In order to enhance our oversight and compliance efforts, UMSL Global is implementing a new policy for hiring international faculty and staff. As part of this policy, UMSL departments must discuss the hiring and promotion of all international faculty and staff with UMSL Global prior to extending a job offer.
Moreover, UMSL departments must obtain permission from UMSL Global before engaging in a contract with an immigration attorney. Visa petitions will be handled by UMSL Global whenever possible.
International hires will be handled as follows:
Full-Time Faculty and Staff (permanent)
For hiring an international faculty or staff member, the CSD should schedule a consultation with UMSL Global to confirm the intent to hire an international faculty or staff member and to discuss visa options. As part of the consultation, UMSL Global and the CSD and other stakeholders will determine which visas should be used to hire the candidate to employ the individual over the long term.
As part of the consultation, UMSL Global can evaluate whether the candidate is eligible to self-sponsor for the visa (OPT, TN) and whether or not the H-1B and Permanent Residency options will be needed.
If the CSD authorizes the hire, UMSL Global will confirm with provide language to be included in the offer letter which clarifies the extent to which UMSL will support the candidate in obtaining a work visa.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, please e-mail Jason Marquart at jasonmarquart@umsl.edu.
Visiting Faculty, Postdoctoral Fellows (temporary)
For hiring a visiting faculty or researcher or other temporary hires, The CSD should schedule a consultation with UMSL Global to confirm the intent to hire an international faculty or staff member and to discuss visa options. As part of the consultation, UMSL Global and the CSD and other stakeholders will determine which visas should be used to hire the candidate to employ the individual.
In most cases, departments who intend to hire visiting faculty or other term-limited staff will be encouraged to use the J-1 exchange visitor visa. The J-1 visa is handled in-house and can be issue for a period of up to 5 years.
If the CSD authorizes the hire, UMSL Global will provide the department with information on how to request the J-1 visa as well as language to be included in the offer letter.
Student Employees, Graduate Teaching and Research Assistants
Departments can continue to hire international student workers and graduate assistants without additional permission. Departments should ensure that all new hires go through the onboarding process with UMSL Global prior to starting the employment.
Note: International students on an F-1 or J-1 can work up to 20 hours a week during the Fall and Spring without the need for work authorization. They may be eligible to work up to 28 hours per week during Winter, Spring and Summer breaks.
For questions and concerns about student employment, please contact Jim Webb at webbjj@umsl.edu.
Working with an Immigration Attorney
UMSL Global will process the appropriate work visa whenever possible. In cases where an immigration attorney is needed, UMSL Global will handle the initial referral to the attorney and guide the department through the process. Departments are advised to contact Jason Marquart prior to contacting or engaging in a contract with an immigration attorney.
Questions or Concerns
Please contact Jason Marquart at jasonmarquart@umsl.edu for questions or concerns. Departments are advised not to contact the preferred immigration attorney without first conferring with Jason Marquart in all cases as the attorney typically charges for all services provided.
