H-1B scholars are international employees who hold specialty occupations requiring a specialized body of knowledge and the attainment of at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. H-1B is an employment-based nonimmigrant status used for temporary workers, and carries a provision for dual intent. At MU, it is used for full-time tenure-track faculty, academic researchers and professional staff.

Arrival and orientation

Upon arrival in Columbia:

1. Report to your hiring department.
2. Complete New Employee Registration with the Office of Human Resources.
   • This orientation session will cover benefits and insurance options, as well as additional information you should know as an employee of the university.
3. Contact your international scholar adviser to attend and H-1B orientation.
   • This 30-minute session includes basic information about H-1B status and answers common immigration-related questions.
4. Contact the Nonresident Alien Taxation Office to set up a tax assessment appointment as soon as you have a Social Security number.
   • This appointment will ensure your tax withholding allowances are accurate.