Employment Visas, Visiting Scholars, Interns, and Remote Collaborators

The B-1 Nonimmigrant Business Visa is for foreign nationals temporarily coming to the U.S. to engage in commercial or professional activities related to their business abroad and must NOT constitute employment in the U.S.

The H-1B status and visa are for foreign nationals who come to the U.S. to work temporarily in specialty occupations. Because the H-1B status is employer-specific, the H-1B holder may only work for the employer that petitioned U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for their H-1B status.

Employers may choose to sponsor employees in permanent or tenure-track positions when it can be clearly demonstrated that the employee meets permanent residency sponsorship requirements and the sponsorship is in the department’s best interest.

Engineering HR assesses fees for immigration-related services provided to the sponsoring representatives of Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station.

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program fosters mutual understanding between the people of the United States and those of other countries through educational and cultural exchanges. The process must begin at least two months prior to (and can be up to six months before) the planned visit date.

Remote research collaborators — typically former employees, students or visiting scholars — may be granted certain Texas A&M System access (such as email and NetID) with the approval of an appropriate Engineering office. Collaborator approvals are done by Engineering HR.

Most short-term visitors take an approved training course, tour a laboratory facility, or attend an event hosted by a Texas A&M engineering department or center. Still, there are guidelines for handling all circumstances and all types of visitors, from U.S. citizens to foreign nationals.

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) created special economic and trade relationships for the United States, Canada, and Mexico. A TN Status, or non-immigrant classification, permits Canadian and Mexican citizens seeking temporary entry to the U.S. to engage in professional business activities.

There is a difference between volunteering and engaging in unpaid internships. Review all rules, including U.S. Immigration and Customs enforcement guidance and Department of Labor rules to gather all information needed before proceeding with either arrangement.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of 90 days or less, when they meet all requirements. Travelers must be eligible to use the VWP and have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel.

Non J-1 visiting scholars hold appointments or positions at other U.S. institutions and are visiting to work with a particular Texas A&M faculty member in connection with the visitor’s area of expertise. They are generally U.S. citizens or permanent residents, are considered Non-J-1 Visitors, and do not need sponsorship.