OIP Services > H-1B Faculty/Staff > Hiring Foreign Faculty

Hiring Foreign Faculty

As the world gets smaller and the business world becomes more global, Western Kentucky University is not left out of the loop when it comes to hiring foreign faculty either temporarily or permanently. For many years, WKU has maintained exchange programs with several institutions abroad, hosting approximately 35-40 visiting scholars on J-1 exchange visitor visas each year. Many faculty from abroad have been hired on longer terms with H-1B visas (temporary, alien employment visas) for a total of up to six years. The J and H visas are common stepping stones for foreign national faculty to apply for permanent residency in the U.S. (“Green Cards”) and subsequently, citizenship.

A J-1 visitor’s stay may range from a few months to three years. Often, the J-1 visitor is required to return to his or her home country for a period of two years after the exchange program ends. Under certain circumstances, a person holding the J-1 visa may apply for a waiver of the two-year home residency requirement. The J-1 exchange visitor may then apply for either an H-1B or O-1 visa, which are more flexible and allow the employee to stay in the United States longer.

When departments intend to hire a foreign national, it is important to remember to plan an early meeting with the campus immigration specialist at the Office of International Programs (OIP). At that time, you can determine the best route to take concerning temporary visas and work permission for your prospective foreign national faculty.

It is sometimes assumed that only a lawyer can apply to INS for permission to work or for a change of visa status. In most of cases, when WKU wishes to hire a foreign national for a faculty position, the great expense of a lawyer is not necessary. However, there occasionally are exceptions for individuals in unusual situations. OIP will review the visitor’s visa status and activity during their previous stays in the U.S. (if any) to determine whether or not there are any unusual events that might warrant the help of an attorney.

--Wendell Sparks (J-1 and O-1)
Coordinator for International Student & Scholar Services

--Heather Dearing (H-1B and J-1)
International Student & Scholar Advisor