Host Departments
Information for UChicago Administrators and Faculty
Is your department interested in sponsoring the visit or hiring of a foreign national? Review the resources on this page.
Case Processing Times
Processing times outlined below start from the day OIA receives a complete request. Processing times may vary and are subject to change. All requests can be submitted up to 6 months in advance of the intended start date.
H-1B Sponsorship Requests
50-75 business days to receive approval from USCIS
J-1 Exchange Visitor Requests
5-7 days to issue Form DS2019
TN/E-3 Sponsorship Requests
15 days to issue travel packet
Sponsorship Resources
OIA Procedures for Employment-Based Cases
When a department hires an individual who is neither a U.S. citizen nor a Legal Permanent Resident, the appropriate status must be obtained for the individual to be employed with the University.
Academic English Proficiency Assessment (AEPA)
A request for an AEPA can only be made by an academic area.The process cannot be initiated with the Language Center by a student or scholar. Note the steps on this page.
Information for Attorneys Filing H-1B Cases for the University
The Office of International Affairs at the University of Chicago has certain processes in place to support the work of attorneys who process cases on behalf of the University.
Common immigration statuses for sponsorship
H-1B / TN / E-3 statuses
Review OIA's list of resources and procedures for sponsoring H-1B, TN, and E-3 statuses.
J-1 Scholars
Sponsorship information for Postdoctoral Researchers, Visiting Scholars, and Visiting Professors.
J-2 Dependents
Information on how to employ individuals who are in J-2 status, i.e. the dependents of J-1 status holders.
Non-Degree Visiting Students
Review our guide for employing non-degree visiting students for administrators. (Coming Soon)
Permanent Residents
OIA does not process applications for Lawful Permanent Residence (LPR), but can advise on matters such as internal procedures, sponsorship policies, and general information. (Coming Soon)
B-1 and B-2 status
Under certain circumstances, a visitor may come to the University in B-1/B-2 status or under the Visa Waiver Program.
University Status vs. Immigration Status
Anyone coming to the University from abroad must come to the University in a specific role or University 'status. (Coming Soon)