Office of the Provost
H-1B or J-1 Status? Questions to Consider
- Will the international employee be employed by UNCG or funded by other source?
If funded by source other than UNCG the employee should come in J-1 visa status. Self-funded employees are not eligible for H-1B visa status. - Will employment be a non-tenure or tenure track appointment?
Tenure track appointments must be in H-1B status; J-1 status does not allow tenure track appointments. - What will be the UNCG salary?
If filing for H-1B, the salary must meet prevailing wage requirements as specified by the Department of Labor. For J-1 status minimum funding requirements must be met. - How quickly does the position need to be filled?
Obtaining H-1B visa status can take approximately 6 months, unless the department is willing to pay the $1,225 premium processing fee. Obtaining J visas can take significantly less time. - If the employee is currently in J-1 visa status, will s/he be subject to the two-year
home residency requirement?
If so, s/he will need to return to home country for at least 2 years or obtain a waiver in order to change his/her visa status. - What are the long-term plans of the employee and the department?
It is important to have an idea prior to entry to the US of a foreign national of the department’s plans. Entry to the US in a particular visa status, in some cases, may be irreversible so it is wise to plan ahead.
For more information about J-visas and F-Visas, please contact the International Programs Center.