If you are sponsoring an employment visa, hosting a visiting scholar or short-term visitor, hosting an unpaid intern, or requesting access for a remote research collaborator, please review the requirements and processes below for each situation.
Reach out to Engineering HR & Payroll at engineeringhrvisitors@tamu.edu with any questions. Our team will ensure both Texas A&M Engineering and the individual are authorized for the requested relationship.
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B-1 Nonimmigrant Business Visa
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.
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H-1B Status and Employment Visa
The H-1B status and visa are for foreign nationals who come to the U.S. to work temporarily in specialty occupations.
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Employer-Sponsored Permanent Residency
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.
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Immigration and Visitor Service Fees
Engineering Human Resources assesses fees for immigration-related services provided to the sponsoring representatives of Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station.
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J-1 Exchange Visitors
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program promotes mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries through educational and cultural exchanges. Texas A&M only sponsors a few of the categories and the process must begin two months prior to any intended visitor arrival date.
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Remote Research Collaborators
Remote research collaborators may be granted certain Texas A&M University System access to collaborate remotely with Texas A&M Engineering employees with appropriate approvals.
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Short-Term Visitors
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.
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TN Status
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.
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Unpaid Internships and Volunteers
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.
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Visa Waiver Program
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.
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Visiting Scholars
Visiting scholars hold appointments or positions at other 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 and do not need sponsorship.