H-1B Temporary Nonimmigrant Workers in Specialty Occupations
Basic Procedures – General Work Flow

Step 1: Information and Evidence Gathering

• Department and scholar complete forms, gather and prepare supporting documents, letters, ISSO and USCIS fees, etc.
• Department submits request packet to ISSO

Step 2: ISSO Review, State of California and U.S. Department of Labor Approval Process

• ISSO reviews request packet; communicates with department about any questions
• ISSO obtains Prevailing Wage Determination from the National Prevailing Wage and Helpdesk Center (NPWHC)
• ISSO completes and files Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Employment & Training Administration, U.S. Dept of Labor
• ISSO Prepares Public Access File and Union Notification (if applicable)
• ISSO prepares final H-1B petition; submits to the USCIS

Step 3: Submission of Petition to USCIS

• USCIS reviews and adjudicates petition in approximately 5-6 months (regular processing)
• If UCSF Department elects to pay an additional fee to USCIS for Premium Processing, USCIS reviews and adjudicates petition in 2 weeks

Step 4: Consular Processing Required if Scholar is Outside US

• Upon approval, ISSO sends required documentation to scholar abroad
• Scholar schedules visa appt. with U.S. Embassy/Consulate (n/a to Canadian citizens)
• U.S. Embassy/Consulate reviews application, conducts security background check, issues visa stamp

Step 5: Scholar Arrives at UCSF

• Scholar arrives and immediately checks in with ISSO
• Scholar completes Form I-9 within first 3 days of employment
• Scholar attends H-1B orientation session