Obtaining an Initial H-1B
There are two options for international employees to obtain H-1B status for authorized employment with Meharry:
Initial H-1B by Consular Processing
- In general, if the H-1B Beneficiary is abroad, s/he must apply for a valid visa stamp at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
- The visa stamp will enable the H-1B Beneficiary to enter the U.S. and begin employment.
- H-1B regulations allow Beneficiaries to enter the U.S. a maximum of 10 days in advance of the H-1B validity date.
- Work may begin on or after the validity date of the H-1B approval notice.
- The International Office will send the required documents including the H-1B approval notice (I-797 Notice of Action) and a copy of the H-1B filing to the Beneficiary abroad.
- The H-1B Beneficiary is to present these documents, along with any additional forms required by the appropriate U.S. Embassy/Consulate in order to obtain the H-1B visa/status.
Please visit the appropriate Embassy/consulates for more information at https://www.usembassy.gov/.
- H-1B Beneficiary should visit the appropriate embassy or consulate website to receive specific information on appointment wait times as well as any additional H-1B visa/status application requirements and procedures.
Initial H-1B by Change of Status
- If the H-1B Beneficiary is changing status from a different nonimmigrant visa/status to an H-1B, the Beneficiary must remain in the U.S. while the change of status application is pending with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Once the change of status application is granted by the USCIS, the H-1B Beneficiary’s status will automatically change to H-1B on the start date as shown on the approved I-797 Notice of Action.
- H-1B Beneficiary must check-in with Human Resources the first day of his/her H-1B employment.