International Support Services

Visa Categories: In general, Visas can be classified into two main categories.

• Non-Immigrant Visa (H-1B, H4, J1, etc.)
• Immigrant Visa (Green Card)

H-1B Visa

What is a H-1B Visa? A H-1B Visa (non-immigrant visa) is the visa issued to persons with permanent residence outside the U.S. but who wish to be in the U.S. on a temporary basis. In other words H-1B visa is a work permit issued by a US Consulate/Embassy to an "alien"/foreign worker enabling him/her to work in the U.S. temporarily. H-1B maximum time is 6 years. If Foreign National applies for Permanent Residency then H-1B can be extended beyond 6 years depending on status in permanent residency application.

H-1B Visa Eligibility: Foreign professionals with specialized knowledge, such as scientists, engineers, programmers, research analysts and others with Bachelor's or equivalent degree.

H-1B Department Policy: The Department of Biostatistics sponsors H-1B visa petitions to Faculty and Staff following authorization from the Chair of the department, Dr. Frank Harrell. As soon as an offer has been accepted, all non-immigrant visa holders should contact Sherry Stokes, International Affairs Administrator in Biostatistics, and Shannon Baker(shannon.m.baker@vanderbilt.edu), Immigration Advisor with the Office of International Services (OIS). Application for H-1B status should be made six months in advance of the intended start date; candidate may not start working until the approval is received from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Click here to review the application process. It is important that current employees needing visa renewal, change of status, visa extension or any other request contact Sherry at least six months in advance.

Employment-Based Permanent Residency at Vanderbilt University

What is a Green Card? A Green Card, also known as Lawful Permanent is a card provided by the USA Government, which grants the legal right to live and work permanently in the United States of America. However, if you depart the U.S. for a significant length of time, you may risk losing permanent residence status.

What is the difference between Permanent Residence Status and U.S. Citizenship? You must first become a permanent resident before you are eligible to apply for citizenship. You are not required to apply for citizenship unless it is desired. When people apply for U.S. citizenship, they swear by oath that they will uphold the principles stated in the U.S. constitution and serve in the U.S. military if necessary. Although permanent residents may be allowed to vote in local elections depending on the local rules, they cannot vote in federal elections.

How long does it take to get Permanent Residence Status? For family and employment-sponsored applications, U.S. law limits the number of immigrant visa numbers (permanent residents) every year based on the applicant's country of birth. If a visa number is not available for your country during a specific year, you are put on a waiting list. Some countries that have a high demand for visa numbers such as China, India, Mexico, and the Philippines have a long waiting period. In many cases, being on the waiting list does not specifically give an individual the right to remain in the U.S. Other measures must be taken to assure your legal status while waiting for an immigrant visa number to become current.

Employment-Based Permanent Residency Department Policy: You must be employed with the Department of Biostatistics for at least ?? before the department will consider supporting any Employment-Based Permanent Residency cases. Employment-Based Permanent Residency cases for our department are managed by OIS Immigration Advisor, Shannon Baker (shannon.m.baker@vanderbilt.edu). Please set up a meeting with her for advising and required paperwork. Click here to review the application process.

International Travel

Please meet with Sherry before departing the U.S. and click here for further details.

Other links

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: http://uscis.gov/graphics/index.htm
• Change of address and other related topics: http://www.vanderbilt.edu/ois/related.html
  
• Visa wait times: http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_wait.php
  
• Links to United States Embassies and Consulates worldwide: http://travel.state.gov/visa/questions_embassy.html
  

Active Biostatistics Employee Visas