Career Hires

	Visa Type	Duration	Cost
Options	H-1B* Specialty Occupation	Six years max	Berkeley Lab pays filing fees– subject to change as fees increase or additional expenses are required.
Options	O-1 Extraordinary Ability	Indefinite in three-year increments	Berkeley Lab pays filing fees– subject to change as fees increase or additional expenses are required.

*Individuals subject to the two-year home residency requirement (from J-1/J-2) are not eligible for H-1B status until this has been satisfied or waived.

Research Positions

	Visa Type	Duration	Cost
Options	J-1 Research Scholar	Five years max	Scholar pays Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and visa application fee
	J-1 Short-Term Scholar	Six months max	Scholar pays SEVIS and visa application Fee
	TN (Canadian or Mexican)	Indefinite in three-year increments	Border Crossing entry fee – Varies depending upon Canadian or Mexican nationality
	H-1B*	Six years max	Berkeley Lab pays filing fees- subject to change as fees increase or additional expenses are required.

*Individuals subject to the two-year home residency requirement (from J-1/J-2) are not eligible for H-1B status until this has been satisfied or waived.

International Students Graduating from a U.S. University

	Visa Type	Duration	Cost
Options	F-1 Academic Student on OPT (Optional Practical Training)	12 mos. Employment in field of study. STEM to receive 24 additional months.	Student pays OPT application fee.
Options	J-1 Student Academic Training	18 mos. Employment in field of study. 18 additional months if postdoctoral.	None