Visa Sponsorship for Campus Staff Titles

While UCSF typically only sponsors work visas for academic appointments, the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) understands that certain staff positions are difficult to fill and in some cases visa sponsorship may be needed.

Eligibility Criteria for Campus Staff Titles

UCSF only sponsors immigration for non-academic staff by exception where the hiring department can show the following (must meet all four requirements):

1. Final candidate has been selected by hiring manager, and
2. Difficulty in hiring for the position, or specialized skills possessed by the employee and required for the position, and
3. Position requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a specific field, and
4. Candidate possesses the requisite degree

Visa Request Process for Campus Staff Titles

If the aforementioned four eligibility criteria are met:

1. Contact your Talent Acquisition specialist or HR generalist to access and complete UCSF’s Staff Visa Screener
2. ISSO will advise on visa eligibility and prevailing wage within one week
3. If eligible for sponsorship, Department submits new hire case in PeopleConnect
4. HR Generalist consults on start date and pay rate before sending an offer letter
5. Once the offer response is received by candidate, notify HR Generalist, TA, and ISSO
6. ISSO will prompt the candidate for the required documents for visa sponsorship
7. HR Generalist will complete onboarding steps per usual process
8. You will receive notice when the visa application has been submitted and is approved

Host Department Obligations to the ISSO and H-1B Employees

When submitting an H-1B visa request, the sponsoring department certifies the following:

• The full-time salary to be paid to the employee is equivalent to other U.S. workers in the same classification.
• The vacation time, sick leave, and other benefits offered to the employee are equivalent to that offered to other U.S. workers in the same classification.
• Employing the employee will not adversely affect the working conditions of similarly employed workers. There is no strike, lockout, or work stoppage due to a labor dispute in this occupation.
• A Notice of Intent to File a Labor Condition Application has been posted in two conspicuous locations at each of the employee's worksite(s) and will remain posted for ten consecutive business days (union-represented positions exempt). The Department will comply fully with the terms of the Labor Condition Application stated above for the duration of the employee's employment at UCSF.
• The Department fully understands that any misrepresentation on or willful violation of the information contained in the Labor Condition Application may incur a penalty preventing UCSF from filing any visa petition for a period of one year.
• As required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Department agrees to pay the reasonable cost of return transportation to the employee's home country if they are dismissed before the end of the authorized period of employment.
• The Department will notify ISSO and their HR generalist of changes to employment as far in advance as possible (but not later than 14 days in advance) of a material change in the terms or conditions of employment (i.e. change in title, salary, job duties, dismissal). Changes to employment conditions may require USCIS approval with submission of an H-1B amendment petition.
• The Department will submit PeopleConnect renewal requests at least 4 months in advance of the employee's current end date. Delays in submitting the PeopleConnect renewal ticket may lead to an employee break in service.
• Payment of government filing fees.

Timeline for Campus Staff Visa Requests

ISSO requests start dates at least 4 months beyond the date that the department notifies ISSO of formal acceptance of the offer. Please anticipate that start dates may need to be delayed.

Visa Fees

Visa sponsorship fees must be paid by the department. Fees vary based on visa type, but can be up to about $5,000.

Please refer to the ISSO visa recharge fees page and Department of Homeland Security Check Request Form for more information.