Employment of Foreign Nationals

Wichita State University provides immigration sponsorship for international employees in certain eligible positions. It is important to recognize the unique steps to successfully employ and retain foreign national employees needing employment sponsorship on a temporary or permanent basis.

While recognizing the value of worldwide recruitment, the University must ensure that all sponsorship of foreign nationals for employment-based immigration benefits is conducted in compliance with applicable federal laws, regulations, and University policy; is managed in a fiscally responsible manner; and meets the University's institutional interests.

The following work visas are the most common at the University:

H-1B Overview

H-1B is a visa status that permits temporary employment in the United States to work in a "specialty occupation". The H-1B is temporary and may be approved for an initial maximum three-year period with the option of an additional three-year extension (total period of stay of six years). An H-1B requires an employer sponsor.

Specialty Occupation

"Specialty occupation" is defined as one that requires “theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge, and attainment of a bachelor’s or higher degree, or its equivalent, is a minimum requirement.”

H-1B status may be used to sponsor full-time benefit eligible workers in the following categories of employment at the University:

  • Tenured and tenure-track faculty
  • Research staff
  • Managerial or executive positions

Administrative, operational support, laboratory technician, and trades positions are not well eligible for H-1B sponsorship. HR – International Employment will work with the hiring/employing unit to determine if a particular position would be considered a specialty occupation.

Application Process

For hiring/employing department instructions on how to initiate an H-1B application, please contact HR – International Employment at internationalemployment@wichita.edu.

Permanent Residency / Green Card (LPR)

LPR Overview

An employee seeking Permanent Residency must meet the requirements below. The University will not sponsor or support immigration petitions for spouses or dependents of sponsored employees.

1. Faculty position (Full-time, benefits-eligible, tenured or tenure-track faculty, holding ranks of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor.)

  1. Have been in H-1B status sponsored by the University for at least 18 continuous months prior to the LPR Sponsorship application being filed; and
  2. Have received the highest overall annual performance evaluation rating under the University's evaluation system. For faculty, this means receiving an overall annual evaluation rating of "Meets Expectations" or its equivalent highest rating.

2. Professional Staff (Full-time, benefits eligible Employees in positions that require the attainment of a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field of study and involve the application of specialized knowledge or expertise. These positions are typically classified as exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.)

  1. Have been in H-1B status sponsored by the University for at least 3 continuous years prior to the LPR Sponsorship application being filed; and
  2. Have received the highest overall annual performance evaluation rating under the University's evaluation system. For staff, this means receiving an overall annual evaluation rating of "Exceeds Expectations" or its equivalent highest rating.
Application Process

For hiring/employing department instructions on how to initiate an H-1B application, please contact HR – International Employment at internationalemployment@wichita.edu.

Additional Resources

WSU Policy 3.32 LCA/PERM Notices Form I-9 Acceptable Documents

Revised:  09/28/2026 ST