How to Sponsor an H-1B Temporary Worker

Begin the H-1B process up to six months in advance of the employment start date. If complete information is submitted to ISS, the petition will be filed with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within approximately two weeks.

1. Prepare UW 1025-H Form on-line. Print a paper copy to route for required signatures. Click on "submit" to send an e-mail copy to Academic Human Resources.
2. Attach all supporting documents.
3. Obtain department Chair's signature.
4. Obtain Dean's Office signature.
5. Forward the signed UW 1025-H form, with supporting documentation, to ISS.
6. Follow steps 1-5 for both new and extension H-1B petitions.

To confirm that ISS has received the 1025-H form, or to check on the status of the request, phone (206)543-1545.

ISS prepares and submits the H-1B petition to USCIS, and notifies the administrator named on the 1025-H when the petition is receipted and approved by USCIS.

The USCIS filing fee for the H-1B petition (Form I-129) is $320, paid by check to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security." USCIS requires an additional $500 Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee to be paid by employers filing "initial" or "change of employer" petitions. (The $500 fee does not apply to H-1B "extension" petitions.) The fee payments must be separate checks. For an additional $1,000, USCIS will "premium process" the petition within two weeks. It is the responsibility of the hiring department to pay the fees on behalf of the foreign beneficiary.

Departments are charged $95 by cost transfer invoice (CTI) for each H-1B petition. Departments may not seek reimbursement of the CTI fee from the H-1B worker. Budget documentation will be sent to the Budget Contact listed on the 1025-H form. This $95 processing charge is in addition to fees paid to USCIS. Note: federal and non-federal budgets may be used to pay for the H-1B processing fee. This is in accordance with OMB (Office of Management and Budget), Circular A-21, Cost Principles for Educational Institutions.

USCIS will adjudicate the petition sent for standard processing within three to five months. A "receipt notice" will provide a file number, and the progress of the petition may be tracked online at the USCIS website. Early filing is encouraged. The University will be notified upon approval of the petition. The "approval notice" should be forward by the employing department to the H-1B beneficiary.