H-1B Information

  • The H-1B visa is a temporary work authorization designed for employment in specialty occupations - positions that require at least a bachelor’s degree in a specific field and the theoretical and practical application of specialized knowledge to perform the job duties.
  • This visa is employer, position, and location-specific, meaning that the sponsoring employer must submit required applications to both the U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the employee. The H-1B status allows an individual to work in the United States for up to six years. 
  • Because the H-1B process can take six months or longer to complete, it is important to allow sufficient time for processing. There are fees associated with the application process and salary requirements that must be met. Approval of H-1Bs are on a case-by-case basis and dependent on many factors. 

 

Process & Timeline

Step 1: Department Informs HR of Sponsorship

The department informs Recruiting (recruit@uwyo.edu) that their top candidate requires H-1B sponsorship. This is then passed along to the Talent Acquisition Manager. 

Step 2: Review of Position/Candidate (1-5 days)

The Talent Acquisition Manager reviews the submitted information and may reach out to the department with questions, and will determine/confirm that sponsorship is appropriate in this case.

Step 3: Prevailing Wage Determination (1-5 days)

The Talent Acquisition Manager will run the prevailing wage for the position along with the specifics of the candidate.

Step 4: Collection of Documentation (1-2 weeks)

The Talent Acquisition Manager will work closely with the new or current employee and the hiring department to collect all documentation and details necessary to proceed.

Step 5: Filing of the Labor Conditions Application (1 week)

Once all appropriate documentation is received, the Talent Acquisition Manager, or appropriate delegate, will file a Labor Conditions Application with the Department of Labor that will be reviewed and certified prior to filing the petition.

Step 6: H-1B Petition (1-3 weeks)

The Talent Acquisition Manager, or appropriate delegate, prepares the USCIS filing for the H-1B petition along with supporting documents, and remits the completed petition and all fees to USCIS for processing.

Step 7: USCIS Processing (15 business days to 6-8 months)

The processing time for H-1B petitions varies, but it typically ranges from 6 to 8 months. Under “Premium Processing,” USCIS will adjudicate (i.e., approve, deny, or issue a Request for Evidence (“RFE”) the petition within 15 business days.

Step 8: Approval Notice (1-2 weeks)

The original approval notices are sent to the Talent Acquisition Manager, or appropriate delegate. They will then notify the new or current employee about collecting the original approval notice.

 

Note: The above is a sample timeline, and all cases are reviewed and adjudicated on a case-by-case basis.  Additional time may be required for cases involving international employees currently abroad (consular processing) or those traveling abroad for a new visa, including visa appointments, interviews, and administrative processing. For consular processing cases, the original approval notice is sent directly to the international employee from University of Wyoming Human Resources after we have received it. Work authorization sponsorship that may be available for jobs at the University of Wyoming are conditioned on the non-applicability of the fees implemented in 90 FR 46027 to the visa petition.


associated fees

These fees are paid for by the hiring department:

  • $460 petition fee
  • $500 anti-fraud fee
  • $2,805 premium processing fee if there is a need to expedite - this fee may be paid by either the department or the employee where appropriate

More questions?

H-1B sponsorship details are subject to change, so on the most up-to-date details and answers to your questions, you can check out the Current Immigration Topics and Issues page, which is linked as the yellow FAQ button below. On that page, you will find answers to common questions and information specific to the University of Wyoming. You can also view our Standard Administrative Policy and Procedure regarding Hiring International Employees, Scholars, and Students—Visas and Statuses (UW SAP 5-5.5), which is linked within the brown button below. 

FAQs

UW SAP 5-5.5

 

You may also reach out to the Talent Acquisition Manager directly for all questions you may have regarding H-1B sponsorship:

Deborah Marutzky - Manager, Talent Acquisition - 307-766-5612 - Schedule a Bookings