Bringing the World to UNCW
The Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS) advises university departments and units on procedures related to the hiring of foreign national employees and the hosting of international visitors on campus.
OISS files petitions with the Department of Labor, Department of State and U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services to sponsor international faculty, staff and visitors for J-1, H-1B and Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status.
When considering hiring or hosting a foreign national, departments should contact Franziska Neumann, Assistant Director of The Office of International Students & Scholars, as early as possible to discuss visa options and procedures.
Visa Options
| Visa Type | Purpose | Eligibility Criteria | Maximum Stay |
|
J-1 Scholar |
Exchange Visitor; Short-term research, consultation, lecturing, observation | Professor, research scholar, graduate student or person with similar education; or visiting the U.S. to lecture, observe, consult, train, demonstrate special skills | Up to 60 months, depending on J-1 Scholar category |
| H-1B | Worker in a specialty occupation | Per UNCW policy, H-1B sponsorship is reserved for full-time EHRA teaching and non-teaching positions | 6 years; longer if LPR is filed and pending |
| Lawful Permanent Residency | Legal residence in the U.S. on a permanent basis | Per UNCW policy, LPR sponsorship is reserved for tenure-track Assistant Professor positions | N/A |