Employment Immigration
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The HR team is available to assist you via phone, MS Teams and email.
Walk-in hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Office of Human Resources provides employment information and visa applicant support to foreign national faculty, researchers, scholars, and individuals in certain specialty occupations, primarily in the visa categories listed below.
Please Note: Foreign nationals must provide valid and current work authorization to be employed by UT Dallas. Individuals working for UTD without valid work authorization are in violation of their visa and federal employment law.
Departments and employees may contact visasHR@utdallas.edu for immigration assistance or any other visa status.
Related Links
Temporary Visas for Nonimmigrants
Temporary visas for nonimmigrants allow individuals to enter the United States for a limited period and for a specific purpose — such as study or temporary employment. These visas require the applicant to demonstrate nonimmigrant intent, meaning they must show that they plan to return to their home country after their authorized stay.
- H-1B: Employer-Specific Specialty Occupation
- E-3: Australian Professional
- TN: NAFTA Canadian or Mexican Professional
- O-1: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
Permanent Visas
Permanent visas, also known as immigrant visas, allow individuals to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. At UT Dallas, sponsorship is available for the EB-1 and EB-2 employment-based categories for qualifying positions. These categories are designated for individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, or those with advanced degrees and exceptional ability in their field. Both EB-1 and EB-2 lead directly to lawful permanent residency (a green card) and, unlike temporary visas, do not require applicants to demonstrate nonimmigrant intent.
EB-1/EB-2: Highly skilled professionals and researchers with exceptional ability or advanced qualifications
Other Visas
There are other nonimmigrant visa types that may apply to individuals connected to the University. These include visas for dependents of work visa holders, academic students, exchange visitors, and short-term business or tourist visitors. Work authorization varies by visa type — some allow employment with specific authorization, while others strictly prohibit it. Each visa category has its own eligibility criteria, restrictions and permitted activities; it’s important for individuals to understand the conditions associated with their specific status.
- L-2: Dependent Spouse and Children of L-1 Visa Holders
- F-1: Student
- J-1: Visiting Student or Scholar
- H-4 (with EAD): Dependent Visa with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- B-1/B-2 (No work authorization): Business Visitor
International Travel Requirements Under Executive Order GA-48
Governor Greg Abbott issued executive order GA-48 on Nov 19, 2024, which impacts international travel to specific countries. To determine whether a trip to these destinations is suspended or simply requires an International Personal Travel Report (IPTR), please visit the Restricted Countries webpage to access the IPTR form, and for guidance.
Read more about the Governor’s executive order.
International Travel
Foreign nationals should know the policies and requirements for international travel and remote work for UTD employees and students. Travelers should be aware of the prohibition of international remote work, necessary authorizations and reporting for University-approved and personal travel, and important documents to carry.
Read more about International Travel.
I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT Students
The I-983 form is essential for students in the STEM OPT extension program, outlining their training plan. Students should collaborate with their advisor/supervisor to complete most of the form. The HR Employment Immigration team at UTD completes specific sections by providing the required employer information and certification.
Read more about the I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT Students.
Volunteering
US Department of Labor regulations prevent employers from allowing foreign nationals to volunteer in positions that are usually compensated. Foreign nationals who are awaiting the necessary employment authorization or whose work authorization has expired are not allowed to serve as volunteers.
Government Forms
| Number | Name | Issued/Completed By |
|---|---|---|
| AR-11 | Alien’s Change of Address Form (or update online) | Applicant |
| I-9 | Employment Eligibility Verification Form | Applicant and Human Resources |
| I-94 | Arrival/Departure Record | Customs and Border Protection Officer or Port of Entry |
Contacts
Please contact the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) for assistance with F-1 visas and J-1 visas.
Please email visasHR@utdallas.edu for immigration assistance or any other visa status.