About

Permanent Residency (PR), often referred to as a green card, authorizes a foreign national to live and work in the United States indefinitely.  There are various means through which people may apply for green cards; family-based petitions, National Interest Waivers, Diversity Visa Lottery and Employment-Based petitions.

The University of Kansas International Programs office facilitates the Employment-Based petitions of eligible employees in both Employment-Based first preference (EB-1-2) and Employment-Based second preference (EB-2) categories. For eligibility criteria please see the KU Policy on Immigration Related Petitions.

Processing Overview

Stage 1:  Labor Certification

                        Standard Labor Certification for non-teaching positions (EB-2)

                        Special Handling Labor Certification for teaching positions (EB-2)

NOTE:  Outstanding Professor/Researcher (EB-1-2) petitions skip the Labor Certification stage

Stage 2: Immigrant Visa Petition (I-140)

Stage 3: Adjustment of Status Application (I-485)

Processing Note

All employment-based PR applications filed by KU must be processed by, or directed by, International Programs.  Hiring departments may not prepare or sign immigration documents or labor certification applications.  Outside attorneys may not prepare or file applications or petitions on behalf of KU unless previously approved by International Programs.

Disclaimer

While most university-sponsored applications are successfully adjudicated, International Programs cannot guarantee a green card to an employee.  The permanent residency application process can take years to complete, depending on the type of case and fluctuations in government agency processing times.  During the entire PR process, until the employee is granted a green card, it is strongly recommended that the employee maintain his/her nonimmigrant status (e.g. H-1B, J-1, O-1, TN) by requesting an extension of stay.