Purpose

To change a person’s current visa status to an initial H1B visa, such as from F-1 or J-1 to H-1B.

OR

For someone entering the U.S. who currently does not have visa status, or who had a six-year H-1B visa, left the country for at least one year, and will return with another initial H-1B visa

Employment Begins Upon

Receipt of the I-797 Approval Notice from USCIS

Required Processing Fees

• $460 fee for Form I-129
• $500 Anti-Fraud Fee
• Make check payable to the Department of Homeland Security

Optional Processing Fees

• Additional $2,805 for Premium Processing. Make check payable to the Department of Homeland Security
• Additional $470 for Form I-539 for dependents (plus $85 for biometrics). To be paid by H-1B worker. Make check payable to Department of Homeland Security

Purpose

For someone currently holding an H-1B visa with the University of Maryland and whose department wants to extend the status. 

Six-year maximum 

• When the foreign national reaches the six-year limit, they must leave the US and reside overseas for a period of one year before they can obtain H-1B status again. 
• Exception: Regulations permit one-year extensions beyond the six-year maximum for an employee who is in the process of filing for permanent residence. The application for permanent residency must have been filed more than 365 days before the H-1B’s sixth year end date.

Employment Begins Upon

Mailing of the petition to USCIS. The person can be placed on payroll for 240 days.

Required Processing Fees

• $460 fee for Form I-129.
• Make check payable to the Department of Homeland Security.

Optional Processing Fees

• Additional $2,805 for Premium Processing. Make check payable to the Department of Homeland Security.
• Additional $470 for Form I-539 for dependents (plus $85 for biometrics). To be paid by H-1B worker. Make check payable to Department of Homeland Security.

Purpose

For a person currently holding an H-1B visa with another institution or company who will continue working for that institution or company but wishes to also work for the University of Maryland. This is usually a part-time position.

Employment Begins Upon

Mailing of the petition to USCIS. The person can begin employment and be placed on payroll for 240 days.

Required Processing Fees

• $460 fee for Form I-129
• $500 Anti-Fraud Fee
• Make check payable to the Department of Homeland Security

Optional Processing Fees

• Additional $2,805 for Premium Processing. Make check payable to the Department of Homeland Security.
• Additional $470 for Form I-539 for dependents (plus $85 for biometrics). To be paid by H-1B worker. Make check payable to Department of Homeland Security.

Purpose

Used when a person’s job duties and responsibilities will change, such as full-time to part-time or vice versa, or a reduction in salary.

Employment Begins Upon

Receipt of the I-797 Receipt Notice. The notice must be received before the change becomes effective.

Required Processing Fees

• $460 fee for Form I-129
• Make check payable to the Department of Homeland Security

Optional Processing Fees

• Additional $2,805 for Premium Processing. Make check payable to the Department of Homeland Security
• Additional $470 for Form I-539 for dependents (plus $85 for biometrics). To be paid by H-1B worker. Make check payable to Department of Homeland Security

Purpose

Used when a person currently has an H-1B with another institution or company but wants to leave that institution to begin employment with the University of Maryland.

Employment Begins Upon

Mailing of the petition to USCIS. The person can begin employment and be placed on payroll for 240 days

Required Processing Fees

• $460 fee for Form I-129
• $500 Anti-Fraud Fee
• Make check payable to the Department of Homeland Security

Optional Processing Fees

• Additional $2,805 for Premium Processing. Make check payable to the Department of Homeland Security.
• Additional $470 for Form I-539 for dependents (plus $85 for biometrics). To be paid by H-1B worker. Make check payable to Department of Homeland Security.