-time research and teaching posi

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 UC Davis are research scholars and professors. Postdocs, lecturers, visiting scientists, and visiting researchers are all eligible to apply for a J-1 visa.

The following forms and handouts may be used by departments seeking to bring over or hire international scholars. All other use of the below forms will be discarded by SISS. If you have questions regarding the use of request forms, please contact the appropriate advisor.

The following forms may be used by current or newly invited international scholars of the University of California, Davis. All other use of the forms below will be discarded by SISS. If you have any questions regarding the use of request forms, please contact SISS (530-752-0864 or siss@ucdavis.edu).