Office of International Student & Scholar Services

Status category

Student enrolled in a full course of study towards degree attainment

Status is used for

Temporary employment of students during or after completion of academic program

Employment Eligibility Criteria 

1. On-campus employment (part-time) 
2. Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Must have completed 1 year of full-time study. Employment must relate directly to field of study.
3. Optional Practical Training (OPT): Must have completed 1 year of full-time study. Employment must relate directly to field of study.

Length of Immigration Status

1. On-Campus Employment: Duration of academic studies
2. CPT:  Must be enrolled in CPT-related course
3. OPT: Up to 12 Months (cumulative)

Extension of Immigration Status

OPT: Limited to 12 Months (STEM OPT may be up to additional 24 months)

Dependents

May enroll part-time in a post-secondary academic institution. Cannot work in U.S.

Estimated Processing Time

1. On-campus employment: approx 2 business days after request submitted
2. OPT: UToledo processing 1 week and USCIS processing 1-2 months
(Times depend on volume/case circumstances.)

When to begin the process

1. On-campus employment: 1 month before beginning studies
2. OPT: 3 months before graduation

Fees

I-765 Application for Employment Authorization filing fee: $410

For further information

OISSS—Student Employment
USCIS Student and Exchange Visitor Employment 

Status category

Individual approved to participate in a work- or study-based exchange visitor program in the U.S.A.

Status is used for

Short-term scholars, research scholars, professors, and exchange students

Employment Eligibility Criteria

Short-Term Scholars, Research Scholars, Professors:

1. Job offer from UToledo department to teach/research.
2. Must show proof of financial support for length of program and intent to return to home country.
3. Work must relate to field of study.
4. Must show proof of English proficiency.

Exchange Students:

Must be approved for on-campus or academic training.

Length of Immigration Status

1. Short-term scholar: up to 6 months
2. Professor and research scholar: up to 5 years
3. Student: Duration of academic program and academic training

Extension of Immigration Status

Short-Term Scholars, Research Scholars, Professors:

No extension available beyond maximum length of immigration status.

Exchange Students:

Can be permitted if program requires more time to complete.

Dependents

May enroll full-time in an academic institution. Eligible to apply for EAD card to work in U.S.

Estimated Processing Time

Short-Term Scholars, Research Scholars, Professors:

Exchange Students:

When to begin the process

Short-Term Scholars, Research Scholars, Professors:

Begin two months before requested start date.

Exchange Students:

Academic training must be approved before completion of academic program.

Fees

OISSS: $250 (typically paid by sponsoring department)
DOS Visa: $160 (typically paid by exchange visitor)
SEVIS fee: $220 (typically paid by exchange visitor)

Responsibility for payment of fees can be negotiated between exchange visitor and sponsoring department.

For further information

OISSS—J-1 Exchange Visitors
USCIS Student and Exchange Visitor Employment 

Status category

Temporary Worker in a Specialty Occupation

Status is used for

Faculty and staff

Employment Eligibility Criteria

Minimum education: bachelor’s degree. 

Length of Immigration Status

Up to 3 years at a time (6 years maximum)

Extension of Immigration Status

Can extend past 6 years for 1- or 3-year increments in limited circumstances

Dependents

May enroll full-time in an academic institution. Cannot work in U.S.

Estimated Processing Time

5-6 months  (Times depend on volume/case circumstances.)

When to begin the process

Begin 6 months before requested start date.

Fees

OISSS: $1,200
USCIS Filing Fees:  New: $960, Extension: $460, Premium Processing: $2,805

For further information

OISSS—H-1B (Temporary Workers)
USCIS—H-1B

Status category

Foreign National with Extraordinary Ability

Status is used for

Faculty and staff

Employment Eligibility Criteria

Nationally or internationally recognized scholarly, athletic, or artistic achievements.

Length of Immigration Status

Up to 3 years

Extension of Immigration Status

Unlimited 1-year renewals

Dependents

May enroll in an academic institution. Cannot work in U.S.

Estimated Processing Time

3-4 months  (Times depend on volume/case circumstances.)

When to begin the process

Begin 6 months before requested start date.

Fees

OISSS: $1,200
USCIS Filing Fees:  New: $960, Extension: $460, Premium Processing: $2,805 (as of February 26, 2024)

For further information

OISSS—O-1
USCIS--O-1

Status category

Trade NAFTA  (Canadian and Mexican citizens)

Status is used for

Faculty and staff

Employment Eligibility Criteria

1.       Canadian or Mexican citizenship.
2.       Position must be qualifying occupation.

Length of Immigration Status

Up to 3 years

Extension of Immigration Status

Unlimited 3-year renewals

Dependents

May enroll in an academic institution.
Cannot work in U.S.

Estimated Processing Time

Canadians: Processed on entry to U.S. Mexicans: Must obtain visa at U.S. consulate.  (Times depend on volume/case circumstances.) 

When to begin the process

3 months before requested start date

Fees

DOS Visa: $160

For further information

OISSS—TN Status
USCIS—TN NAFTA

Status category

Immigrant (Green Card)

Status is used for

Faculty and staff

Employment Eligibility Criteria

Varies based on employment category used.

Length of Immigration Status

Indefinite

Extension of Immigration Status

Must renew green card every 10 years

Dependents

May enroll in an academic institution.
Eligible to work in U.S. after I-765 received.

Estimated Processing Time

Green Card may take years to receive.

Contact CISP as early as possible. Times depend on category and need for 7^th year H-1B extension.

Fees

 Outside Counsel and Filing Fees: $5,000-$7,000

For further information

OISSS—Permanent Residency
USCIS—Green Card