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 status for employees
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:
Current H-1B employees are required to comply with complex immigration regulations in order to ensure ongoing H-1B for employment, travel, and future immigration benefits such as adjustment of status to permanent resident. H-1B employees, as well as their hiring departments, should contact SISS with any questions regarding H-1B status requirements.
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.
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 positions that meet the prevailing wage requirement indicated by the Department of Labor (DOL). The H-1B is an employment visa category that requires approval from DOL and the U.S.
