Employees and Scholars
Key resources to assist our international researchers and staff
Explore this page for information for international employees and researchers who plan to come to the University of Chicago, for those who have very recently arrived, and for those who have already begun their employment or research program.
Prospective or New Employees and Scholars
Employment Status for Foreign Nationals in the U.S.
This guide provides a basic overview of the most common immigration categories for employing non-students at the University of Chicago.
Obtaining Initial or Renewing a Visa
Keep in mind that visa stamps are available only outside the U.S., and that their sole purpose is entry; once you are in the US, you only need to obtain a new visa if you leave the U.S. and want to return in the same status.
Information for Prospective J-1 Exchange Visitors
As you are considering coming to the University of Chicago in J-status (remember, you must first establish a relationship with an academic department at the Unversity), please carefully review the information on this page.
Prospective and New H-1B Employees
Only your department can sponsor you for H-1B status and employment at UChicago and your position qualifies as a 'speciality occupation' per the H-1B regulations and UChicago's sponsorship policy.
Guidelines for H-1B Employees
Review our list of guidelines including information on employment, travel, visas, extensions of status, dependents, taxes, and more.
Transferring H-1B Status from Another Employer to the University of Chicago
An employee who is currently in H-1B status with another employer in the U.S. can transfer that status to the University of Chicago. To do so, a couple of things are required.
Transferring to or from Another Institution
Individuals who are in the U.S. in J-1 status may transfer to another institution in the US to continue their J-1 program.
Grace Period for J-1 Scholars and H-1B Employees
J scholars and their dependents may enter the U.S. 30 days prior to the start date listed on their DS-2019, while H-1B and TN employees and their dependents have a formal 10 day grace period both before and after the employment and status begins/ends.
Occasional Lectures and Short-Term Consultations
A J-1 Professor or Research Scholar may participate in occasional lectures and short-term consultations, when authorized in advance and in writing by the OIA under certain conditions outlined on this page.
Orientation Sessions
J-1 Scholar and H-1B/TN/E-3 Employee Orientations are for employees and scholars who are new to the University and current employees and scholars who have not previously attended an orientation. These sessions cover maintaining status, travel and visa renewal, extending status, and much more.
Travel for Employees & Scholars
It is strongly recommended that you always carry your original documents when traveling internationally. It is also recommended that you scan/photograph/email/save e-copies of your documents. Review OIA's additional Travel Tips before you depart the U.S.
Requirements for International Scholars
- English Language Requirements
Exchange Visitors in J-1 status are required to meet the regulatory English language requirement. If you are not exempt from this requirement, the University offers its own Academic English Proficiency Assessment (AEPA) through a teleconferenced interview.
- Insurance for Postdoctoral Researchers and Visiting Scholars
All individuals in J-1 status are subject to an insurance requirement stipulated by U.S. law and must be maintained at the required insurance level at all times you are present in the U.S. in J status.
- Two-Year Home Residency Requirement
The two-year home residency requirement means that those who come the U.S. in J-1 status cannot become permanent residents in the U.S., change status in the U.S., or obtain employment or family-based immigration status until they return to their country of last permanent residence for at least two years cumulatively or apply for a waiver of the requirement.