Welcome back to campus and to the start of a new semester! It is our sincerest hope that you had a nice and enjoyable winter break.

ISSS is welcoming one new International Faculty/Scholar Advisors to the team, Wrenna Dorrer from Shepherd University. She comes to the University of Maryland with experience processing visas for international students and scholars. She is undertaking an intensive 4-week training program. ISSS continues to search for a third Faculty/Scholar Advisor; this remains a priority.

As we navigate the changing landscape of immigration regulations, ISSS remains committed to ur international campus community.. UMD values the diverse perspectives and talents that international faculty and scholars bring to campus and ISSS is here to provide guidance, resources, and a welcoming environment for our international faculty and scholars. We look forward to working together with departments across campus to address hiring needs for the coming year.

Thank you! Your feedback is helping our team finalize the list of Spring 2025 training workshops. Please keep an eye out for the invitation!

Connie Jesse Lira

Assistant Director, ISSS Faculty Scholar Team

IMMIGRATION PROCESSING TIMES

H-1B Employment: H-1B petitions must be submitted with a 6-month lead time to provide the new employee a smooth transition to UMD. This time frame is especially important when the H-1B applicant is outside the U.S. and will need to undertake the visa application and plan for travel to begin employment. 

J-1 Exchange Visitor: Initial requests for a J-1 DS-2019 must be submitted to ISSS 3- 4 months before the start date. This allows time for departmental and ISSS processing, as well as sufficient time for the employee to prepare for their arrival.  ISSS processes requests in the order that they are received to create equity in the application process.

For further details, click here.

J-1 Exchange Visitor Program Highlights

• The Department of State has issued a public notice to revise the Exchange Visitor Skills List effective December 9, 2024. 
• Based on the Faculty Assistant 12-month salary, the minimum funding amount of $44,986 per year ($3749 per month) is required to sponsor a J-1 exchange visitor.
• The minimum funding for J-2 dependents remains at $5000 per year per dependent. 
• As of July 1, 2023, scholars and interns (J-1) are permitted to telework 1 - 2 days per week.
• J-1 Start Dates: When possible, new paid J-1 exchange visitors should receive start dates on the first of the month in order to simplify the health insurance process for the exchange visitor.
• Use of Faculty Titles: The J-1 Research Scholar and Professor categories are limited to temporary position titles: postdoctoral associate, faculty assistant, and visiting scientists and visiting professors. J-1 regulations prohibit the use of the visa for tenure-track, tenured, and permanent positions. If you are processing a contingent worker in Workday, it is important to use a J-1 eligible title in the Business title field.
• J-1 Online Check-in: Upon arrival to the U.S., all J-1 scholars will check-in online through iTerp. The Login instructions for iTerp are posted on the ISSS website.

For further details, click here.

REMINDERS

• Part-time teaching positions require a minimum of 10 hours; research positions require a minimum of 20 hours curtesy
• Only teaching positions may hold 9-month appointments 

H-1B, E-3, O-1 and TN Employment Visas

• The Department of Homeland Security published a final rule, Modernizing H-1B Requirements, which became effective January 17, 2025. The rule revises the definition of “specialty occupation” and codifies provisions for third-party placement, amendments, and provides deference to previously approved petitions. Review highlights of the new rule, which we will review during our next H-1B training workshop. 
• USCIS is implementing background checks in select H-1B cases.
• USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security Unit has reinstated its review and audit of H-1B petitions.
• Effective January 17, 2025, USCIS will no longer be required to adjudicate applications for dependent status or employment authorization at the same time as the principal H-1B case.

For further details, click here.

U.S. Consulates/Embassies - Visa Issuance

• The State Department is extending its policy to waive visa interviews for nonimmigrant visa holders.
• ISSS continues to monitor U.S. government entry restrictions and the operations of U.S. embassies and consulates with regard to visa issuance. Please visit the Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs website for visa wait times. This website provides information on the time required in advance of the visa interview. For further details, click here.

F-1 OPT and OPT STEM

F-1 OPT and OPT STEM are two employment benefits used by UMD to employ international faculty. Please review the end dates on the employment authorization card to plan for future employment on J1 or H-1B sponsorship. If the supervisor has approved visa sponsorship to continue employment, we ask departments to submit the visa request in iTerp as early as 6 - 7 months before the EAD expiration date. 

How to Reach an ISSS Faculty/Scholar Advisor

Chat online with ISSS for quick inquiries - M-F, 10:30am-12:30pm

Visit our website. It contains most of the information you need to submit requests to ISSS

Make an appointment with an ISSS advisor.

Call us directly on our dedicated phone line. 301.405.1617. Our program specialists are your main points of contact for international faculty/scholar questions.

ISSS Faculty/Scholar News is your source for the latest immigration and processing updates on international faculty and scholar advising activities. Stay informed with key reminders and best practices to support international faculty and scholars.