IFAS Immigration Compliance Services
IFAS Human Resources (IFAS HR) oversees all IFAS immigration-related matters. We are a satellite office to the University of Florida Immigration Compliance Services, with specialization tailored to the needs of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
Our Mission
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Mission Statement
To consolidate into a central office, immigration-related information and resources to serve as a consortium to IFAS units. Primary functions are to work cohesively with UF Immigration Compliance Services and Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen, & Loewy, LLP ("Fragomen") to ensure timely submission, oversight, and monitoring of all IFAS immigration petitions, in accordance with established university and federal immigration policy.
To accomplish integration of university policy and federal compliance into IFAS best business practice models. This includes collaborative efforts of various UF core offices, IFAS Human Resources, IFAS Finance Administration, and IFAS units.
Our Services
F-1 Student Visas are processed directly through the UF International Center.
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J-1 Visa: Exchange Visitor Scholar
All J visa requests must be initiated through UF International Center
The exchange visitor program was created with the goal to enable foreign nationals to acquire skills and knowledge which would be valuable in their home countries. The foreign national may be required to return to their home country for two years if they agree to participate in the Exchange Visitor Program under the following conditions:- Government funded exchange program - the program is financed in whole or in part directly or indirectly by the US government or the government of the visitor's nationality or last residence
- Graduate medical education or training - the visitor entered the US to receive graduate medical education or training
- Specialized knowledge or skill - the visitor is a national or permanent resident of a country which has deemed the field of specialized knowledge or skill necessary to the development of the country, as shown on the Exchange Visitor Skills List
Restrictions
If the visitor is subject to the two-year home residency physical presence requirement, they must return to their home country for a cumulative total period of at least two years before they can do any of the following:- Change Status while in the US to an H or L visa
- Adjust Status while in the US to a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)
- Receive an immigrant visa at a US Embassy or Consulate
- Receive an H, L or K visa at a US Embassy or Consulate
If the visitor is not able to fulfill the home country presence requirement, they may apply for a waiver
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H-1B Visa: Specialty Occupations
Eligibility
- The position minimally requires a bachelor's or higher degree or its equivalent
- The degree requirement is common to the industry or the job is so complex or unique that it can only be performed by an individual with a degree
- The nature of the specific duties is so specialized and complex that the knowledge required is usually associated with the attainment of a bachelor's or higher degree
- The international employee holds a US bachelor's or higher degree (or foreign equivalent) required by the specialty occupation
Period of Stay
- Available in 3-year increments
- 6 years maximum; some exceptions apply
Labor Condition Application
- Prevailing wage applies
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O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
Eligibility
- International employee must demonstrate extraordinary ability by sustained national or international acclaim
- International employee must be coming temporarily to the US to continue work in the area of extraordinary ability
Period of Stay
- Initial Stay - up to three years
- Extensions - 1-year increments
Labor Condition Application
- Prevailing wage does NOT apply
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TN Visa: NAFTA Professionals
Eligibility
- International Employee must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico
- Position must meet the requirements as stated in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Temporary Entry for Business Persons - Chapter 16
Period of Stay
- Initial Stay - up to three years
- Extensions - 3-year increments
Labor Condition Application
- Prevailing wage does NOT apply
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E-3 Visa: Specialty Occupation Workers from Australia
Eligibility Criteria
- Australian National
- Possess required academic or other qualifying credentials
- Position qualifies as a specialty occupation
Period of Stay
- Available in 2-year increments
- No maximum number of extensions; some exceptions apply
Labor Condition Application
- Prevailing Wage applies
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Permanent Workers (green card)
**For a complete review by immigration attorneys for best options, please send a copy of current CV/Resume and link of Google Scholar webpage to IFAS Immigration Specialist
EB-1(A) Extraordinary Ability in the Sciences, Arts, Education, Business, or Athletics
- This is a self petition and does not require UF sponsorship.
- Applicant must
- Show evidence of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics through sustained national or international acclaim.
- Prove they are reputable in their field and have a document confirmation of their achievements
- Must show the plan to continue in the recognized field.
EB-1(B) Outstanding Professor / Researcher (employer sponsored)
- Requires the University to show:
- International recognition for the international employee's outstanding achievements in a particular academic field.
- The international employee has at least three years of experience in teaching or research in that academic field
- The international employee is entering the US for the purpose of pursuing a tenured or tenured-track teaching or comparable (permanent) research position at UF.
EB-2 PERM Special Handling
- PERM = Programic Electronic Review Management
- Involves UF demonstrating that they recruited for the international employee's faculty/teaching position through a good-faith search that included at least one advertisement in a national professional journal.
- UF must document that the international employee was the most qualified candidate who applied through a competitive recruitment process.
- The international employee must be employed in a permanent, full-time teaching position.
- UF must file the application within 18 months of the issuance of the international employee's offer letter.
- If the 18 months has already passed, a new advertisement must be run and a new offer letter issued.
- Prevailing Wage Determination is required through the US Department of Labor
EB-2 Regular Processing
- Involves UF demonstrating that a full-scale recruitment was conducted in a good-faith and the employer found no minimally qualified US applicants (US Citizen or US Permanent Resident) who were ready, willing and able to accept the employment and who could not perform the job duties after a reasonable period of on-the-job training.
- Prevailing Wage Determination is required through the US Department of Labor
EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)
- This is a self petition and does not require UF sponsorship.
- Applicant must
- Show evidence of exceptional ability, or an advanced degree, and must show that their activities will substantially benefit the US national interest.
- Factors USCIS considers for NIW:
- The proposed endeavor has both substantial merit and national importance
- The international employee is well positioned to advance the proposed endeavor
- It would be beneficial to the US to waive the requirements of a job offer, and thus the labor certification
Initiating an Immigration Case
Department and/or Supervisor initiating the immigration case on behalf of their new or current employee
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Details
To initiate an immigration case, please contact our team at ifas-hr@ifas.ufl.edu . Our form is undergoing revisions.