Why are administrative fees necessary to support international scholar services?
The number of visiting international scholars at MU has grown tremendously in recent years, though the staff and operational resources of the office of the International Center have remained unchanged. In addition, federal paperwork and processing requirements have multiplied, increasing risk of error and susceptibility to audit and sanctions. The International Center needs to add at least two scholar staff positions to effectively support the needs of the campus, comply with federal immigration and labor regulations and acquire the technology to manage and monitor scholar case loads effectively.
How much are the administrative fees for scholar services?
The following table shows the current fee schedule:
| Scholar Type | Transaction Point | Fee Amount* |
|---|---|---|
| J-1 Professor/Researcher | Initial, Extension & Transfer | $150 |
| H-1B Employee | Initial, Extension & Transfer | $800 |
| EB-2 PR Petition | Initial | $2000 |
* Government application and processing fees not included. MU departments are not required to sponsor employees for employment-based permanent residency but may choose to in order to retain outstanding international scholars beyond the limits of the other scholar categories. The J-scholar category has a maximum stay of five years. The H-1B category has a maximum stay of six years. |
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How were the fees determined?
The scholar administrative fees are based on an internal review of the operational resources necessary to adequately support the current institutional demand for services to international faculty and staff.
Are peer institutions charging departments for this service?
Yes, many comparable public research institutions have implemented scholar service fees.
What steps can MU departments take to get the most value for these services?
MU departments that regularly utilize the J-1 exchange visitor program or the H-1B "specialty occupation" program should consider several options to reduce the frequency of scholar requests. In the case of J-1 research scholars, host units may request the maximum duration, five years, as long as the financial support for the period can be confirmed in writing, thus avoiding annual extension requests. Departments may also request multiple-year H-1B authorizations up to three years. A multiple-year authorization does not commit the department contractually in the event that funding changes or the employee fails to perform as required.
What does the fee cover?
The fee pays for services including the review, preparation and processing of the documentation necessary to apply for the non-immigrant visa and/or status that permits the alien scholar to engage in the proposed academic or research activity through the department at MU. It also includes improved technology support through the use of a new data system designed to provide greater user access by departments, international scholars and the International Center staff.
Are spouse and dependent documents included?
Yes, spouse and dependent document support is included in the fee for the principal scholar service fee. No additional International Center fees will be charged for spouse and dependent documents.
Who should be contacted?
If you have questions about the international dcholar administrative fee, please contact David Currey, director of International Student and Scholar Services, at curreyd@missouri.edu or 573-882-5510. If you have questions about scholar immigration categories and the processes involved in International Center and government processing, contact the international scholar coordinator at 573-882-7099.
At what point are the scholar services fees charged to the department?
The fees are charged after the International Center has received the International Scholar Services Fee Form. The fee form should be included with the scholar request forms associated with the type of case, whether J-1, H-1B or PR (permanent residency). The fee form should be submitted by the host department for each individual scholar requiring immigration support services.
How are fees handled when a group of scholars has been invited to MU?
The fee applies on the basis of each participant. No discounts are available for groups because the same review and compliance process is required for each individual participant before, during and after the exchange program.
What happens if a visiting scholar's arrival is delayed or participation is canceled due to visa denial or circumstances beyond his or her control?
If a visiting scholar's arrival is delayed due to circumstances beyond his or her control, the International Center can amend the arrival date to accommodate the delay. If the scholar's participation is canceled due to visa denial, the International Center cannot refund the $150 processing fee because the service will already have been provided. Nevertheless, if circumstances beyond the host department's and visiting scholar's control occur and can be verified, the host department may make a written appeal for a refund of the administrative fee to the International Center directors.
How much time does it take to process scholar documents?
This time frame varies considerably among scholar categories. The International Center has more control over J-1 scholar document processing, which, upon receipt of the departmental request, usually takes five to 10 business days. H-1B and permanent residency (PR) processes involve a series of transactions with state and federal agencies and can vary from case to case depending on other variables involving the employee's current immigration status, etc.
What can departments do to plan ahead and make the most of a visiting scholar's participation?
Collect information from the visiting scholar as early as possible, including copies of current passport, current immigration status (if the scholar already is residing in the U.S.) and contact information. Then contact the international scholar coordinator or H-1B adviser to discuss the best possible approach for facilitating the international scholar's visit or employment and for determining the non-immigrant and immigrant options under current immigration regulations and procedures.
Are colleges, schools and departments charged the service fees for hosting J-1 exchange students?
If the J-1 students have been admitted through MU international admissions or the graduate admissions under an established international memorandum of agreement (IMOU) and will be enrolled in credit-bearing course work, then the fees will not apply. However when J-1 exchange students are participating in special programs that do not require admission, are of a short-term nature and require the immigration support services of the International Center, yes, the departments hosting these students will be charged accordingly.
Does the fee apply to other types of visiting scholar and student categories not listed above?
Yes, the administrative fee for H-1Bs also applies to TN (professionals under NAFTA) and O-1 (aliens of extraordinary ability), requring the Form I-129 and substantial International Center administrative support. In addition, MU departments will be charged the J-1 scholar administrative fee when they sponsor, for participation in prescribed courses of study, J-1 exchange students who are not formerly admitted and enrolled through undergraduate and graduate admissions.
Published by the International Center, N52 Memorial Union, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 | Phone: 573-882-6007 | Fax: 573-882-3223 | E-mail: international@missouri.edu
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