USC Hiring Unit Administrators
Employment-based immigration, whether for nonimmigrant visas or permanent residence, is by its nature employer-centered. Essentially, USC is asking the government to confer immigration benefits.
Hiring unit administrators have a central place in the processing of new foreign national hires as a resource and main “traffic controller” necessary for each hiring project. FSVS is here to support these administrators involved in the process, offering guidance and resources where necessary.
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- How and when does FSVS come into the hiring process?
- What will FSVS do?
- What types of positions does the university sponsor?
- What types of nonimmigrant work visas does USC sponsor?
- How does nonimmigrant work visa processing happen at USC?
- What are the hiring unit’s responsibilities?
Each hiring unit has different processes and needs. We recommend that if a foreign national candidate emerges as a top applicant for a position, call us with questions as early as possible. The more time we have to strategize and process, the smoother everything will go.
FSVS will assess the situation and recommend a course of appropriate action. We will help the administrator to gather the information and materials we need in order to process a nonimmigrant work visa, and assess any other immigration needs on a case by case basis. We will prepare the petition or application for filing with the CIS or other government agency, and make sure it gets filed properly and timely.
What types of positions does the university sponsor?
FSVS processes nonimmigrant work visas for regular USC employees in benefits-eligible positions. This is apparent with faculty positions, but not all staff positions will necessarily qualify. For example, Medical Residents and Postdoctoral Fellows do not qualify as regular university employees. Other positions might not qualify for sponsorship because they don’t require professional qualifications from the candidate necessary under the government regulations.
For more information on regular university positions, refer to the USC Personnel website at: http://www.usc.edu/dept/personnel/comp/
For information regarding Research Associates and Postdoctoral Fellows, refer to the following information (note: only the first four positions on this list qualify for H-1B purposes): http://www.usc.edu/dept/personnel...
What types of nonimmigrant work visas does USC sponsor?
In the past we have sponsored in several nonimmigrant visa categories:
H-1B: For degreed professionals in specialty occupations
O-1: For individuals with national or international recognition in their field
TN: For professionals from Canada and Mexico in positions listed in the NAFTA treaty
E-3: For Australian professionals in specialty occupations
And more…
However, immigration regulations are complex and fast-changing. Please consult with FSVS before assuming that your candidate will fit in one of these categories.
Each case is different, and what “worked last time” might not work this time…
Please note that FSVS does not handle J-1 scholars. These temporary exchange visitors are processed through OIS.
How does nonimmigrant work visa processing happen at USC?
Use FSVS as you would any other employment support service here at USC. In general, we work directly with the hiring unit. Once strategy is decided we provide information and preparation packets for the process. We keep the department administrator informed of processing milestones, next steps, etc. The department administrator in turn communicates with the foreign national.
FSVS does not usually communicate directly with the foreign national. However, we are happy to participate in conference calls, etc. where requested by the department.
What are the hiring unit’s responsibilities?
Immigration is a complex, high-anxiety field with hard deadlines and very sensitive issues to navigate. Hence, FSVS strongly recommends that each hiring department designate one person, at the Home Department Coordinator level or above, to be the central department contact for our office and attend our regular training sessions in this area.
FSVS can only proceed on the information and documents provided by the department, so we recommend that departments provide complete information from the start.
Once the individual starts working with USC, the department will be responsible for:
Acting as continuing liaison between our office and the foreign national as questions and issues arise
Submitting extension paperwork a full six months before the person expires
Notifying FSVS if the department is changing the person’s job
Notifying FSVS if the person is leaving USC