Overview

Not all positions are eligible for H-1B sponsorship. The positions must be considered a "specialty occupation" which requires "theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge."

Typically, the occupation's minimum requirements must be at least a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field of study. This is why some IT-related occupations and most administrative/professional positions do not qualify.

Note: In addition to the "specialty occupation" requirement, all H-1B sponsorships must meet specific prevailing wage and actual wage requirements for employment at UNLV; please contact International Student and Scholar Services (scholar@unlv.edu) directly with any questions.

Government Factors

Other factors the government may consider in determining H-1B eligibility include:

• Does the employee hold the the minimum degree required by the specialty occupation and, if the occupation requires licensure to fully perform the duties of the job, does the employee have the required licensure?
• Does the job industry (in general) usually require a specific degree level/type for similar positions?
• Does the employer (UNLV) normally require the degree for similar positions?
• Does the position announcement/advertisement/job description clearly list the required specific degree type and field(s) of study?

Note: Prior use of H-1B, L, or J status may affect an individual's H-1B eligibility as well.

Please contact International Student and Scholar Services for details.

H-1B Sponsorship Length

H-1B sponsorship is for full-time, permanent/long-term positions. Common examples of H-1B-eligible positions at UNLV include:

• Faculty (tenure-track professors, assistant professors)
• Permanent research associates
• Laboratory coordinators, etc.

Professional staff positions are usually ineligible for H-1B sponsorship. Certain IT-related positions or administrative faculty may be eligible, but only if they meet the specialty occupation requirements explained above. Clerical/support staff positions are not eligible.

Ineligible H-1B Sponsorships

UNLV does NOT sponsor H-1B petitions for the following position types:

• Classified staff
• Letter of Appointment without benefits (LOA)
• Letter of Appointment with benefits (LOB)
• Part-time positions

Position Announcement, Advertisement, or Position Description Questionnaire (PDQ)

The hiring department/college must provide the official position review approval from Human Resources (HR) and the position announcement, advertisement or PDQ. Please provide a copy of the search waiver by HR if no search is conducted for this position.