UToledo Status Categories and Employment Eligibility

These charts provide an overview of commonly used nonimmigrant and immigrant categories for employment at The University of Toledo. For more information and to ensure compliance with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requirements and regulations, please contact Office of International Student and Scholar Services at 419-530-4229 or OISSS@UToledo.edu.

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: $470 (online filing) or $520 (paper filing)
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	CISP—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
For further information	CISP—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	CISP—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.
When to begin the process	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-$12,000
For further information	CISP—Permanent Residency USCIS—Green Card