Resources for International Faculty and Researchers

The International Education Services (IES) office files the petitions and all documentation for the working visas on behalf of the University for international teaching faculty and researchers who hold an academic appointment from the Provost. The IES office serves as the official liaison on matters related to the employment of internationals and is the only campus office authorized to sign immigration or Department of Labor documents on behalf of international faculty members and scholars. Depending upon the nature and duration of the appointment, the IES office will proceed with either an Exchange Visitor (J-1) visa or with an H-1B1 petition for a Specialty Occupation worker. (Please note that H-1B1 petitions or J-1 applications will not be filed for staff positions, only those holding academic appointments)

Because the preparation of documentation for both the J-1 and H-1B1 visas can take considerable time and the processing time at the federal level can take two to three months, it is essential that the IES office be given as much advance notice as possible when a working visa is to be prepared. New academic appointees who will have positions at UMBC and who will have obtained their Ph.Ds while on an F-1 student visa in the United States are asked to contact their Designated School Official and to apply for Optional Practical Training.

Information regarding prospective H-1B1

Information regarding visiting J-1 Exchange Visitors