The Office of International Programs
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    Extending our vision beyond the boundaries of Springfield and Illinois

Procedures

Procedures for Requesting Various Immigration Statuses

J1 Research Scholars, Professors and Short-term Scholars
  1. Host college obtains J1 procurement form;

  2. Designated contact person in the college completes form, obtains appropriate signatures and attaches any necessary supporting documents (such as proof of funding);

  3. Department submits form to International Programs;

  4. International Programs prepares form DS-2019 - usually within two weeks;

  5. International Programs sends DS-2019 packet to visitor, with copy to college.
When the visitor is abroad, he/she will make an appointment to present the DS-2019 and visa application to the U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for a J-1 visa. Spouse and children may apply for J-2 dependent visas.

If the visitor is in the U.S., DS-2019 may, in most circumstances, be mailed to the Immigration Service with a change of status request. Approval may take several months.

If visitor is in the U.S., on another institution’s J-1 program, he/she may usually transfer to our program if the category remains the same and if the time limit is not exceeded.

 

H1 Specialty Occupation Workers – Used for tenure track faculty positions and other skilled positions
  1. Host college obtains H1B procurement form (Word .doc);

  2. Designated contact person in the college completes form, obtains appropriate signatures and attaches any necessary supporting documents (such as job offer letter);

  3. College submits form to International Programs;

  4. International Programs prepares the Labor Certification and submits;

  5. International Programs Prepares the I129 and works with host college to collect all necessary supporting documents and fees;

  6. International Programs submits H1B application material to the USCIS for processing. Can take 3-4 months. Premium processing is available for an additional fee.

Permanent Residency-Green Card