International Faculty, Scholars, and Staff
Each year the University of Kansas in Lawrence hosts more than 200 visiting international faculty and scholars and sponsors over 150 H-1B faculty and staff, all playing an important role in teaching and research activities on campus.
Employing departments should be aware that there are different categories available when hiring international faculty, scholars, or staff.
J-1 Status
Most visiting faculty and scholars come to the U.S. on a J-1 visa specially designed for international educational and cultural exchange. They come at the invitation of an academic department, professional school, or research division. KU acts as the official sponsor, although visitors may be sponsored by other agencies or organizations such as the Council for the International Exchange of Scholars (CIES) or International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX). Faculty and scholars are normally admitted to the U.S. for periods from 3 months to 3 years, with the possibilty of extending their stay to a maximum of five years. Any faculty member, academic department, professional school, or research division wishing to invite visiting faculty or scholars to KU should contact the Coordinator for Visiting International Scholars in the Office of International Programs, at 785-864-6161 for more information.
H-1B Status
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant category for employment in a speciality occupation. A speciality occupation is one which requires the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge to perform the occupation. H-1B approvals are "job-site specific," meaning that each approval is specific to a particular job description, time frame, location, department, and institution. If any of these change, a new or amended H-B petition must be filed. H-1Bs are appropriate for temporary long-term employment for up to 6 years or possibly permanent appointments. Departments who desire to employ international faculty and researchers under the provisions of an H-1B visa should allow a minimum of 4 months for processing an application. ISSS provides services related to H-1B and other temporary non-immigrant categories for international academic and staff appointees. For more information, please contact Dr. Joe Potts, Director of ISSS, at 785-864-3617, or email him at jpotts@ku.edu.
University-Sponsored Petitions for Permanent Residency
Policies guiding permanent residency processes at the University of Kansas are outlined in a comprehensive document which may be accessed by clicking here. Should you have any questions regarding these policies, please email isss@ku.edu or call 785-864-3617.
