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.