The International Student and Scholar Services office manages the visa sponsorship of international faculty, staff, scholars and visitors to James Madison University. The information listed below outlines the types of sponsorships options for international employees. In general, the individual must hold at least a bachelor’s degree to be eligible for sponsorship. The ISSS office staff will advise on the most appropriate visa type for a particular position. Some of these options can takes months to be approved, so we encourage you to reach out to our office as soon as you are able.

James Madison University is able to sponsor Foreign Nationals for employment-based visas (such as an H-1B, TN) or through the Exchange Visitor Program through the Department of State (J-1 visa).  This allows our Foreign Nationals to visit, conduct research and be employed on the campus of JMU.  If you are interested in sponsoring or hiring a foreign national, please review the following information and complete the process. 

Instructions:  ISSS uses Terra Dotta, a secured platform, for submitting requests and allowing foreign nationals to submit their documents for processing.   As a JMU employee, you will be able to access Terra Dotta with your JMU log in credentials.  Foreign Nationals will receive a separate log in with password, until they have JMU credentials. 

• Log in to Terra Dotta, by clicking on Scholar/JMU Hiring Unit Login
• Use JMU Credentials to log in*
• Click on “New Sponsorship Request” – located in top left corner.
• Complete the form – as much as you know. We’ll contact if we have questions.
• ISSS will review and select appropriate visa type
• Department might be asked for additional information
• Foreign National will be invited to Terra Dotta to submit additional information for processing appreciate immigration documents

*If you are unsuccessful with the log in, please contact ISSS (isss@jmu.edu).  

H-1B:  A “specialty occupation” for an employment-based immigration status

O-1:  an employment-based status for individuals with “Extraordinary Ability or Achievement”

J-1: Exchange Visitor Program, used for visiting professors, researchers, short-term scholars and non-degree seeking students

TN: NAFTA Professionals from Canada and Mexico, in specific professional fields

Practical Training (OPT/CPT): Work authorization as an F-1 student status

E.A.D.:  An Employment Authorization Document – a work permit issued by USCIS

Permanent Residency