International Faculty Resources

Resources for International Scholars & Faculty

The new International Students & Scholars Office embraces the functions and operations of the former International Faculty & Scholars Office. It is one of the primary points of contact with the university for international faculty and scholars coming to ASU.

Our staff provides information, guidance and advice to the university’s faculty, staff, students and guests, as well as various departments, programs and colleges at ASU, on questions and issues related to the Exchange Visitor Program, employment-based programs and other immigration-related issues. The office works with various university offices to assure compliance with laws and to provide a smooth transition to the ASU community.

Appointments are preferable and recommended when seeking information about specific immigration questions or issues and can be requested by phone or e-mail. Information is also provided on a walk-in or phone-in basis, as staffing and workload(s) permit.

Contents

• B-1/B-2: Short-Term Visitors
• Exchange Visitor Program: J-1
• H-1B Temporary Specialty Occupation
• Permanent Residency
• TN Mexican and Canadian NAFTA Professional Worker
• Additional Services
• Contact ISSO

B-1/B-2: Short-Term Visitors

The B nonimmigrant category is intended for temporary visits to the U.S. for business (B-1) or pleasure (B-2). It is recommended that foreign visitors coming to ASU specifically to participate in short-term academic activities do so in the B-1, Visitor for Business category. (learn more)

Exchange Visitor Program: J-1

Arizona State University is authorized by the U.S. Department of State to be a program sponsor and to invite certain Exchange Visitors to visit the University for the purposes of Educational and Cultural Exchange. This office receives, reviews and processes requests for the issuance of forms DS-2019 for Exchange Visitors who are being invited and sponsored by the various departments, programs and colleges of ASU. Arizona State University has been authorized to invite exchange visitors in the following categories: Students (under specific exchange agreements), Professors, Research Scholars, Short Term Scholars or Specialists. The office provides orientation to newly arrived Exchange Visitors, and during their stay as an exchange visitor, monitors their exchange program(s) to ensure compliance with all requirements of the program. (learn more)

H-1B Temporary Specialty Occupation

The H-1B category allows for the temporary employment of an alien as a professional in a “specialty occupation.” This is defined by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as an occupation requiring “practical application of a body of specialized knowledge along with at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.” (learn more)

Permanent Residency

There are many ways to become a permanent resident, including through self-sponsorship or sponsorship by others such as family members or employers. IFSO is responsible for the majority of employer-sponsored petitions for permanent residence for employees of ASU (learn more)

TN Mexican and Canadian NAFTA Professional Worker

NAFTA is the North American Free Trade Agreement. It creates special economic and trade relationships for the United States, Canada and Mexico. The nonimmigrant NAFTA Professional (TN) visa allows citizens of Canada and Mexico, as NAFTA professionals to work in the United States. Permanent residents, including Canadian permanent residents, are not able to apply to work as a NAFTA professional. (learn more)

Contact IFSO

International Students & Scholars Office
Tempe Center, Suite 150, Room 152
951 S. Mill Avenue
Tempe, AZ 85287-4311
USA

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

Phone: (480) 727-7373
Fax: (480) 727-7459
Web: ifso@asu.edu