• Apply for a student visa.

  • Get help with all visas including J-1 and HB-1.

  • If you need a visa, tell us ASAP.

Your helpers

Email Patti Newton.

Will your new hire/visitor need a visa?

Please contact Patti, your finance contact, and @instaarpay@colorado.edu the moment you are seriously considering bringing in a foreign national to INSTAAR. The sooner we know, the sooner we can start working with you and UCB International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) to ensure the desired start date and assist in the process. Processing time is typically measured in months, not weeks. The more heads up we have the better. Thank you!!

J-1 Scholars exchange visitor program

Requests should be submitted at least 4-6 months prior to the requested start date.

The purpose of the J-1 Exchange Visitor program is to promote the in-person exchange of ideas, research, mutual enrichment and linkages between research and academic institutions in the United States and foreign countries. The intent of the Exchange Visitor program is to allow an individual to complete their J-1 program objectives as outlined on their DS-2019 and then return to their home country so that they and their country can benefit from their experience in the U.S. The J-1 program is appropriate for temporary employment or research/collaboration (up to five years, depending on J category) with at least a bachelor's degree completed. The J-1 status is nonimmigrant status, meaning the individual must have intent to leave the U.S. once they have completed their activity (education or work) or their status is expired.

H-1B program for speciality occupations

Initiating the request paperwork should begin at least 7 months prior to the requested start date.

Once the request paperwork is sent to UCB ISSS the earliest they can start the H-1B process is 6 months before the requested start date. The regular processing time for H-1Bs fluctuates at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – it can sometimes be as little as 1-2 months, or it can take up to 8 months. If CU includes premium processing with an H-1B petition (for an additional $2,500 to be paid to USCIS), USCIS will make a decision within 15 calendar days, unless they request additional evidence.

H-1B is appropriate for temporary long-term employment (up to six years), or possibly permanent appointments in a specialty occupation. USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Service) defines an H-1B occupation as a “specialty occupation” which requires the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and the attainment of a bachelor’s or higher degree in the specific specialty (or its equivalent) as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States. Under H-1B status, the scholar can have immigrant intent (intent to stay in the US for an indefinite period of time).