Skip to content

H-1B Application Instructions

Before departments choose the H-1B status for a scholar they should review information about eligibility and associated fees. Currently, it can take as long as 6-8 months for  OIA to obtain approval for H-1B status from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) without the use of premium processing. Please contact OIA  if you believe a visa is required for a foreign national to begin employment at UC Merced. An initial consultation should be done with the employment-based visa advisor before submitting an H-1B request to gauge the feasibility of successfully obtaining the visa.

Also, it is critical that departments understand that they are responsible for return transportation costs for any H-1B employee who is terminated and cannot find a new H-1B sponsor in the U.S.

Application Procedure for New H-1B Visa Status

Complete the following forms and submit to OIA:

H-1B Questionnaire for UCM Schools and Units
H-1B Questionnaire for Foreign National
I-129 Export Control Compliance Certification
Prevailing Working Conditions Attestation - Sample
Request to Pay Outside Counsel - Sample
Actual Wage Attestation Statement - Sample (Salary Justification Memo can replace this document)
Salary Table
Visa Service Recharge Form

 

Reference Documents for UC Merced Departments

Immigration Attorney Visa Services Fee Schedule for UC Merced
OIA Visa Services Fee Chart
USCIS Application Filing Fees

 

After You Submit to OIA

Once OIA receives approval from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), we will contact the department and the applicant. If the applicant is overseas, OIA will provide the approval notice and other relevant documents to the department to send via courier service to the foreign national. Upon receipt, the foreign national must apply for an H-1B visa stamp at a U.S. Embassy or Consualte abroad to use to enter the U.S.

The employer is responsible for return transportation costs for any H-1B temporary worker for whom employment is terminated. In addition, the employer must advise the OIA of any change in employment conditions, including promotion, termination and salary changes.