H-1B Policy

H-1B Application - Required Documents

From the Department

  • Copy of letter of appointment and ISSO Notification of Appointment of Foreign National/Request for Visa Documents Form
  • Position Description (see fillable sample - MSWord)
  • Specialty Occupation Statement (see fillable sample - MSWord)
  • Actual Wage Form (see fillable sample - MSWord)
  • I-129 Worksheet (see fillable sample - MSWord)
  • Effective March 8, 2005: Check for $500 (H-1B Anti-Fraud Fee), required of the employer, made payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" (check request process) -- (Fee not required for H-1B visa extensions)
  • Filing fee: I-129 application for employee is $320, check payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security." [Fee increase effective July 30, 2007]

From the Prospective/Continuing Employee

  • One copy of your highest degree diploma, or letter from your university Registrar proving that you have the required degree. If your degree is not written in English, it must be accompanied by an original translation, signed by a qualified translator. This also applies to degrees written in Latin
  • One copy of most recent Curriculum Vitae or resume
  • Copy of Form I-94 card (small, white card, usually stapled into your passport) -- a very clear, dark photocopy, front AND back, clearly showing the date and port of entry
  • Photocopy of Passport identity (name, photo, date of birth) and validity (issue and current expiration dates) pages
  • Photocopy of current U.S. Entry Visa Stamp (in passport)
  • If you have family members who will extend their stay/change their immigration status along with you, be advised that a separate Form I-539 is required, with separate fee, to apply for change of status for family members. Please submit very clear, dark photocopies of I-94 cards (front and back), and photocopy of passport and entry visa stamps of each family member included in the application
  • If you are in..
    • H-1B Status: Form I-797, Notice of Approval (one copy, front only)
    • J-1 Status: All previous Forms DS-2019 or IAP-66 (one copy each, front and back)
    • F-1 Status: All Forms I-20 ID (one copy each, pages 3 and 4)
    • F-1 Practical Training: All Forms I-20 ID (one copy each, front and back) and clear photocopy of Employment Authorization Document (EAD card)
  • Filing fees for dependent spouse or children: who will file for an extension or change of their immigration status, there will be an additional filing fee of $300 with Form I-539. Checks should be made payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security". [Separate checks required for employee H-1B petition ($320) and dependents application ($300)]

Premium Processing

If Premium Processing is requested, a separate check/money order for the $1000 must be issued by the sponsoring academic/research department. Please see above Premium Processing Policy. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact David Elwell at the ISSO.