The International Services Office (ISO) partners with departments to welcome and support new international faculty and scholars at Texas Christian University. Based on feedback from departments and international employees, we have redesigned the H-1B sponsorship process to improve transparency, efficiency, and support.
The H-1B nonimmigrant visa program allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign nationals in specialty occupations. On December 17, 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a final rule modernizing the H-1B program and increasing flexibility for sponsoring temporary workers.
A specialty occupation is a position that requires the theoretical and practical application of a highly specialized body of knowledge in fields such as architecture, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, social sciences, medicine and health, education, business, accounting, law, theology, or the arts.
To qualify, the position must require at minimum a bachelor’s degree or higher in a directly related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A general degree without further specialization does not qualify. Multiple qualifying degree fields may be acceptable, provided each is directly related to the duties of the position.
H-1B petitions are filed by the approved external legal counsel in collaboration with the International Services Office and TCU as the sponsoring employer.
Learn more:
H-1B Program – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Wage and Hour Division (WHD) – U.S. Department of Labor
Eligibility
Departments should review the Employment Based Visa and Permanent Resident Policy to determine if a position qualifies for H-1B sponsorship.
Applications for ineligible positions will not be considered.
Employment Based Visa and Permanent Resident Policy
Additional Considerations
H-1B sponsorship decisions are made only after full compliance with institutional policies. Applicants and departments should review TCU’s H-1B Process Overview and H-1B Timelines to understand the complexity and duration of the process.
Contact
For questions about H-1B sponsorship, contact the International Services Office.
Understanding the H-1B Process at TCU
The International Services Office (ISO) coordinates immigration sponsorship for Texas Christian University (TCU). ISO works closely with hiring departments, Human Resources, the Office of the Provost, and TCU’s external immigration counsel, approved by the Office of General Counsel, to facilitate the H-1B petition process.
ISO is not involved in recruitment or hiring decisions. Hiring processes are conducted by the academic department in coordination with the appropriate college leadership, or by the hiring department in collaboration with Human Resources for staff positions.
Once a candidate has been selected for a qualifying position, the department may consult with ISO regarding immigration sponsorship options. The initial request for H-1B sponsorship must be submitted by the hiring department, not the candidate.
ISO coordinates the H-1B process and works with the department and the university’s authorized immigration attorney to prepare the petition. The external immigration attorney files the H-1B petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of TCU.
Timing Considerations
Requests to initiate the H-1B sponsorship process may generally be submitted up to six months before the desired employment start date. Departments should allow sufficient time for internal review, preparation of the petition, and processing by government agencies.
Government processing times vary and are determined by the U.S. Department of Labor and USCIS, over which TCU has no control.
H-1B status may be requested for up to three years at a time, and the maximum duration of H-1B status is six years. If there is a reasonable expectation of continued employment and funding, ISO typically recommends requesting the full three-year period when filing the initial petition.
Time spent outside the United States during the six-year H-1B period may be eligible for recapture, provided it is well documented and approved by USCIS.
Changes in Employment
H-1B status is employer-specific and position-specific. The approval applies only to the specific employer, job duties, and work location listed in the petition.
Any significant changes to employment, including job duties, salary, work location, or appointment terms, may require consultation with the ISO and, in many cases, the filing of an amended H-1B petition.
Departments and employees must consult the ISO before any changes to the terms of employment occur.
Portability Between Employers
In certain circumstances, individuals already in H-1B status may change employers using H-1B portability provisions. This allows the individual to begin employment with TCU once the new H-1B petition has been properly filed with USCIS.
Individuals should maintain employment with their current H-1B employer until the TCU petition has been submitted and accepted for processing.
Travel and Consular Processing
International travel may affect the preparation and timing of an H-1B petition. Individuals should consult the ISO before making international travel plans during the H-1B process.
If the individual is outside the United States, they may need to obtain an H-1B visa stamp at a U.S. consulate before entering the country in H-1B status. Approval of an H-1B petition by USCIS does not guarantee visa issuance by a U.S. consulate.
Individuals entering the United States in H-1B status may arrive up to 10 days before the petition start date listed on the approval notice.
Dependents
Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 may accompany the H-1B employee in H-4 dependent status.
Individuals in H-4 status are not permitted to work, although in limited circumstances certain H-4 spouses may qualify for employment authorization if the H-1B principal has taken specific steps toward permanent residency.
Employment Limitations
H-1B sponsorship at TCU is limited to full-time positions that meet Department of Labor wage requirements. The position must meet the regulatory definition of a specialty occupation and comply with the wage conditions outlined in the certified Labor Condition Application (LCA).
H-1B status authorizes employment only with the sponsoring employer and only in the approved position. Employment outside the approved role, including consulting or receiving honoraria, may constitute unauthorized employment and could jeopardize immigration status.
Employees should consult the ISO before engaging in any activity that involves compensation outside of their approved H-1B employment.
J-1 Two-Year Home Residency Requirement
Individuals who are or were previously in J-1 or J-2 status and are subject to the two-year home country residence requirement are not eligible to change status to H-1B until the requirement has either been fulfilled or formally waived.
Departments and prospective employees should consult ISO early in the process if this requirement may apply.
Questions
For questions regarding H-1B sponsorship at TCU, please contact the International Services Office (ISO).
H-1B Sponsorship Process
The International Services Office (ISO) coordinates H-1B visa sponsorship for Texas Christian University (TCU) in partnership with the hiring department, Human Resources, the Office of the Provost, and the university’s approved external immigration attorney.
Once a department determines that H-1B sponsorship may be necessary for a selected candidate, the department should contact the ISO to initiate the sponsorship review process. The ISO will review the request, confirm eligibility under university policy, and coordinate the case with TCU’s authorized immigration counsel, who prepares and files the petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Departments should begin the H-1B request process at least 4–6 months prior to the intended employment start date to allow sufficient time for university review, petition preparation, and government processing.
Initiating an H-1B Request
Requests for H-1B sponsorship may be initiated by a department, Human Resources, or the Office of the Provost by contacting the International Services Office.
After receiving a request, the ISO will:
Departments should not contact immigration attorneys directly. Once the ISO confirms eligibility, the office will connect the department and the candidate with TCU’s approved immigration attorney and coordinate the case.
Timeline and Planning
Departments should initiate H-1B sponsorship at least 4–6 months before the intended employment start date.
The H-1B process involves several steps, including university review, attorney preparation, and government processing. While the ISO and the immigration attorney work to prepare petitions efficiently, U.S. government processing times may vary and are outside the university’s control.
Early planning helps ensure sufficient time for:
H-1B Process Overview
Once sponsorship need is determined, the general process includes the following steps:
ISO remains involved throughout the process to coordinate communication, provide institutional approvals, and ensure compliance with university and federal requirements.
H-1B Validity Period
Initial H-1B petitions at TCU are typically requested for up to three years, provided the position and funding support the requested period.
Federal regulations generally limit H-1B status to a maximum of six years, subject to applicable immigration rules.
Fees and Processing
H-1B petition costs are centrally funded through the Office of the Provost.
Premium processing may be requested only for university business purposes and with appropriate approval. Departments are not permitted to pay premium processing fees on behalf of employees.
Individuals may choose to request premium processing for personal reasons and at their own expense, if permitted under university guidelines.
Additional Eligibility Information
Departments should review the H-1B Overview and Eligibility page for detailed information regarding qualifying positions and sponsorship requirements before initiating a request.
Information Coming Soon.
Information Coming Soon.
