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Visa Information
The following table illustrates the most common non-immigrant visa categories, definitions and limitations on work authorization.
| Visa Category | Definition | Work Authorization |
|---|---|---|
| A-1 A-2 |
Diplomats and foreign government officials and their dependents | Some dependents are granted work authorization |
| B-1 | Business visitors | No work authorization. However, effective 10/21/98, a new law permits a university to pay honoraria and incidental expenses for a usual academic activity lasting not longer than 9 days at any single institution. The foreign national may not accept payment or expenses from more than 5 institutions within the previous 6 month period. Must present a valid visa and Form I-94, Record of Arrival and Departure as verification of immigration status |
| B-2 | Visitors for pleasure | No work authorization. However, effective 10/21/98, a new law permits a university to pay honoraria and incidental expenses for a usual academic activity lasting not longer than 9 days at any single institution. The foreign national may not accept payment or expenses from more than 5 institutions within the previous 6 month period. Must present a valid visa and Form I-94, Record of Arrival and Departure as verification of immigration status |
| F-1 | Students | Work authorized under limited circumstances subject to approval by ISSS. Employment must not exceed 20 hours a week during academic semesters except during breaks |
| F-2 | Dependents of F-1 students | No work authorization |
| G-1 | Employee of international organizations | Work authorized for the international organization |
| G-2 G-3 G-4 |
Dependents of G-1 visa holder | Some dependents are granted work authorization |
| H-1B | Professionals | Work authorized for the sponsoring employer |
| H-2B | Temporary workers | Work authorized for the sponsoring employer |
| H-3 | Trainee | Work authorized for the sponsoring employer |
| H-4 | Dependents of H visa holders | No work authorization |
| I-1 | Foreign journalists | Work authorized for the sponsoring employer |
| J-1 (Student) |
Exchange visitor student | Must be based on financial need or directly related to academic program. Written permission of J-1 program sponsor is required |
| J-1 (Scholar) |
Exchange visitor scholars | Employed on campus as researchers or visiting faculty. Positions should be held based on the J-1 immigration document (Form DS-2019, formerly Form IAP-66) |
| J-2 | Dependents of J-1 visa holders | Only with permission from USCIS |
| K-1 | Fiancée of U.S. citizen | Work authorized |
| M-1 | Vocational student | Work authorized under certain circumstances |
| M-2 | Dependents of M-1 visa holders | No work authorization |
| O-1 | Individual with extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics | Work authorized for the sponsoring employer |
| P-1 | Internationally known athletes and entertainment groups | Work authorized for the sponsoring employer |
| P-2 | Performing artists under a reciprocal exchange program | Work authorized by the sponsoring employer |
| Q-1 | International cultural | Work authorized by the sponsoring employer |
| This table is provided for informational purposes only. Please consult a foreign national specialist for more information. | ||