H-1B employees
The following forms may be helpful to H-1B temporary workers and their employers.
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The H-1B processing fee of $500 is due at the time of petition submission. This fee may be transferred via journal voucher to index number 1-10209 (account 60099) or paid online (please attach confirmation sheet).
The H-1B is a temporary visa for someone sponsored by a U.S. employer as an employee in a specialty occupation. The H-1B is job-specific and employer-specific. An H-1B hired to work as a post-doctoral fellow at an institution besides VCU cannot be employed as a post-doctoral fellow at VCU and vice versa. An H-1B hired to work as a post-doctoral fellow at VCU cannot be employed as an assistant professor at VCU.
The H-1B initially is issued for three years or less. The employer determines the specific length of time based on the need for the employee’s services and the funding available for the position. An individual may hold this visa classification for a maximum of six years. Contrary to popular belief, the H-1B is not a step toward obtaining lawful permanent residence (also called immigrant status or a “green card”), but it is a temporary nonimmigrant visa just as the TN and the F-1 visa classifications.
However, unlike the TN and the F-1 visa classifications, the H-1B does permit dual intent. This means that an immigrant petition approval does not prevent one from being eligible for an H-1B visa. An intending immigrant is eligible for an H-1B visa stamp from a U.S. Consulate or Embassy abroad and for H-1B immigration status from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) once inside in the U.S. Please note: Many visa classifications such as the F-1, J-1 and TN do not permit dual intent. They require evidence of intention to return to the home country.
