International faculty, researchers, staff, and visitors are a vital part of Wayne State University's intellectual community, providing diverse perspectives and cultural insights in the advancement of academic scholarship. WSU is home to over 650 international faculty, staff, researchers and visiting scholars. Support for immigration as well as social opportunities for international faculty, scholars and their families is available.

The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) can guide WSU departments through the multi-dimensional process of hiring foreign nationals for temporary appointments and Lawful Permanent Residency (LPR).  OISS provides immigration assistance associated with employment of international faculty and staff in H-1B, J-1, O-1, TN and LPR applications.

Although OISS handles the immigration processing, it is based upon the sponsorship information provided by the host School or Department.

Work autorization and I-9 process for non-immigrants

Wayne State University procedures require that non-immigrants, including students, must receive work authorization from the Office of International Students and Scholars prior to working for WSU.  All non-immigrants will complete I-9 processing in their hiring department.

Work authorization and I-9 Procedures

• Authorized WSU users in the hiring department will submit an online work authorization request to OISS to receive employment approval.
• Once approved, OISS will communicate the authorized periods of employment to the hiring department. 
• The non-immigrant employee will meet with their hiring unit to complete I-9 processing.

For student assistants, please complete and submit an offer letter.  A template is available for your convenience.  The offer letter must be on department letterhead.

Note: If you need access to the Work Authorization Portal, please contact OISS at oissmail@wayne.edu and request access. A staff member will be in touch with you to complete a brief training session and grant access.

Request for Work Authorization Clearance

Application Deadlines

•  H-1B Applications: no earlier than 6 months in advance but no later than 4 months prior to the status expiration date/start of employment
• E-3 Applications: no earlier than 6 months in advance but no later than 4 months prior to the status expiration date/start of employment
• O-1 Applications: no earlier than 6 months in advance, but no later than 4 months prior to the status expiration date/start of employment
• DS-2019 Applications: no earlier than 3 months in advance, but no later than 3 weeks prior to the status expiration date/start of employment
• TN Applications: no earlier than 2 months in advance, but no later than 3 weeks prior to the status expiration date/start of employment
• PR Applications: consult with an OISS scholar advisor as soon as possible

For more information, please refer to the Guide to Hiring Foreign Employees (pdf)

Maintaining Status

International students and scholars are responsible for maintaining their immigration status. To maintain your status:

• Keep your passport valid at all times.
• Do not work without proper authorization.
• Notify USCIS of change of address (10 days from moving) or name change. Contact OISS for assistance with these matters.
• Obtain extensions of stay as needed before your current status/form expires.

Form I-94 shows your arrival date in the United States and should be stapled to your passport until you leave the country. It also indicates your status (J-1, H-1B, etc.) and your expected departure date from the U.S. D/S (Duration of Status) means that J-1 scholars may remain in the U.S. until completion of their current exchange program or as indicated on DS-2019 as long as they are maintaining status, whichever is earlier, plus 30 days.

Form DS-2019, for J-1 only, is to be kept with your passport for travel and re-entry to the U.S. and for permission to work.

Extension of Stay

Please note the expiration date of your current immigration status or immigration forms. If the extension is needed, please work with your departmental administrative person to renew your status in a timely fashion.

Travel Outside the U.S.

You will need the following documents to re-enter the United States after a temporary absence:

• Valid passport
• Valid U.S. visa
• For J-1s, valid DS-2019 endorsed by OISS or other appropriate Program Sponsor
• For H-1Bs and O-1s, letter from a supervisor verifying continued employment
• For H-1Bs and O-1s, original approval notice plus a copy of the I-129 petition filed on your behalf

Special note on travel to Canada

• Check with an OISS advisor for the latest travel-related rules prior to each trip abroad
• You might need to obtain Canadian entry visas.
• Carry proper documents to re-enter the United States

Permission to work

Employment options are limited for non-immigrant scholars. Contact an OISS advisor for information regarding current regulations. Please note that all employment must be authorized in advance by either USCIS or OISS.