H-1B Temporary Workers

Unlike the J-1 visa, the H-1B is strictly a working visa with no underlying educational component. It is used by industry as well as academic institutions to hire temporary workers. Despite the temporary designation, H-1B workers are not required to maintain a permanent residence abroad, and may have a long-term intent to immigrate. Many think the H-1B is the first step toward immigrating; it is not.

In order to qualify for H-1B status, the position must be a "specialty occupation", meaning it must require a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a specific field, and the individual must hold that specific degree. Most faculty and academic staff positions at UCONN qualify as a specialty occupation.

Please be advised H1B's are only work authorized for their sponsoring employer and only H1B's sponsored by UCONN can be paid by UCONN through the Payroll Department. No Honorarium can be paid to an H1B sponsored by another University. To do so would violate INS/Immigration rules.

Type(s) of Payment

*Salary (see Special Conditions)
*Travel reimbursement

Length of Time to Process

Three to four months

Length of Stay

Maximum six years

Special Conditions

*Salary must equal or exceed either the prevailing or the actual wage, whichever is higher. *The position must be posted in accordance with DOL# requirements.
*The hiring department must pay the cost of return transportation to the H-1B's home country or country of last permanent residence should the person be dismissed for any reason prior to the end date of the H-1B.
*The H-1B is job specific, Any change in employer, job duties, location, salary etc. may require a new or amended petition before the change can be made. New recruitment may be required for a new petition
*MD's activities are limited to research and teaching; no patient care. Foreign trained MDs may do a residency in H-1B status if they have passed the FLEX# or all three parts of the USMLE#, and the ECFMG# English exam

Required Documents Summary

*PVL# or PVL waiver
*Prevailing Wage Request Form
*LCA#
*I-129
*Appointment letter
*Documentation of person's qualifications (see H-1B handout for details)

Forms Needed for Payment##

Salary

*Form W-4 and CT-W4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate completed single one and $7.60/week, $15.30/biweekly using standard graduated withholding tables, unless tax treaty exemption applies.
* Foreign National Information Form
*I-9, copy of passport, copy of I-94 and I-797
*Form 8233 Exemption from Withholding on Compensation and applicable Revenue Statement if tax treaty exemption applies
*Social Security number required

Travel Reimbursement

travel reimbursement form with attached copy of I-94 and I-797 and original receipts

Tax Liability/Withholding

Social Security Tax

*FICA withholding required

Federal Tax

Salary:
Taxes are deducted based on "single" with one allowance plus $8/week,$15.30/biweekly, using standard graduated withholding tables, unless tax treaty exemption applies

Travel Reimbursement:
None at this time, under review

State Tax

Salary:
Taxes are deducted based on "single" with one allowance using standard graduated withholding tables, tax treaties do not apply in Connecticut.

Travel Reimbursement:
None

I-9 Verification###

*Valid I-797 issued to UCONN
*Valid I-94 with H-1B notation