International Programs

Application Process & Timeline for Initial H-1B petitions

Instructions & Timeline

1. Hiring department completes the H-1B Request Form, submits to ISFS along with the Position Description
2. ISFS prepares a prevailing wage application for the State of Oregon
3. ISFS conducts an actual wage survey within the department to ensure the H-1B will be paid the "actual wage", which is a salary equivalent to that of similarly employed workers at Oregon State University, as required by Department of Labor regulations
4. ISFS contacts department with instructions for posting the LCA and initiating part II of H-1B application
5. Hiring department and international candidate complete the H-1B Application and submit it to ISFS within 10 business days
6. ISFS prepares I-129 petition for H-1B status and submits to USCIS

Once ISFS receives the H-1B request form, the processing time to receive work authorization in H-1B status can take up to 4-6 months.   Alternative option:  departments wishing to expedite this process may choose to use Premium Processing by paying $1,225 to USCIS, which shortens the entire processing time to approximately 2 months.

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ISFS Fee
ISFS charges a $750 administrative fee for the processing of H-1B petitions, which must be received with the H-1B application.  The fee may be paid by either the department or if the salary is at least $750 above the prevailing wage (TBD), the international candidate.   

Travel while H-1B Change of Status Application is Pending
H-1B applicants currently in the US may not travel abroad and return to the US while the H-1B change of status application is pending, or the H-1B change of status application will be voided by USCIS and the application process must start over. Prospective H-1B employees currently in the US may leave the US and remain outside of the US until their H-1B application has been approved without affecting their H-1B application. When the H-1B application has been approved the potential employee will use the H-1B approval to apply for an H-1B visa to enter the US. Please keep the International Faculty and Scholar Advisors informed of travel plans for H-1B employees and prospective employees.