Non-Immigrant Visa Categories Most Commonly Used for University Employment

 

 

Type of Visa

POSSIBLE INCOME FROM US SOURCES

PROBABLE TAX STATUS

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

MAXIMUM LENGTH OF STAY IN US

B-1/B-2 VISITOR FOR BUSINESS/PLEASURE

Honorarium and/or reimbursements for travel and subsistence possible, but no salary*

Nonresident Alien

(B-1) Proof of academic or business purpose for visit to U.S.

6 months (renewable)

WB (WAIVER FOR BUSINESS) or WT (WAIVER FOR TOURISM)

Honorarium and/or reimbursement for travel and subsistence possible, but no salary*

Nonresident Alien

Same as B-1/B-2; only applicable if from visa waiver country

90 days, not renewable within US

F-1 STUDENT

Employment on campus permitted up to 20 hours a week while school is in session, 40 hours during semester breaks; 12 months of optional practical training permitted

Nonresident Alien for 5 years

Admission to academic course of study; evidence of adequate financial support for length of program; indication of adequate English proficiency

As long as academic progress continues; must be enrolled full time every semester (12 hours UG, 9 hours GR)

J-1 EXCHANGE VISITOR (STUDENT)

Employment on campus with sponsor’s approval; up to 18 mos. Academic training permitted (postdoctoral work may qualify for up to 36 months)

Nonresident Alien for 2 years

Invitation to academic program with sponsorship; evidence of adequate financial support for length of program

As long as academic progress continues

J-1 EXCHANGE VISITOR (PROFESSORS & RESEARCHERS)

Unlimited income for work on campus in pursuit of academic objective; possible authorization for off-campus lectures and consultation

Nonresident Alien for 2 years

Invitation to teach, lecture or conduct research; indication of adequate financial support for length of program; degree required

Up to 3 years

H-1B TEMPORARY WORKER

Unlimited income from UTSA; no other income without petition from new employer

Resident Alien if present in US over 183 days

Possession of professional degree and skills, indication that position to be filled requires professional skills and is temporary

First period up to 3 years, renewable to total of 6 years**

O-1

Unlimited income from UTSA; no other income without petition from new employer

Resident Alien if present in US over 183 days

Possession of professional degree and skills; demonstration of outstanding ability; indication that position to be filled is an event that is temporary in nature

First period up to 3 years, renewable annually

TN

Unlimited income from UTSA; no other income without petition for new employer

Resident Alien if present in US over 183 days

Possession of qualifying professional degree or licensure; indication that position to be filled is temporary in nature

One year; renewable annually

 

* Holders of visitor status limited to 5 payments in a 6-month period; no stay for longer than 9 days at any college or university

**Extended periods possible under conditions of AC21