International Employees

International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) works with academic departments and the Office of Academic Affairs in assisting departments in the hiring of international employees. ISSS helps departments understand the pertinent federal regulations and determine the appropriate visa classification, and prepares US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) petitions and Department of Labor documents to hire individuals who are not permanent residents or citizens of the United States.

SPECIALTY OCCUPATIONS – H-1B

H-1B is a non-immigrant visa status for those individuals intending to work in the United States on a temporary basis. The individual must be a professional who has a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and will be working in a “specialty occupation.” The maximum stay permitted in H-1B status is usually 6 years, and the maximum period that can be requested in a single H-1B petition is 3 years.

TN FOR CANADIAN AND MEXICAN CITIZENS

TN (Treaty NAFTA/USCMA) is a non-immigrant visa status available to Canadian and Mexican citizens working in certain occupations, most of which require at least a bachelor’s degree. As it is meant for temporary employment, TN status is not suitable for tenure-track or permanent positions.

H-1B Employees

TN Employees

Other Specialty Employment Visas

There are a variety of other employment visas PSU may sponsor depending on the specific position at the university and the employee's personal background and qualifications. The Office of International Student & Scholar Services may recommend one of these other visa types after an initial consultation.

PERMANENT RESIDENCE

Permanent residence (green card) allows a person to stay in the US on a permanent basis and is necessary for any faculty member to remain in a tenure-related position. A department wishing to hire a foreign national in a tenured or tenure-track position should contact ISSS before making an offer of employment.

Other Specialty Visas

Permanent Residence