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Overview
for Scholars |
How to Obtain H-1 or O-1 Immigration Status at Columbia
You must first apply at a U.S.
Consulate or Embassy for an entry visa. Applicants for an H-1 or O-1
visa will need their country's passport and the original Form I-797 approval
notice or a cable sent to the consulate stating that the requested status
has been approved. You may also need a little patience. Original documents will be necessary with your application for an entry visa. The consular officer will require you to provide the same (and possibly additional) financial documentation you provided Columbia University. You will be required to show this documentation again upon arrival in the United States at your port of entry. You will be required to complete Form OF-156 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form) and any supplementary forms required by the particular consulate. On occasion, a consular officer may require evidence of English proficiency sufficient to pursue your proposed employment. . Check directly with the consulate at which you plan to apply for your entry visa for application procedures. All applications must be made in person, and may cause unanticipated delays. The length of visa validity, number of entries permitted, and application fee are based on reciprocity and generally reflect your country's policies in granting visa privileges to visiting U.S. citizens. For more information, see the State Department's "Notice on Current Visa Processing Situation"and Potential Delays in Visa Issuance and at Ports of Entry. Individual procedures and the amount of time required to obtain a visa vary from country to country. The consular officer has the final word on your application; his or her judgment is not subject to review. If, for any reason, you encounter difficulties, please contact the International Students and Scholars Office or the International Affairs Office.
Changing Status in the United States o If you do not plan to leave the United States before beginning your work or research at Columbia and you are changing status to H or O, an application must be made in your behalf by the academic department to the ISSO or the IAO, which will file a change of status application with the DHS. Continuing o If you are in H or -status, an application to DHS similar to the initial application for this status must be filed. The scholar's department initiates this application to DHS through the International Students and Scholars Office or the International Affairs Office. The application to extend your status should begin six months before the expiration of your current H or O status. H-1 scholars are allowed to stay in that classification for a maximum of six years. The O-1 classification has no maximum period of stay.
Last reviewed: 15
January 2004 Last modified: 15 January 2004 |