International Employment
International Employment (IE) assists campus to successfully employ and retain foreign national employees needing employment sponsorship on a temporary or permanent basis.
IE stays current with relevant U.S. Citizenship and Immigrant Services, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Labor, and Department of State regulations and policies, and provides education to the university community to facilitate understanding and compliance.
Nonimmigrant Classifications
Nonimmigrant status is normally used for temporary employment or visitors to the U.S. These statuses are limited by time, location and scope of activities, and work statuses are normally tied to a specific employer. Many people obtain nonimmigrant status first before proceeding to a permanent status.
Common types used by NC State University include:
B-1 Status
Also called a Visitor Visa, used for temporary visits for research, presentations, etc. Similar to Visa Waiver status.
E-3 Status
Employment-based status for Australian professionals limited to two-year terms which can be renewed indefinitely.
H-1B Status
H-1B status is a temporary employment classification used for specialty occupation positions and can be valid for a total of six years, with additional extensions possible in limited circumstances.
O-1 Status
O-1 status is for temporary workers who possess extraordinary ability in science, education, business or athletics.
TN Status
Employment-based status for Canadian and Mexican citizens limited to three-year terms for professional positions.
Note: All foreign nationals (including permanent residents and children) are required to report any change in address within 10 days to USCIS using Form AR11.
Permanent Residence
Permanent Residents (PRs), also known as “green card” holders, are non-citizens who are lawfully authorized to live and work permanently within the United States. This status is indefinite, even though the physical “green card” is valid for 10 years and should be renewed as needed to provide valid, updated proof of PR status. At NC State, an individual must be in a nonimmigrant status sponsored by the university prior to and during the filing of a Permanent Residence petition or application.
GlobalHome
GlobalHome is IEs electronic immigration case management system. All nonimmigrant cases must be initiated through the GlobalHome portal. This system will allow units and sponsored employees to complete and submit forms online and securely upload required supporting documentation.
GlobalHome Instructions
Department/unit contacts can find instructions on how to access the GlobalHome portal in the Department HR User QuickStart Guide. Existing employees should follow the instructions in the Current NC State Employee QuickStart Guide to gain access to the system, and a new employee should follow the instructions in the New Hire QuickStart Guide.
STEM OPT Training Plan Information
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a rule regarding the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension benefit for F-1 students. Under the rule, employers are required to complete a Training Plan (Form I-983) at the start of the employment card application process to establish expected outcomes and learning objectives during the training program.
STEM OPT Training Plan Instructions
When accessing for I-983, certain NC State (as the employer) information is pre-filled in Section 3.
Every STEM OPT training plan at NC State MUST be signed by the student, the supervisor and International Employment. Please note that it could take International Employment up to five (5) business days to review and sign Form I-983. All sponsoring supervisors and departments/units should review our employer obligations and should contact IE immediately if there are ANY changes to the training plan or employment opportunity. Unpaid internships and/or volunteer work are NOT permitted under the STEM OPT regulations.