Some important points to keep in mind about your transition to employment at Augusta
University:
IPSO takes pride in its customer service. We strive to consider both the department's
interests and candidate's career path in assessing immigration options. We urge applicants
to consider that each person's immigration circumstances are unique and what may be
the case for friends and colleagues may not apply to your situation.
Full documentation is required
- Regardless of status, full documentation of your educational background, work experience
and previous immigration status will be necessary. This includes, but is not limited
to:
- An IPSO Applicant Info Form, completed in its entirety
- A current C.V., with all dates listed in month/year format
- For those currently in the U.S., copies of your passport, visa, I-94, current status
document (I-797, I-20, DS-2019)
- If applicable, copies of publications (1st page only)
- For foreign trained physicians, a copy of ECFMG certification and USMLE scores
- Copies of degrees. For foreign graduates, a credential evaluation of their degrees.
Companies that provide this service include: www.ece.org, www.gceus.com, www.lisano-intl.com, www.jsilny.com, www.wes.org
- Note: Original documents are not required for immigration processing. Copies, in most cases, will
suffice.
Change of status
- For those currently in F-1 or J-1 status, a change of status will usually require
a 3-6 month processing time. If your department/college wishes to transfer your F
or J status to Augusta University, they should contact Beverly Tarver. This is often the fastest way to begin employment at Augusta University.
- Foreign nationals in B-1 or B-2 status are not eligible for a change of status to
H-1B, TN, E-3 or O-1 status. Individuals in B-1 or B-2 may be eligible for consular
processing for one of these status' in their home country.
- J-1 applicants subject to 212(e) require an I-612 approval notice to be eligible for
H-1B status
H-1B transfers
- While H-1B transfers take less time than change of status cases, they can still require
three months to secure employment eligibility for a new hire. An H-1B employee's status in the U.S. is dependent on employment and there is no recognized
grace period once employment has terminated. For this reason, it is critically important
that those currently in H-1B status do not terminate employment with their current
employer until we have advised it is safe to do so.
- H-1B transfers will also need to supply copies of their most recent three paystubs
as evidence of their valid status.
No H-1B sponsorship for medical or dental residents
- Augusta University does not sponsor medical or dental residents for H-1B status.
Minimum requirements of position
Applicants who require sponsorship for nonimmigrant status must have met the minimum
requirements of the position when the petition is submitted to USCIS. Petitions cannot
be submitted for pending graduates.
For applicants abroad
- Visa processing can take a few days to a few weeks, depending on numerous factors.
IPSO has no means to expedite visa processing. If you are advised your case has been
selected for “administrative processing,” expect delays.
- If you do not have a U.S. Social Security number, you will need to apply for one after
arriving in Augusta. Expect this process to take 2-3 weeks. You will not be eligible
for employment at Augusta University until you have a Social Security number.