| Purpose: | Temporary worker in specialty occupation. Performs specialized and professional services for the sponsoring employer in a specific position with a specified salary for a certain period of time. |
| Duration: | Initial work authorization may be granted up to 3 years possible; maximum length of stay is 6 years. |
| Oversight: | Department of Homeland Security: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services |
| Eligibility to Work: | H-1B status is dependent upon continued employment, and is position-specific, meaning that an individual is authorized by USCIS to work at UConn Health in a specific position.
Portability: regulations allow individuals already holding H-1B status to begin employment with a new employer once the new petition is filed with USCIS. Therefore, these employees may begin new employment at UConn Health before the petition is approved by USCIS, but no earlier than the start date listed on the petition. Extensions: The H-1B extension process has exactly the same paperwork requirements as an initial H-1B application, except the $500 Anti-Fraud fee is not paid again. The extension petition must be filed in advance of the current H-1B status end date to ensure the employee maintains status and can stay on the payroll. However, it cannot be filed earlier than 6 months before the start date of the extension. |
| Document Required: | DHS approval notice (I-797) employer specific, I-94 and Passport (*If using H portability, DHS receipt of the H filing from the new employer and valid I-797 from the previous employer is required.) |
| Process: | UConn Health’s hiring departments, International Office, State and Federal Labor Departments, DHS, (U.S. Consulate is involved only when the potential employee is overseas at the time of hire.) |
| UConn Health Obligations: | Comply with DOL and DHS regulations. The International Office should be consulted prior to any changes such as job title, duties, salary, percentage of time, and/or location. An amended H-1B petition may be required under certain circumstances. |
| Dependent Visa: | H-4 visa; employment permitted with immigration authorization; can be enrolled in an academic program. |
| Benefits: | Receives the same benefits as a U.S. worker. |
| Department Checklist: | See H-1B Visa Checklist |
| Forms: | Export Control Form |