- Working with your department and FSVS
- Limitations to your Nonimmigrant Visa
- Traveling in and out of the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa
- Extending your nonimmigrant status
- Employment at USC Workshop
FSVS works for the university. Hence, your department administrator will be our primary contact for your case. We understand that these matters are of great concern and anxiety to you, but we are a small team and demand for our time and services is high. Hence, we request that to avoid confusion, double work, etc. that you do your best to respect the chain of communication as it is currently set up.
Where extraordinary circumstances arise, we ask that you contact your department administrator immediately and arrange a conference call with our office.
Limitations to your Nonimmigrant Visa
What if I change Departments?
- FSVS will need to talk to BOTH the department you are leaving and your new department to evaluate whether a new petition will be required. If a new petition is required, it must be submitted before you can take up new duties
What if I leave USC?
- Both you and your department should notify FSVS in writing (email is fine).
If your departure is due to termination by USC, consult with FSVS immediately.
What if another university wants to hire me in addition to my work here at USC?
- The other institution may need to file a new petition for you, depending on the limitations of your visa type and other specifics of the employment. Their “FSVS” office should be able to help you with this.
When do I have to leave the U.S.?
- Unlike F-1 or J-1 status, nonimmigrant work visas generally do NOT have a “grace period” after which you can remain in the U.S. without being in “overstay”.
The exact date you must depart can only be determined by looking at your latest I-94 entry card and/or your nonimmigrant approval notice.
If your department wishes to extend your employment, FSVS needs to receive the request as early as six (6) months before your status expires. Please refer to the section on extending below.
Traveling in and out of the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa
Why can’t I travel at certain times?
- Some types of immigration filings (like extensions of stay for nonimmigrant visas) require the foreign national to be on U.S. soil at time of filing. Hence, if you are planning to travel near the time of an extension or other immigration filing, you may need to rearrange your plans to avoid conflict with the filing.
When do I have to get a visa stamp?
- You only need a visa stamp laminated into your passport to re-enter the U.S. after foreign travel.
Note that if you change status (for example, from F-1 to H-1B) without leaving the U.S. you do not need to process a new visa stamp unless you leave the U.S.
How do I get a visa stamp?
- Through a U.S. Consulate abroad. With your nonimmigrant approval notice packet we gave you a bright orange sheet outlining the procedure. You can check with your U.S. Consulate abroad, via the U.S. Department of State website: http://usembassy.state.gov/
Extending your nonimmigrant status
When does FSVS need the extension paperwork?
- Plan ahead with your department administrator to submit paperwork for your extension to FSVS as early as six (6) months in advance of your expiration date. Any later than this can result in complications and strategic difficulties.
What if an extension is pending and my status expires?
- For most employment-based nonimmigrant visa types this is not a problem. You can generally remain on USC payroll if you stay in The U.S. while the extension is pending. However, if you travel abroad during such a period you will need to remain abroad until you can process a new visa stamp with your new approval notice, which can cause considerable delay.