International Students and Scholars Office

H-1B

The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) works with Brandeis department representatives to hire and prepare employment-based visa petitions for foreign faculty and staff. The Brandeis hiring department is the primary point of contact for the ISSO and is responsible for facilitating the application process for the prospective employee. The prospective employee will be asked to complete the Scholar Application Form and provide the required documents.  In this process, the prospective employee is considered "the applicant", and Brandeis University is considered "the petitioner." 

The H-1B is an ideal immigration status for faculty members because the visa allows for “dual intent” (immigrant or non-immigrant intent).  Pending green card applications are compatible with the H-1B for travel purposes.  Employees may hold that status for an initial 3-year period, and are eligible to extend for an additional 3 years.  In some instances related to green card applications, employees can be granted time in H-1B status beyond 6 years.

The September 2025 Executive Order adds a requirement that employers pay a $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions, except:

  • Change of Status (e.g. F-1 to H-1B) (COS)
  • Change of Employer (COE)
  • Extension of H-1B status (EOS)

H-1B Eligibility Requirements

H-1B Application Process & Timeline

Required Documents

Dependents

Labor Condition Applications

Applying for your H-1B Visa

Maintaining H-1B Status