H1B1 Faculty
H-1B1 temporary workers are defined as persons who will perform services in specialty occupations on a temporary basis. The Immigration Act of 1990 defines specialty occupation as: "an occupation which requires theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge to fully perform the occupation." To qualify as a "specialty occupation" the position must meet the following requirements. All five criteria must be met:
- A baccalaureate or higher degree (or its equivalent) is normally the minimum requirement for entry into the particular profession.
- The degree requirement that is common to the industry.
- The employer must normally require a degree or its equivalent for the position.
- The job duties must be "so specialized and complex that knowledge required to perform the duties is usually associated with the attainment of a baccalaureate or higher degree."
- The position's level of responsibility and authority must be "commensurate with professional standing."
At Washington State University (WSU), the H-1B1 immigration category can be used to employ international faculty in permanent or temporary, full-time teaching and/or research faculty positions at the Professor, Associate, Assistant Professor, Instructor/Lecturer, Assistant Research Professor, Post Doctoral Research Associate, Research Assistant, and Associate in Research levels.
WSU does not usually process H-1B1 petitions at the Administrative/Professional or Classified Staff levels. Exceptions to the above are processed on a case-by-case basis and (1) prior written approval from the department hiring authority; and (2) prior approval and consultation with the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS).
Processing of H-1B1 Petitions
Please note that all H-1B1 petitions for employment at WSU must be processed by OISS.
Processing of H-1B1 petitions for employment at WSU by outside attorneys is not permitted.
Page Updated: December 18, 2007
