J-1 Exchange Visitor Program
E-3, H-1B, O-1, and TN Employment
General Information
J-1 Exchange Visitor Program
New Financial Support Requirements
As a reminder, the new financial support minimums for J-1 EVs and J-2 dependents are as follows:
- J-1 EV: $3,000 per month ($36,000/yr)
- J-2 spouse: Additional $900 per month
- J-2 child: Additional $700 per month per child
The FSIS website and J-1 forms have been updated to reflect the new amounts. Please remember to go to our website for the most current forms: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/fsis/downloads/
Health Insurance Expiration Reminder
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) requires all J-1 exchange visitors (EVs) and their J-2 dependents to obtain and maintain health insurance during their programs. As stated on the J-1 Exchange Visitor Health Insurance Acknowledge Form that is acknowledged and signed by the EV, faculty sponsor, department chair, and dean, an EV’s willful failure to maintain the required health insurance coverage may result in a violation of program regulations.
FSIS sends a courtesy email reminder 30 days before the EV’s health insurance expiration date. The email reminder is sent to EVs, faculty sponsors, and department contacts. While it is the EV‘s responsibility to maintain health insurance, please check in with the EV and faculty sponsor to ensure that the EV is taking the necessary steps to renew/purchase health insurance. Please send a copy of the proof of insurance to an International Scholar Specialist so that we can update our records.
EP 12.227 Postdoctoral Appointments
FSIS is aware of the new postdoctoral appointment policy that went into effect on January 1, 2024. If your department has a Postdoctoral Fellow who is now a Postdoctoral Associate, please notify our office and we will update our records.
Non-Compenstated PNF
FSIS will no longer require a non-compensated PNF for J-1 EVs receiving non-UH funding. If a College/School decides they want to appoint a J-1 EV to a non-compensated position, a copy of the Non-Compensated PNF does not need to be included in the DS-2019 Requests. We will continue to require the J-1 EV to provide evidence of financial support in the DS-2019 Initial and DS-2019 Extension Requests.
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E-3, H-1B, O-1, and TN Employment
Premium Processing Fee Increase Effective February 26, 2024
USCIS announced that the premium processing fee service for Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker (i.e., H-1B, O-1, TN, E-3, and P-3) will increase from $2,500 to $2,805. With premium processing, USCIS will adjudicate the petitions within 15 business days.
The current regular processing times for Form I-129s are 3-4 months for H-1B and 2-3 months for O-1, TN, E-3, and P-3. It is possible to request premium processing service after a petition is filed with USCIS.
Issues With Dependents Enrolling in EUTF
We have received several inquiries from international employees and departments when they are unable to enroll dependent-beneficiaries into EUTF. Per EUTF Administrative Rule 4.05(c), all applicants must have a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to enroll in EUTF. However, E-3D, H-4, O-3, and TD dependents are not eligible for SSNs and sometimes ITINs. HR Specialists will need to contact EUTF to file an exemption to enroll the dependent-beneficiaries.
H-1B, TN and E-3, and EB-2 Requests
We are moving forward with Colleges/Schools submitting H-1B, TN, and E-3 Requests packets via UH FileDrop. We also encourage EB-2 Request packets to be submitted via UH FileDrop
Please continue to submit O-1 Requests, P-3 Requests, and EB-1 Requests as one-sided hard copy request packets. Please ensure that documents are printed on white paper in a portrait layout.
Delays at the U.S. Department of Labor
UH Colleges/Schools can sponsor an international employee in a full-time tenure-track, permanent faculty position for labor certification application (PERM) at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Before filing the labor certification application, FSIS must file a prevailing wage determination (PWD). However, DOL is still experiencing significant process delays, and it can take up to 2-3 years to receive a certified labor application. Because of these delays, FSIS recommends initiating the PWD as early as possible as there is no cost to the College/School when filing a PWD. If you have any questions, please contact Yumi (A-M) or Isis (N-Z).
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General Information
Training on UH Immigration Process Available
Our office is available to conduct group or one-on-one training for Colleges/Schools interested in the J-1, H-1B, and/or Permanent Residence process. If your office is interested, please get in touch with Isis Bataluna at isis@hawaii.edu.
Presidential Proclamations and Executive Orders
The Presidential Proclamation suspends entry of Chinese students and researchers connected to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) “Military-Civil Fusion Strategy” (MCF). This proclamation suspends entry of those who seek to enter the U.S. pursuant to an F or J visa to study or conduct research in fields that contribute to MCF strategy and who either receive funding from or who are currently or have been employed by, study at, or conduct research at or on behalf of, an entity in the PRC that implements or supports PRC’s MCF strategy. The proclamation does not apply to undergraduate students. Only those who meet all three criteria – field of study, affiliation with a MCF entity, and graduate level or above – are subject to the visa restriction.
The key technologies targeted under MCF include quantum computing, big data, semiconductors, 5G, advanced nuclear technology, aerospace technology, and AI. Consular Officers at U.S. embassies/consulates worldwide will make this determination.
Please be advised – if you are planning to invite a J-1 EV from China who is a graduate student or researcher in STEM field AND is receiving any amount of China Scholarship Council (CSC) funding, their J-1 visa application is likely to be denied by the U.S. embassy/consulate officer. At this time, we do not have any information as to when PP 10043 will be terminated.
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