Here is another issue of the International Faculty and Scholar Newsletter, where we keep you up to date on U.S. immigration regulations, legislation, trends, and developments.
We invite you to our upcoming Cooking with ISSC Chefs event. This is an opportunity for international scholars and faculty to continue having positive cultural exchanges and experiences, and to access continued support. There will be a live demonstration of several dishes.
Cooking with ISSC Chefs
Friday, March 22
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Third Floor Patio, Student Services Building, Tempe campus
We are excited to announce that on April 3, 2024, ISSC will host an International Employment Compliance Conference. The conference will focus on everything you need to know to hire international students through on-campus employment, off-campus employment, post-graduation visa options, and pathways to permanent residency. Learn how you can support ASU students beyond their graduation. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
International Employment Compliance Conference
Wednesday, April 3
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 pm
Ventana A, B, & C, Memorial Union, Tempe campus
As part of our efforts to keep you updated and informed, we’re offering a series of webinars for departments and beneficiaries covering topics such as visa categories, timelines, application processes, maintaining immigration status, and more.
Perm Overview
Thursday, April 25, 2024
10 - 11 a.m.
Join via Zoom
H-1B Overview
Thursday, May 16, 2024
10 - 11 a.m.
Join via Zoom
J-1 Scholar Reminders and Updates
Beginning immediately, the financial requirements for J-1 scholars and their dependents are increasing due to the rising cost of living. J-1 scholars will now need to demonstrate a minimum of $2,500 per month, and each accompanying dependent will require an additional $1,000 per month.
Updates for Inviting New Scholars
- Apply Early: When submitting an application, select a start date that allows for potential delays. We recommend applying at least two to six months prior to the intended start date.
- Late arrivals: If you have new scholars with approaching arrival dates, be aware that program dates may need to be deferred to accommodate delays. This will necessitate a new invitation letter from the department with a revised start date.
If you have an initial J-1 eForm application in process, please inform us of any changes or if the exchange visitor is no longer coming to ASU. Pending applications inactive for two months will be canceled. Additional J-1 scholar FAQs can be found on our webpage.
New Process: Electronic DS-2019 Issuance
The Department of State now permits us to digitally sign and electronically transmit the Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (J-Nonimmigrant). This new regulation aims to reduce costs and improve efficiencies.
Going forward:
- DS-2019 packages will be sent electronically to scholars, with the department contact copied in the email.
- Scholars must print the DS-2019 and sign page one for it to be valid for any official purpose.
- Exchange visitors and their accompanying spouses or dependents must present paper Forms DS-2019 for visa applications at U.S. embassies or consulates.
- Paper Forms DS-2019 must also be presented at the U.S. port of entry along with passports and visas to seek entry into the United States.
We hope this new procedure will streamline your process.
Employment-Based Immigration Updates
The fee for premium processing on all petition -based employment visas using the I-129 USCIS form (H-1B, TN, E3, O1) and I-140 USCIS form (EB-1, EB-2 categories) has increased to $2805 as of February 26th, 2024.
TN Visa for Citizens of Mexico and Canada
If your department intends to support a prospective employee on a TN visa, please consult with ISSC on the NAFTA/USMCA job category. We are happy to assist in reviewing or drafting the letter if needed.
Two categories on the list, Management Consultant and Scientific Technician/Technologist, often face higher scrutiny at Port of Entry and result in higher denial rates. Both categories are broad and neither require a bachelor's degree, thus they have been subject to abuse and fraudulent applications. It's important to avoid these categories in favor of more precise ones, or even consider the H-1B visa if no category aligns well.
The letter should clearly describe job duties in easily understandable terms and be limited to the designated category. For instance, if using the "teacher at a university category," the description should focus solely on courses taught, excluding research activities.
Remember, H-1B status is limited to a total of six years per individual. Ensure to initiate a legal permanent residence request early on if the department wishes to retain the employee long term, or inform the employee if the department cannot support them. Employees may be eligible to self-sponsor, but they should also be proactive in exploring options.
eForm Reminders
- ASU ID numbers are required for all H-1B Sunapsis requests.
- Only applications submitted with ASU ID numbers will be accepted. All other requests will be rejected and must be resubmitted with the foreign national’s ASU ID number. If the foreign national does not have an ASU ID number, please create one in PeopleSoft before initiating the H-1B request.
- Ensure accurate completion of the "Determine H-1B eligibility" and "Petition and Job information" eForms before forwarding the link to the beneficiary information for completion.
Canvas Training Opportunities
As a reminder, our Canvas training courses can be accessed below:
- J-1 regulatory training
- H-1B faculty and researcher training
- H-1B university staff training
- Permanent residence training
- E-3/O-1/TN
If you would like to learn more about bringing international scholars to ASU or if you have any questions, please contact us to set up an information session by emailing issc.scholars@asu.edu. Additionally, kindly inform us of any relevant staffing changes for individuals responsible for handling nonimmigrant and immigrant processes within your department.
We greatly appreciate all of your efforts on behalf of ASU’s international scholars and their families.