Major Types of Visas (Immigration Status)
Type of Visa (Immigration Status): B-1 (Visitor for Business)
- Time Needed: 2-4 weeks
- Possible Income from U.S. Source(s):
Reimbursement for travel and subsistence only; no honorarium or salary
- Probable Tax Status: Nonresident alien
- Eligibility Criteria:
Proof of academic or business purpose of visit to Unites States
- Maximum Length of U.S. Stay: 6-12 months (renewable)
- Supporting Documentation Needed:
Letter of invitation indicating nature of academic enterprise
- Gov't Forms Required: None
Type of Visa (Immigration Status): F-1 Student (Including
post-doctoral students)
- Time Needed: 6-8 weeks
- Possible Income from U.S. Source(s):
Employment on campus permitted; off-campus work allowed only in case of unexpected need after one year in the U.S.
- Probable Tax Status: Nonresident alien for five years
- Eligibility Criteria:
Admission to academic course of study or offer of postdoctoral research position;
evidence of adequate financial support for length of program;
indication of adequate English or chance to improve.
- Maximum Length of U.S. Stay:
As long as academic progress continues; I-94 - allowed to stay for duration of status.
- Supporting Documentation Needed:
Proof of academic admission or invitation for postdoctoral research shown on I-20;
evidence of financial support for length of program
- Gov't Forms Required: I-20A-B
Type of Visa (Immigration Status): H1-B Temporary worker of distinguished merit
and ability
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- At Berkeley, this type of Visa is restricted to only a few types of appointments;
no exceptions.
- Time Needed: 3-4 months
- Possible Income from U.S. Source(s):
Unlimited income from petitioning University or organization:
no other income without petition from new employer.
- Probable Tax Status: Resident alien if present in the U.S. for most of year.
- Eligibility Criteria:
Possession of professional degree and skills;
Indication that position to be filled requires professional skills and is temporary.
- Maximum Length of U.S. Stay:
First period up to 2 years;
renewable to total of 5 years.*Oct. 1, 1991 - 6 yrs.
- Supporting Documentation Needed:
Certified copy of highest degree;
employer letter giving professional education/skills needed and possessed by alien.
- Gov't Forms Required: I-129H (I-506, I-539).
Type of Visa (Immigration Status): J-1 Exchange Visitor
- Time Needed: 6-10 weeks (to get IAP-66),
Visitor must request action from Sponsor
- Possible Income From U.S. Source(s):
Unlimited Income for work on campus;
off-campus work possible with sponsor's approval.
- Probable Tax Status: Nonresident alien for five years.
- Cost to Visitor: $30/month for health coverage;
additional costs when spouse/children are visiting too
- Eligibility Criteria:
Admission to academic program with sponsorship;
evidence of adequate financial support for length of program.
- Maximum Length of U.S. Stay:
As long as academic progress continues.
- Supporting Documentation Needed:
IAP-66 from program sponsor with details of academic objectives and financial support.
- Gov't Forms Required: IAP-66.
Document last modified on November 4, 1994