General Visa Information  |  Visa Classification

VISA CLASSIFICATION

B-1: Visitor for Business
Description: Individuals in the U.S. for a short time to engage in business activities, such as attending conferences.
Employment Restrictions: May not be hired with or without salary

B-2: Visitor for Tourism
Description: Individuals in the U.S. for travel, tourism, or recreation.
Employment Restrictions: May not be hired with or without salary. It is advisable that visitors do not use the B-2 visa, if they are planning to conduct business in the U.S.; the visitor should be encouraged to enter the U.S. on a B-1 visa.

Waiver for Business (WB) and Tourism (WT)
Description: Individuals permitted to enter the U.S. without a visa for a stay limited to 90 days. Available only to citizens of countries designated by the U.S. State Department.
Employment Restrictions: Visa holders may not extend length of stay or change visa status.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: PAYMENTS to B-1 and B-2 Visa Holders
Payment of honoraria and associated incidental expenses are allowable to B-1 and B-2 visa holders of “usual academic activity,” provided that the services do not exceed nine days at a single institution.

Academic honoraria provision also will include payments to Waiver for Business (WB) and Waiver for Tourist (WT) visa holders.

B-1, B-2, WB and WT visa holders may receive payments for honoraria and/or travel expenses.

For more information or payment of honararia, please contact Mandy Tompkins in the Accounting Office, (949) 824-5138. You may also contact the International Center for further details.

F-1: Foreign Student
Description: Individuals in the U.S. engaging in a full course of academic study in an accredited educational program.

Employment Restrictions:

1. While maintaining valid F-1 status, a student may be employed on the campus of the school they are authorized to attend for a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session. Part-time, on-campus employment is authorized by the school, and prior USCIS approval is not needed. During school vacations, students may work on campus for a maximum of 40 hours per week if otherwise eligible and intending to enroll for the next term.
   Note: Employment paperwork needs to be completed by the International Center.
2. While enrolled, F-1 visa holders in circumstances of "economic hardship" may work off campus if recommended by the International Center on form I-20 and approved by USCIS. An Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card) is required.
3. May participate in employment directly related to field of study. This employment may take the form of:
   • Curricular Practical Training: Employment required for completion of the student's degree program. Requires approval of the school on form
     I-20. EAD Card is not required. Employment authorization is job specific.
     Enrollment in the course is required.
   • Optional Practical Training: Employment during or after completion of studies. The total period of employment may not exceed 12 months. Requires recommendation of the International Center and approval by USCIS. EAD is required. Employment cannot start before receiving EAD. Please check OPT information section for details. NOTE: Application must ne received prior to completion of programof study.

H-1B: Temporary Worker
Description: Individuals in the U.S. to perform professional services for a sponsoring employer in a specific position for a fixed period of time. The status is reserved for those "who possess high education, technical training, specialized experience or exceptional ability".
Employment Restrictions: Employment is permitted only with the sponsoring Institution that obtained USCIS approval. Prohibited from receiving payments from other organizations. Individuals may receive USCIS approval to work in H-1B status for more than one employer. Questions or requests for information regarding the H-1B visa should be directed to the International Center.

H-4: Dependent of H Visa Holder
Description: Individuals in the U.S. as dependents of an "H" visa holder.
Employment Restrictions: Not permitted to be employed or receive compensation from any U.S. source.

J-1: Exchange Visitor (Short-Term Scholar, Professor, Researcher, or Specialist)
Description: Individuals in the U.S. as visiting researchers or professor under the auspices of the Department of State and a Designated Program Sponsor.
Employment Restriction: The DS-2019 authorizes employment. Eligible to receive payment from the organization listed on Form DS-2019 as the source of funds and/or Designated Program Sponsor for the period of validity as stated on the DS-2019.

• Under limited circumstances, may receive compensation from other Institutions provided prior written authorization from the Responsible Officer of the Designated Program has been secured.
• Employment cannot begin before the date of arrival nor before the start date indicated on theDS-2019.
• If the DS-2019 is not issued by UCI, the sponsoring Institution must provide written authorization of employment at UCI.
• If the DS-2019 is not issued by UCI, but the DS-2019 indicates that research/teaching is to be conducted at UCI and/or UCI will be providing support the letter authorizing support is not needed.
• If a scholar will be transferring from another sponsoring program to UCI, the DS-2019 transfer process must be completed to establish employment eligibility at UCI.

J-1: Exchange Visitor (Student)
Description: Individuals in the U.S. as exchange visitors for the primary purpose of studying at an academic institution under the auspices of the Department of State and a designated Program Sponsor.
Employment Restrictions: May be employed on the campus of the school in which they are enrolled for a maximum of 20 hours per week. May work off campus under limited circumstances proved they have obtained prior written authorization from the Responsible Officer. Employment does not require additional permission from USCIS or an EAD Card. Eligible for 18 months of academic training following completion of their program (36 months for postdoctoral training).

J-2: Dependent of J-1 Visa Holder
Description: Individuals in the U.S. as a dependent (spouse or unmarried child under the age of 21) of a J-1 student or scholar.
Employment Restrictions: Request work permission from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS formerly INS). The International Center assists with this process. It is recommended that the J-2 visa holder be in the U.S. for at least 60 days before applying for work authorization. The J-1 Scholar should complete the "Request for J-2 Work Authorization Form" at the International Center. The International Center will then provide the forms and instructions for applying for work authorization from USCIS.
If USCIS authorizes employment, the J-2 visa holder will receive an "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD Card). The EAD Card will indicate the dates authorized to work. The J-2 cannot start to work before receiving the EAD Card.
If employment is desired beyond the expiration date of the EAD Card, extensions for the Employment Authorization Card should be submitted to the USCIS at least 90 days before the expiration to insure continued employment.

TN: Trade-NAFTA (Citizens of Canada or Mexico)
Description: This visa enables Canadians or Mexicans to be admitted to the U.S. to engage in "business activities at a professional level" in certain fields. To be eligible, the individual must intend to engage in employment that is on the list of qualifying professions (please see Form M-316 for more information).
Employment Restrictions: May be employed and compensated only by the sponsoring employer through whom the status was obtained. Canadians require only an I-94 card as employment authorization. Mexicans require USCIS Form I-797A.

***Please contact the International Center for further information***