Visa Sponsorship Types
| Non-Immigrant Visa and Time Limits | Eligible Positions | Processing Time/When to Start |
|---|---|---|
| F-1 Time limit depends on time needed to complete PhD | Only available to international student of Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences (Ph.D. program) and the International Student Research Training Program (certificate program) | If outside the US, allow at least 12-16 weeks for processing and entry to the US If in the US, allow at least 8-12 weeks for processing (depending on their previous immigration status) |
| F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) Time Limit: 12 months F-1 STEM OPT Time Limit: 24 months |
Individual holding a Post-Completion OPT or STEM OPT may work in any capacity at City of Hope as long as it’s related to major flied of study. Individual currently working at Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope (E-verify # 68221) who have a degree in STEM field may apply for a 24-month extension. |
Individual prepares and files own OPT application for up to 90 days prior to completion of degree program Average USCIS processing time for OPT application is 3 months STEM OPT extension can be filed for up to 90 days before expiration |
| J-1 Exchange Visitor Research Scholar/ Short-Term Scholar Time Limit 5 years for Research Scholar Visa Category 6 months for Short-Term Scholar Visa Category |
Postdoctoral Fellow, Pre-doctoral Fellow, Trainee, Visiting Investigator, Visiting Professor, Visiting Faculty and Non-Faculty, and other visiting titles etc. | If outside the U.S., allow at least 12-16 weeks for processing and entry to the US If in the U.S. in a J-1 status, allow at least 3 weeks for J-1 transfer process If in the U.S. in another non-immigrant status, allow at least 6 months for a change of status process |
| H-1B: “Specialty Occupation” Time Limit: 6 years |
Must be a “Specialty Occupation” position.
For example, Professor series, Research professor series, Staff Scientist, Research Associate I & II, Senior Research Associate, Postdoctoral Fellow, Regulatory Affair Specialist, Biostatistician, Nurse Practitioner, and similar (Please note that Registered Nurse and technician positions are not eligible for H-1B sponsorship)
|
If in the U.S. and presently holds H-1B, it can take 10-12 weeks processing for a change of employer process. If in the U.S. but in another non-immigration status, allow 2-6 months If outside the U.S., allow at least 12 -16 weeks for processing and entry to the US |
| TN For Mexican/Canadian Citizens | Only available to citizen of Canada and Mexico holding a position on NAFTA list. For example, Professor series, Research Professor Series, Registered Nurse, IT positions, Research Associate I& II, Senior Research Associate, Lab Technician, Social Worker, Pharmacist, etc. | If outside the U.S., allow 4-6 weeks for processing and entry to the U.S. If in the U.S., allow 2-6 months |
| E-3 For Australian Citizens Limit: indefinite with proof of non-immigrant intent |
Only available to citizen of Australia holding a “Specialty Occupation” position similarly to H-1B |
If outside the U.S., allow 6-8 weeks for processing and entry to the U.S.
If in the U.S., allow 2-6 months
|
| O-1 For Extraordinary Ability | Is available to individuals with proven extraordinary ability with sustained national or international acclaim. | The preparation process takes about 8 weeks before the petition is filed. Once the petition is filed, USCIS may take additional 2 to 16 weeks to adjudicate. Once the petition is approved, foreign national will then apply for an O-1 visa at a U.S. consulate. |
| Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | Individuals with a valid unrestricted EAD may also work at City of Hope in all capacity without a need for sponsorship | Individual must be in the U.S. to apply. Average USCIS processing time is 3 months |