Transferring to Columbia for Employment (H-1B/ O-1/ TN/ E-3)

If you are currently in H-1, O-1, TN, or E-3 status sponsored by another employer and will be coming to conduct research or teach at Columbia, be aware that the word “transfer” is not a completely accurate description of the process because your immigration sponsorship is specific to your employer.

You cannot work at Columbia under another employer’s visa sponsorship. If you would like to continue to be employed in the same status, your affiliation at Columbia must be consistent with the immigration regulations governing your current visa status. If eligible, you will need to be sponsored by Columbia before you can be employed here.

We must evaluate each case individually

We cannot advise you directly until your academic department has been in touch with us first. When you are offered employment by your department, be sure to inform them of your current status and when asked, be prepared to send them a copy of your most recent I-94 arrival record and other relevant documentation relating to your current visa status.

How soon you may start working for Columbia after we file your petition depends on your visa status

Staying in the U.S. between employers and extending your status

If you want to come to Columbia from your current employer without traveling abroad, you must be in valid visa status at the time Columbia will initiate a petition on your behalf. Columbia's petition to USCIS must include documents that establish that you are currently maintaining your status in the same visa classification.

You may continue to use an unexpired entry visa

If you have an unexpired entry visa in your passport that was obtained with previous employment, you will be able to continue to use it in conjunction with documentation of USCIS approval of Columbia’s petition.

If you are a J-1 scholar, please see Transferring Your SEVIS Record to Columbia (J-1 Scholar).

For your most recent I-94, access I-94 Arrival Record.

For more information about traveling, visit Documents Needed to Travel (Scholars) page.

For more information about your status, see Guidelines to Maintaining Status (Scholars).