Visas
Visas
The visa process can be long and complicated. Our team is here to help! Below is a summary of the most common visas our team members pursue.
| Visa Type | Applies to | Involved Parties | Projected Processing Time (for department assisted visas only) | Visa Duration | Maximum Time Frame |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | UCLA Graduate Student Visa (GSRs) | Obtained by the Student through the Dashew Center. | N/A | 1-3 years | Duration of education |
| F1OPT | Post-Graduation from Higher Education | Obtained by the team member through the Dashew Center. | N/A | 1 year | 3 years |
| Student J1 | Visiting Graduate Researchers | Obtained through the DGSOM Visa and Licensing Office in close collaboration with Department's Visa Coordinator. | 4-5 Months | 3 months - 1 year | 2 years |
| J1 | Visiting Doctors | Obtained through the DGSOM Visa and Licensing Office in close collaboration with Department's Visa Coordinator. | 4-5 Months | 1 year | 2 years |
| J1 | Employment work authorization | Obtained through the DGSOM Visa and Licensing Office in close collaboration with Department's Visa Coordinator. | 4-5 Months | 1-5 years | 5 years |
| Clinical J | Residents | Obtained through a third party, ECFMG. Student Affairs Office coordinates. | N/A | 1 year | 5 years |
| H1B | Employer Sponsored Visa | Obtained through the Dashew Office in close collaboration with Department's Visa Coordinator. | 5-6 Months* | 3 years | 6 years |
| O1 | ‘Extra Ordinary Visa'; Employer Sponsored Visa | Obtained through the DGSOM Visa and Licensing Office in close collaboration with Department's Visa Coordinator. | 6-8 Months | 3 years | Unlimited |
| Permanent Resident | Employer Sponsored | Obtained through the DGSOM Visa and Licensing Office in close collaboration with Department's Visa Coordinator. | 1-year | NA | NA |
| TN | Applicants from Mexico or Canada; Employer Assisted | Obtained by the applicant on their own. Requires a letter be provided by the Department. | N/A | 3 years | Unlimited |
*assuming that the candidate already has a Waiver (if needed). Note on Waivers: If the employee is currently in the US and subject to a 2-year home residency requirement by their home country, they must obtain a Waiver in order to qualify for the H1B visa. Applicants should strive to apply for a Waiver 1-year before their visa status expires.
If you have any questions about a current or potential visa, please reach out to the Department’s Lead Visa Coordinator, Kristine Fisher ([email protected]).