If you are not a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident and are interested in employment at UC Santa Cruz, consider the following information carefully so as not to jeopardize your status in the U.S.
Not yet in the U.S.
You must not enter the U.S. as a visitor or tourist, regardless of what a consulate or embassy may tell you. If in doubt, double-check with IFSS. This involves both government regulations and University policy. An error will very likely mean that you have to depart from the U.S. Everyone who plans to be affiliated with UC Santa Cruz (under an appointment or agreement) requires the appropriate status and visa. If you attempt to enter the U.S. without proper documentation, you may be turned away at the airport and forced to return to your home country at your own expense. The processing of your status may take considerable time (possibly months), so plan ahead and contact us well in advance.
Already in the U.S.
Your status must be transferred to UC Santa Cruz. This can take considerable time, depending on status. You must not discontinue your existing H-1B employment until our office has cleared you to do so. Otherwise, you may have to leave the U.S. and will only be allowed to re-enter when your documents have been approved by the appropriate government agency. Do not make spur-of-the-moment decisions in regard to your status, as it is usually not possible to resolve immigration matters after the fact.
Important Points:
- Do not seek visa or status-related advice from anyone other than IFSS.
- Anyone coming to UC Santa Cruz under an appointment or an agreement must obtain the appropriate status and visa.
Case Processing Times
Processing times outlined below start from the day IFSS receives a complete request. Processing times may vary and are subject to change. All requests can be submitted up to 6 months in advance of the intended start date.
H-1B Requests
- 45-60 business days using USCIS Premium Processing (expedited processing)
- 6-12 months using USCIS regular processing