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Overview of H-1B Employment at Penn

This section is intended for Penn departments wanting to hire an individual in H-1B status. Please note that ISSS works directly with the Penn departments, not the applicant, in obtaining H-1B status at Penn. An overview of this process is included in the application packets below.

In our desire to serve you more efficiently and effectively, we are clarifying our policies in the processing of H-1B applications. In the past, we have experienced communication breakdowns and significant interruptions in the processing of the H-1B applications due to multiple inquiries coming from many parties involved in the filing of a case. This has created potential confusion, drawbacks, delays and bottlenecks in our business processes.The following clarifications will help streamline the process:

1. The hiring department is responsible for initiating the application process on behalf of the beneficiary (prospective or current employee). The Department Contact Person (as indicated on the Department Request form for H-1B Employment) who is responsible in filing the application should serve as the primary and main contact for a particular H-1B application (both initial and extension). All questions to ISSS should come from the department contact person.

2. The beneficiary should not contact ISSS for any status inquiries. All inquiries related to the processing or status of an H-1B petition should be directed by the beneficiary to the department contact person. The hiring department should act as a liaison between ISSS and the beneficiary.

3. ISSS staff (handling the specific case) will generally communicate to the hiring department or business administrator filing the case.

4. Due to the time sensitivity of certain applications, ISSS would appreciate a prompt response from the department contact person to any requests for further information or issues related to the paperwork submitted to ISSS.

5. Only in extenuating and rare circumstances will an ISSS staff contact a beneficiary. In this regard, the hiring department or department contact person will be carbon copied on the specific communication.

Please share this guidance to prospective and current beneficiaries/employees and other staff concerned. It is our hope that this clarified process will reduce confusion and processing delays and further improve communication among the stakeholders.

ISSS will periodically offer an information session for Penn department administrators and faculty. The focus of the session is to delineate and clarify the roles and responsibilities of department administrators in relation to prospective employees. We will also share practical resources to assist you in the H-1B process. Please do not hesitate to contact ISSS if you have any questions regarding these new policies.

ISSS Processing Fee for H-1B Applications

On July 1, 2003, ISSS introduced a service fee for university departments for the processing of H-1B and permanent residence petitions. This is to compensate more appropriately for service that was not being paid for by end users or by allocated costs. The fee for service will be charged to all departments submitting H-1B and permanent residence applications to ISSS.

The fee for each H-1B petition (new and extension) submitted to ISSS is $1000 (increased to $1100 effective July 1, 2008). It is expected that the department, not the employee, will pay this fee. Please submit your budget code at the time of submission. The budget code form is included in the H-1B Application Packet.

Instructions & Forms

Note: As these forms are frequently updated, please check here for the latest versions.

Please note: All forms are now available as fillable PDF documents. Incomplete applications may be printed and completed manually. Some pages may require signatures. Please read the instructions carefully and gather all necessary information and documentation before submitting to ISSS.

H-1B Application Packet (fillable PDF)