Individuals in each immigration category may be sponsored by UAF.
Each category must be resident in Fairbanks, some exceptions may apply but MUST be authorized in advance.
Dependents must remain with the primary visa holder.
All must maintain a valid (unexpired) passport, I-94 Departure Record and sponsoring
document.
The visa itself is not a governing document and is only needed to enter the U.S.
Once the individual has entered the U.S., the visa can expire and not impact the legal status of the individual as long as the other documents have not
expired.
Under current immigration regulations, Canadians are not required to obtain a visa
in order to enter the U.S. in any immigration status.
Must be unconditionally admitted – controlling document is a Form I-20.
Must enroll full-time every semester unless approved in advance by a UAF immigration
Designated School Official (member of the ISSS office).
Eligible for on-campus employment only
Employment exceptions are Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical
Training (OPT) which must be authorized before the employment starts.
OPT is 12 months of employment authorization, anywhere in the U.S. for any employer in the student’s field of study and is available during (pre-completion) and/or after (post-completion) each degree level.
CPT is employment authorization that must be an integral part of the student’s curriculum, for example a required internship or practicum during the academic program.
Dependent is an F-2 who is not eligible to enter a degree program/study or work. Part-time
study that is avocational or recreational in nature is permitted.
Has 13 categories of which UAF is authorized four: student, professor, short term
scholar and research scholar – there are different rules for each category.
J-1 students may not be self-supporting: must have some type of sponsoring funds that
allow the individual to participate in the program unless they are participating in
a recognized exchange governed by a written agreement.
J-1 professor/short term scholar/research scholar may be self supporting but there
must be UAF collaboration facilitating the visitor's stated purpose for the work and
research.
Dependent is a J-2 who is eligible to study full time/enter a degree program, and
work with USCIS employment authorization. At no time may the funds of the J-2 be used
to support the J-1 (separate checking/saving accounts; cannot buy food or pay utilities,
etc.).
Sponsoring document is a Form I-797 “Notice of Action” approving the H-1B.
Position must qualify first – on a national level the field requires a degree to begin
the profession.
Then the skills of the applicant may be considered to determine if the applicant is
eligible for the position and related status.
Position must be full time due to US Department of Labor requirements. There is no
exception to this. (All faculty positions - 30 workload units/academic year; 15/semester).
Employer sponsorship: The employee is the beneficiary of the employer’s application
– a non-resident may not apply for the H-1B on his/her own behalf.
Dependent is an H-4 who is eligible to enter a degree program and study full or part
time. There is NO employment authorization available.
Mexicans follow an application process similar to an H-1B and must have the TN visa
to enter the U.S.
Canadians must have a signed and accepted letter of offer, proof of citizenship, proof
of education (transcripts/ diplomas) at the Port of Entry to apply for admission to
the U.S. in this category.
Dependent is a TD who is eligible to enter a degree program and study full or part
time. There is NO employment authorization available.
