Department Training Series
ISSS Faculty and Scholar Advising Team developed a new series of micro-training videos for departments. The micro-training videos and ISSS workshops can help visa coordinators learn and retain specific information quickly, one step at a time. It will be helpful to those new to immigration as well as those with experience, as it will provide a detailed review of the e-forms and application process.
The H-1B training videos cover the overview of prevailing wage and actual wage determination and step-by-step instructions for iTerp request e-forms.
This workshop video covers the overview of the J-1 Exchange Visitor program, including the various categories of the program, eligibility requirements, and detailed review of the iTerp application e-forms.
This workshop video shares Workday processing tips for international hire. We will review the new Workday process for Rehire and Change Job with Workday demonstration. (Please check the Table of Contents if you would like to search for certain topics of your interest.)
ISSS offers a series of virtual training workshops each semester for department representatives and visa coordinators. Once dates are finalized, registration details will be available in the descriptions below.
Exploring Short-Term Visitor Visas
This workshop will explore short-term visitor visa options for foreign nationals invited to UMD for conferences, consultations and professional event/training. We will review J-1, B1/B2 and ESTA entry requirements as well as the updated non-paid visa eligibility chart and contingent non-paid workers & affiliate guidance. The workshop is designed to inform visa coordinators and their department about alternative visas for short-term visits to UMD.
- Register Here
- Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
- Presenters: Wrenna Dorrer & Yetnayet Mimi Lemma
Fraud Detection & National Security Site Visit
An FDNS site visit is an inspection by the USCIS to verify the legitimacy of an H-1B petition and ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws. This workshop will provide department steps on how to prepare for the FDNS site visits. ISSS will review sample questions and provide guidance for the departments.
- Register Here
- Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026, 2:00 - 2:45 pm
- Presenters: Connie Jesse Lira
J-1 Exchange Visitor Program Workshop
The workshop covers the purpose and background of the J-1 Exchange Visitor program, including the various categories of the program and the eligibility and processing requirements for each J-1 category.
- Register Here
- Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 10:00 - 11:30 am
- Presenters: Connie Jesse Lira, Yetnayet Mimi Lemma, & Simey Khan
- Moderator: Beth Floyd
Hiring Options for International Faculty & Scholars: H, J, O, and TN
This session is designed to provide an update on immigration policies while also a review of the
visa options available for international hires. Participants learn to identify the appropriate visa types (H-1B, J-1, O-1, TN) for TTK and PTK positions, understand institutional sponsorship responsibilities, and avoid common processing delays. It focuses on identifying visa options for foreign national employees.
- Register Here
- Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
- Presenter: Connie Jesse Lira & Yetnayet Mimi Lemma
- Moderator: Beth Floyd