ISSO Policy and Procedures

This information is provided to assist UMMS faculty and administrators who want to invite non-U.S. citizens to study, teach or research in their area at UMMS. 

UMMS must comply with federal regulations regarding the employment of foreign nationals (non-United States citizens and non-Permanent Residents).  The ISSO handles applications and information regarding visa for foreign nationals and is the UMMS liaison with immigration authorities.  Information on immigration regulations and procedures, as well as applications and forms can be obtained at the ISSO. 

ISSO issues the appropriate paperwork for students and employees at UMMS and is the ONLY petitioner to the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) for H-1B visas in specialty occupations.  To insure that your prospective foreign national arrives at UMMS at the desired start date, please be sure to provide the ISSO with ample lead time of at least 60-90 days for screening, form issuance, USCIS processing times (for some cases) and for visa issuance overseas.

The arrival and departure of foreign nationals should be reported to the ISSO so that accurate records can be maintained.  In addition, the sponsoring department needs to notify the ISSO of any changes in a foreign national’s UMMS appointment before the change takes effect (funding, % appointment, work location, title, etc.)

ISSO Mission Statement

International student information

• Graduate School of Biomedical Science
• F-1 Sponsorship Guidelines (for students enrolled in GSBS degree program)
• Research Intern / Non-degree student
• Sponsorship Guidelines for Non-Degree Students (information within J-1 sponsorship guidelines)
• J-1 Procedure / Forms (see J-1 intake form part 1, page 2 for additional documents required for non-degree student sponsorship requests).
• Elective guidelines for international medical students

International scholar / employee information

• UMMS Office of Research - Postdoctoral Policy (intranet)
• J-1 Exchange Visitor Program
  • J-1 Sponsorship Guidelines
  • J-1 Procedure / Forms
• H-1B Temporary Worker
  • H-1B Sponsorship Guidelines
  • H-1B Procedure / Forms 
• O-1 Status or Individuals of Extraordinary Ability
• TN Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens
• E-3 Status for Professionals from Australia
• B-1 Visitors for Business / WB Visa Waiver for Business 
• U.S. Permanent Residency Policy / Procedures
  • Guidelines for sponsorship of U.S. permanent residency
  • UMMS approved immigration attorneys 

 Graduate Medical Education information

• Graduate Medical Education
• Visa Processsing Guidelines for GME 
• Elective information for international medical students

 Other Helpful Information for Administrators

• Expiring document notifications procedure
• ISSO / Department contact list
• Employment and tax information
• UMMS approved immigration attorneys
• Information for employees who are leaving UMMS
• Health Insurance Information

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