Meet the Brotherhood
H-1B status allows international employees in specialty occupations to work in the United States for a sponsoring employer for up to six years. At Central Connecticut State University, the Office of International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) prepares and submits H-1B petitions for eligible university employees and serves as the university’s designated office for visa sponsorship and compliance. Outside attorneys may not file H-1B petitions on behalf of Central.
Scope of Responsibilities
The Office of International Student & Scholar Services provides administrative support for university sponsored immigration petitions and does not offer legal advice, legal representation, or assistance with personal immigration matters, including dependent applications. Individuals seeking assistance with these matters should consult a qualified immigration attorney.
H-1B Quick Facts
Visa Type: Employer sponsored work authorization
Initial Approval: Up to 3 years
Maximum Duration: Up to 6 years
Processing Time: Varies based on internal procedure and government processing times
Work Restrictions: Limited to the approved position and employer
Travel: International travel will require a valid visa stamp and supporting documentation
H-1B Sponsorship Process at Central
1. New Hire H-1B Sponsorship Initiated
- Department submits sponsorship request to ISSS
2. Employee Document Collection
- Employee submits required documents
3. AAUP Attestation
- CCSU-AAUP union notified and wage attestation completed
4. Labor Condition Application (LCA)
- LCA filed with U.S. Department of Labor (10 business day approval); Deemed export control attestation completed
5. H-1B Petition Filed
- H-1B petition filed with USCIS (14 business day approval with premium processing)
6. USCIS Decision
- Employee Notified of USCIS decision; receives copy of I-797 approval notice
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility & Sponsorship
Who is eligible for H-1B sponsorship at Central?
To be eligible for H-1B sponsorship at Central, international faculty must:
- Hold a Ph.D. in the relevant field
- Be appointed full-time in a tenure-track or approved emergency appointment position
- Have a signed offer letter and successfully complete the required background check
Individuals who are ABD (All But Dissertation) are not eligible for H-1B sponsorship and should pursue Optional Practical Training (OPT) through their current institution.
Individuals subject to the J-1 two year home country physical presence requirement (INA 212(e)) must obtain a waiver before H-1B sponsorship can be pursued.
What costs are covered by Central?
Central covers the required filing fees associated with H-1B sponsorship for eligible employees.
Petitions & Extension
What is the processing time for an H-1B petition?
Processing times vary based on internal university procedures and government processing times.
Human Resources and Academic Departments should allow a minimum of three months for the sponsorship process and are encouraged to begin as early as possible.
The petition process cannot begin until all required employee documents have been received by ISSS. Delays in submitting requested documentation may significantly extend processing timelines.
What is the difference between an initial H-1B petition and a H-1B transder?
An initial H-1B petition is for an individual who is not currently in H-1B status. An H-1B transfer is for an individual who already holds H-1B status and is changing employers. To transfer H-1B status to Central, ISSS must file a new petition with USCIS before employment begins.
How do I extend my H-1B status?
Human Resources and Academic Departments are responsible for initiating the extension process. Employees should contact ISSS at least six months before their H-1B expires to allow enough time to prepare and file the extension request.
Can I continue working while my H-1B extension is pending?
A timely filed H-1B extension allows you to continue working at Central for up to 240 days while USCIS reviews your petition, or until a decision is issued.
Maintaining Status
How do I maintain my H-1B Status?
Maintaining your H-1B status is your responsibility. To remain in lawful status, you must:
- Keep your documents valid: Maintain a passport valid for at least six months, monitor your Form I-94 and Form I-797 expiration dates.
- Report address changes: Notify USCIS of any U.S. address change within 10 days using Form AR-11 and update Human Resources
- Report employment changes before they occur: Notify ISSS before any changes to your job title, duties, department, work location, hours, salary, or leave status. Some changes may require updated USCIS authorization.
- Plan ahead. Monitor your H-1B expiration date and begin the extension process at least six months before your current status expires.
Failure to maintain your H-1B status may result in a loss of lawful immigration status and employment authorization.
Travel
Can I enter the United States before my start date?
Yes. If you are entering the United States in H-1B status for the first time, you may arrive up to 10 days before the start date listed on your Form I-797 Approval Notice and up to 10 days after your H-1B expires. However, this is at the discretion of the immigration officer at the point of entry. You may not begin working until the start date authorized on your H-1B petition.
What documents do I need to reenter the United States?
- Passport with at least 6 months validity remaining
- Original I-797 Approval Notice
- H-1B Visa
- Employment Verification Letter
- Copy of your H-1B Petition
Contact ISSS before traveling internationally if you have questions about your travel documents.
Can I travel while my change of status is pending?
No. However, employees who are applying outside of the United States must obtain a H-1B visa before entry into the United States.
Can I travel while my H-1B extension is pending?
You must be physically present in the United States when your H-1B extension petition is filed. It is not advised to travel while your H-1B extension is pending.
Employment Changes
What happens when my employment at Central ends?
Your H-1B status is based on your employment at Central. When your employment ends, you are generally expected to depart the United States unless you are eligible to remain in another lawful immigration status.
What is the 60 day grace period?
If your employment ends before your H-1B petition expires, you may qualify for a grace period of up to 60 days or until your H-1B end date, whichever comes first.
During this time, you may:- Transfer your H-1B to another employer
- Apply for a change of immigration status
- Depart the United States
The 60-day grace period is granted at the discretion of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and is not guaranteed. You may not work during this period unless otherwise authorized.