Document Checklist for H-1B Visa Petitions

1. Passport Biographical Page (current passport)

• Most recent passport biography page(s) with date of expiration shown
• Include the whole image of the biography page, including the MRZ text on the bottom of the biography page
• If I-94 has an old passport number on it, include a copy of that passport. (see below)

2. Passport Biographical Page (old passport, if applicable)

• If your current I-94 has your old passport number on it, include a copy of that passport
• If you have received a new passport since your last entry into the US, please submit the biographical page from your old passport

3. Most Recent Version of CV

• CV should be updated with current employment and most recent publications

4. If you are currently or have ever been in J-1 visa status:

4a. Most Recent Electronic I-94

4b. All DS-2019s (page 1 only)

4c. All J-1 visa stamps

4d. If you were considered subject to the 2-year Home Residency Requirement, include evidence that you have received a waiver from the requirement or "Favorable" Advisory Opinion from the US Department of State

• The USCIS will expect to at least see the I-797c Notice of Receipt for your I-612 waiver application
• It is not possible to file an H-1B petition with only the Department of State "Favorable" No Objection recommendation

5. If you are currently in F-1 visa status:

5a. Most Recent Electronic I-94

5b. All I-20s (pages 1 and 2 only)

5c. All F-1 Visa Stamps

5d. OPT and STEM OPT EAD (front side only)

5e. Three Most Recent Pay Stubs

6. If you are currently in any other visa status (H-1B, H-4, J-2, etc.):

6a. All I-797 Approval Notices

6b. Most Recent Electronic I-94

6c. Visa Stamp (if applicable)

6d. Primary Visa Holder Documents

• Must show the primary visa holder is maintaining their current visa status
• Include scans of primary visa holder's:
  • Passport biography page
  • Most recent I-94
  • Most recent visa stamp
  • Three most recent pay stubs
  • Marriage certificate (along with English translation is needed)

7. Diploma

• Required: a scan of the diploma from the highest degree earned
• Optional: scans of all previous degrees

8. Transcripts

• A scan of the transcripts for the highest degree earned
• For research-based PhD programs (with no coursework):
  • Provide a letter from the school registrar or PhD advisor confirming no coursework was required
  • Alternatively, provide a copy of previous degree and transcripts for that degree

9. Translation

• If diploma and transcripts are not in English, provide an English translation of both documents
• The translation can be done by anyone other than the applicant or family member
• All translations must include the following statement with translator’s signature:

“I, [name of translator] certify that I am fluent in [foreign language] & English and confirm that the attached translation is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge.”

10. Academic Equivalency Evaluation

• Only required for degrees not from a US institution of higher education
• Use an experienced evaluation company such as those recognized by NACES or NAFSA
• Only a general evaluation is required, no need for the evaluation to be mailed to the ISSO or sealed
• The ISSO does not endorse any specific evaluator. Commonly used evaluators include:
  • The Evaluation Company (Application Portal for UCSF)
  • Trustfortecorp

NOTE: Evaluations take companies time to process, so please initiate the request as soon as you are invited to complete information into ISSO's online database (ISD).

11. Medical License

• If position involves incidental patient care, include a valid license, 2113 certificate, 2168 certificate or in-lieu letter from the California Medical Board

12. I-539 Application and Waiver of Liability

• For any dependents who wish to change to H-4 visa status, under your H-1B
• Please submit all documents on the ISSO H-4 checklist
• Work with your ISSO advisor to arrange a time to drop of the filing fee check for the I-539