H-1B Temporary Worker

H-1B is an immigration status designed for individuals coming to the United States to work in a specialty occupation.  A specialty occupation is defined as one that requires, “theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge, and attainment of a bachelor’s or higher degree, or its equivalent, is a minimum requirement.”  The H-1B is temporary, an H-1B petition may be approved for an initial maximum three-year period, and extension of an additional three years, for a total of aggregate period of stay of six years.

Employment

According to federal law, each H-1B is specific to the following items:

• Duties
• Salary
• Worksite Location
• Employer

If any of these items are changing, check with International Programs, a new H-1B petition may need to be filed.  An H-1B employee may only be employed by the University of Kansas for the position, duties, and worksite location that was submitted on the H-1B petition. No other employment, on or off campus, is permitted without separate approval by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). KU is responsible for filing an H-1B petition with USCIS requesting permission to hire a foreign employee for a particular position. An employee cannot obtain H-1B status on his or her own.