Choosing the Right Immigration Status

Purpose of Visit	Type of Status	Length of Stay	Financial Support	Immigration Sponsorship	Processing Time	Special Notes
To attend a conference or seminar, deliver one-time lecture, observe, offer one-time academic consultation, or participate in a study trip	B-1, B-2, WB or WT Visitor	Normally 90 days	Any	Self	As earlier as possible; visa application at U.S. Consulate if not eligible for visa waiver	Immigration rules governing B visitor visa may also apply to people from countries eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. Cannot be employed by Florida Tech
To lecture, teach, observe, or attend longer seminar or conference	J-1 Short-Term Scholar	Up to 6 months	Any source including personal funding	Florida Tech	No later than 3 months prior to start date	May return home after J-1 stay
To conduct research, may consult in connection with a research project; may teach or lecture as a visiting scholar	J-1 Research Scholar	3 weeks to 5 years	Any source including personal funding	Florida Tech	No later than 3 months prior to start date	Upon completion, subject to the 24-Month Bar on repeat participation as a J-1 Research Scholar/Professor Must return home after J-1 stay
To teach, lecture or conduct research as a visiting scholar	J-1 Professor	3 weeks to 5 years	Any source including personal funding	Florida Tech	No later than 3-4 months prior to start date	Upon completion, subject to the 24-Month bar on repeat participation as a J-1 Research Scholar/Professor Must return home after J-1 stay
To work in one of the designated NAFTA occupations Must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico	TN NAFTA Professional	Up to 3 years initially, with extensions but must prove temporary intent	100% Florida Tech salary	Florida Tech	Can apply at border. If applying inside the U.S. in which case must initiate request no later than 3-6 months ahead of time if in U.S.	Mexican citizens must apply at consulate for visa; position must meet NAFTA Professions List guidelines
To work in a positon that requires someone of extraordinary ability to conduct research, teach, demonstrate, etc	O-1 Person of Extraordinary Ability	Up to 3 years initially, with annual extensions thereafter	100% Florida Tech salary	Florida Tech	NO later than 6 months prior to start date	Sufficient evdience required to prove their international claim Involves high cost and complex adjudication process at USCIS
To work in a specialty occupation position that requires a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific major field of study	E-3 Australian Treaty Worker	Up to 2 years at a time, with extensions but must prove temporary intent	100% Florida Tech salary; must be certified by Department of Labor	Florida Tech	No later than 3 months prior if visa process abroad, no later than 6 months prior to start date if within the U.S	The same qualifications as H-1B but a different length of stay
To work in a speciality occupation position that requires a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific major field of study	H-1B Specialty Occupation Worker	Up to 3 years at a time, with the personal maximum of 6 years	100% Florida Tech salary; must be certified by Department of Labor	Florida Tech	No later than 6 months prior to start date	Option to upgrade to USCIS Premium Processing if speedy adjudication needed Dual intent allows for H-1B to apply for permanent residency without jeopardizing H-1B status