Wang Center for Global Education

Introduction

H-1B category visas are available to any person in a “specialty occupation,” that is, a position “which requires specialized knowledge and the attainment of a bachelors or higher degree or its equivalent as a minimum requirement.”

The H-1B employee must meet the minimum qualifications for the position at the time of filing the H-1B petition. The H-1B petition is filed to USCIS by Pacific Lutheran University, and must first meet Department of Labor wage requirements.  An H-1B visa is valid for a three-year period and can be extended for another three-years. 

* For PLU departments sponsoring faculty on an H-1B visa, please visit this webpage.

Information for the Employee

Applying for the H-1B Visa:

Applying for the H-1B Visa is a multi-step process, which must first meet approval by the Department of Labor before the H-1B petition can be filed. Please remain patient during the H-1B application process.  Allyson Lindsley at the Wang Center will keep you updated during the various stages of the process.

If PLU is sponsoring an H-1B on your behalf, please complete the following questionnaire to begin the H-1B visa process. Allyson Lindsley at the Wang Center will also need copies of the following documents

• Curriculum Vitae/Resumé
• Copies of Degrees awarded in English (if Diploma does not list area of study, transcript must be provided)
• Colored Copy of complete Passport and visa pages
• I-20 or DS-2019 (copy of both sides) if applicable
• I-94 (copy of both sides)
• EAD card, if applicable, (copy of both sides if have one)
• Copies of 3 most recent pay stubs & latest W2 (for H-1B extensions or transfers only)
• All I 797A’s (if previously held H-1B Status)

If you are already on an H-1B at another institution and "porting" to PLU, you may begin working at PLU once the I-797 Receipt Notice for the new petition has been received. 

H-1B can be filed for 3 years, and then can be extended for another 6 years.  After 6 continuous years in H-1B status (unless a change of status to Permanent Residence has been filed), the individual must leave the U.S for 1 year before returning in H-1B status again.

* If your dependent(s) also requires a visa, please notify Allyson Lindsley at the Wang Center as soon as possible.

Entering the U.S. & Acquiring the H-1B Visa

If you are already in the U.S. on a different visa status, the H-1B petition would include a request to change your status. If you are currently on a J-1 Visa, you may not be eligible for a change of status.  When the H-1B is approved, you will receive a new I-94 card, along with the Approval notice. For future travels outside of the U.S., it is necessary to bring your new I-94 card and original H-1B approval notification so that you may apply for a new Visa with H-1B Status.

If you are outside of the U.S. during the H-1B application process, you are required to make a visa appointment to apply for an H-1B visa.  To do so, you will need original copies of your I-797 approval notice, new I-94 card, a photocopy of the I-129 petition, and a copy of your PLU offer letter.

Arrival at PLU

Upon arrival to campus, please check in with Human Resources & the Wang Center for Global Education. Allyson at the Wang Center will provide you with a copy of your H-1B approval notice and new I-94 card.  PLU employees must have a Social Security Number.  If you do not already have a Social Security Number, you can apply for one in person or at your visa appointment. Visit the SSN Administration Office website for more information.  Please make sure to apply for your SSN before the employment start date.