Visa Information
The number of visa applications in the Department of Pathology has grown considerably over the past several years; in addition, Federal and University requirements concerning these applications have become more involved. To help guide you through the process, the following is a brief summary of the types of visas available to the department and guidelines concerning the application process.Visa Guidelines and Timelines
Submission Deadlines for Visas:J-1 - 4 months prior to desired appointment or reappointment date
H-1B - 6 months prior to desired appointment or reappointment date
J-1 Academic Training Visa
Academic Training is work, training or experience related to a J-1 student's field of study. Academic Training may involve sequential or simultaneous activities, either paid or unpaid, with several employers, US or foreign, provided the application and approval procedures are followed for each employer and activity, and the time limits are not exceeded.
J-1 Visa, New to Pitt
UPCI J-1 Visa, New to Pitt
H-1B Temporary Employment Visa
The H-1B category is an expedient and lawful method to bring foreign-born professionals temporarily to the United States, and therefore one of the most widely sought after visa classifications for employment in the United States. To obtain an H-1B visa, there must be a job offer and an employer who is willing to sponsor a person by filing a petition with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS will review the petition and send an approval notice if it is satisfied that all conditions for an H-1B worker are met.
H-1B Visa, New to Pitt
UPCI H-1B Visa, New to Pitt
Breakdown of Processing Fees for an H-1B Visa
| Fee Type | Amount | Who pays? |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Filing Fee (I-129) | $320 | Faculty sponsor must now pay this fee |
| Anti-Fraud Fee not required for extensions |
$500 | Faculty sponsor will continue to pay this fee |
| OISA Cost Recovery Fee | $500 | Department will continue to pay this fee |
| Premium Processing Fee (I-907) |
$1,000 | Faculty Sponsor or Employee* |
| I-539 for Dependents | $300 | Employee |
* If the petition is being submitted via “premium processing” because the department needs the foreign national employee to start right away, then the department MUST pay the fee. If the petition is being submitted via “premium processing” for reasons purely personal to the foreign national employee, then the employee may be allowed to pay the fee. Under no circumstances may the department require or force the international to pay the premium processing fee.