Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I eligible to be sponsored by Tulane University for permanent residency?
You may be eligible for sponsorship if all of the following are true:
- You are a full-time employee with an appointment that does not have an end date.
- You must have been hired pursuant to a valid search.
- Your department has agreed to support your application.
How do I get the process started? Who should I contact?
Your department must make the decision to support your application. Once you have secured their support, complete the LPR Sponsorship Request eform in sunapsis and include the Employment Sponsorship form signed by your Dean or Department Chair. After that, OISS will connect you with your selected law firm, who will prepare, draft, and file all the documents related to your application. All questions can be directed to OISS.
Who pays for my Green Card?
If your department chooses to support your application, then they are responsible for paying for the costs and fees related to a PERM based I-140 application. Your department may, but is not required to, pay for other parts of the process including non-PERM-based I-140s, I-485s, and fees related to dependent applications.
Do I need to use a specific attorney for the LPR process?
Yes. The following firms are approved for representing Tulane employees in their LPR application:
What positions are not eligible for the PR process?
Postdoctoral fellows, medical residents, and J-1 exchange visitors that are temporarily in the US are not eligible for sponsorship by Tulane. If you are unsure, please contact OISS with your questions.
Is there a waiting time for me to get the PERM process started?
No, you may begin the process immediately upon hiring, so long as you have secured your department’s support.
Should I be on an H-1B in order to apply for permanent residency?
Not necessarily. However, it could make things easier depending on the overall strategy as determined by your attorney. Beginning an application for permanent residence could result in limits on travel or possible extensions if you are in a status other than H-1B.
How long does it take to get a green card?
The complete process can take over 2 years or more to complete. However, the process will vary depending on the permanent residency avenue that is selected and the country of origin. People from some impacted countries could wait up to 12 years.
Is there a special PERM process specific for teaching faculty?
Yes, faculty that are teaching should begin the permanent residence process (under special handling PERMs) within the first 6 months of their employment to take advantage of certain time-sensitive pathways to permanent residence.
Are staff positions eligible for permanent residence applications?
Because of the variability of costs and results and the increased amount of work on all parties, staff and other non-teaching employees who are unable to take advantage of special handling applications may request support from their department, but it will not be pursued out of simple routine.
