Filing an H-1B Application: Overview of Process and Required Paperwork

If you believe that a scholar qualifies for MIT's H-1B sponsorship, contact an H-1B advisor in the ISchO to discuss this. If the ISchO gives you the go-ahead to proceed and/or asks for more preliminary screening information, please proceed to Step 1, below.

Step 1: Department submits Forms H (H-1B eligibility screening forms)

Please do not complete Forms H until/unless instructed by an H-1B advisor. Keep in mind that another type of visa may be more appropriate.

Step 2: ISchO reviews Forms H

If the ISchO determines that the scholar is H-1B-eligible, we will begin preliminary steps with the Department of Labor (DOL), which include:

• Obtaining a "prevailing wage" determination
• Submitting a Labor Condition Application (LCA)

Once these preliminary steps are successfully completed, we will send you the following items:

• An e-mail instructing you to gather the items needed for Step 3
• A posting notice, with instructions on how and when to post it (sent as an attachment to the e-mail)
• A copy of the certified LCA, for your records

Please note: Throughout the H-1B application process, the ISchO will contact you if there are problems and/or concerns that arise. We therefore recommend that you wait for notification from your H-1B advisor before proceeding to Step 3.

Step 3: Department and scholar complete Checklist for H-1B Application and department submits it to the ISchO

Step 4: The ISchO prepares final H-1B application and submits it to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for adjudication

USCIS processing can take several months. The ISchO will notify you and the scholar if/when the application is approved. Please feel free to contact your H-1B advisor for more information about processing times.

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Last Updated: April 2006

• H-1B Links
• General Information about H-1B Visa Applications
• Overview of H-1B Process and Required Paperwork
• Forms H: For Prospective H-1B Scholars
• Forms H: For Extension of H-1B Status
• Checklist for H-1B Application
• New H-1B "Anti-Fraud" Fee Questions and Answers