Applying for Permanent Residency

George Mason University currently sponsors eligible faculty members for Legal Permanent Residency in two categories: Employment Based-1 Outstanding Researchers/Professors and Employment Based-2 PERM/Special Handling.  Click here to download the handout "Guidelines Regarding Sponsorship for U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident Status at George Mason University".

Important: The Legal Permanent Residency process at Mason must be initiated and approved by the faculty member’s department.  Mason faculty members cannot initiate any process for Legal Permanent Residency. 

 

If you have any questions about permanent residency and/or AG approved outside immigration attorneys, please contact:

Irina Chizhova
Associate Director for Faculty and Exchange Scholar Services
Email: ichizhov@gmu.edu

Employment Based-1 (EB-1) Priority Workers

This category is reserved for tenured track faculty member that could demonstrate national and international recognition in their field of study. The faculty member must have at least 3 years of post-PhD experience, some. Publications, citations, type of research, recognition by peers are some items of evidence to prove recognition. Click here to download the handout "General Application Procedures and Fees in the EB-1 Category at George Mason University".

1. GMU Sponsored — Outstanding Researcher or Professor

  • ONLY GMU AUTHORIZED LAWYER MAY FILE THIS TYPE OF CASE.
  • Applicant must have extensive documentation showing sustained national or international acclaim and recognition in field of expertise.
  • Job offer must be permanent in nature, either tenured or tenure-track faculty position or non-tenure track faculty with an expectation of long-term employment.
  • Hiring department and OIPS authorization required – OIPS coordinates case and acts as liaison between attorney and Department. Petition tied to GMU employment.

2. Self-Sponsored – Extraordinary Ability

  • Applicant must have extensive documentation showing sustained national or international acclaim and recognition in field of expertise.
  • No specific job offer needed as long as entering the United States to continue work in the field in which applicant has extraordinary ability.
  • Can choose any lawyer – do not need authorization from OIPS or Hiring Department. Petition is portable – not tied to GMU employment.

Employment Based-2 (EB-2) Advanced Degree Professionals

This category is reserved for teaching faculty members. GMU must conduct a national search and prove that the sponsoring faculty member was the most qualified candidate selected from the search. There is an 18-month time frame from the time the faculty member accepts the position until the Labor Certification (first stage of process) must be filed. Click here to download the handout "Overview, Requirements & Application Procedures in the EB-2 Category at George Mason University".

1. GMU Sponsored — Labor Certification (PERM)

  • ONLY GMU AUTHORIZED LAWYER MAY FILE THIS TYPE OF CASE.
  • Job offer must be permanent in nature, and require at minimum a MASTER’S degree (or Bachelor’s degree + 5 years experience).
  • Initial certification by Department of Labor required.
  • Department and OIPS authorization required – OIPS coordinates case and acts as liaison between attorney and Department.
  • Petition tied to GMU employment for a standard period of time as set by federal regulations.

2. GMU Sponsored — Special Handling Labor Certification (PERM)

Same as General Labor Certification except:

  • Applicable for employees who are faculty members with teaching duties.
  • Initial certification by Department of Labor required. Labor Certification application must be filed within 18 months of date of offer letter.
  • GMU must have conducted a national competitive recruitment and selection process and be able to document that the applicant was the most qualified in the applicant pool.

3. Self-Sponsored — National Interest Waiver

  • No specific job offer required.
  • Labor Certification waived in the NATIONAL INTEREST if the petitioner can show that his or her skills are critical and that the subject matter of research will substantially benefit the US.
  • Can choose any lawyer – do not need authorization from OIPS or Hiring Department.
  • Petition is portable – not tied to GMU employment. However, must continue to satisfy the foundation presented in the petition.

Process for GMU Employees

Please note that the USCIS (formerly INS) and DOL require that the foreign national employee, in order to be eligible for a university-sponsored petition for permanent residency, must be in a “permanent” and full-time position.

GMU Permanent Residency Intake Form is to be completed by the GMU department wishing to initiate a request for U.S. permanent residency. The form must be signed by the following individuals: Department Head, Employee, and the Dean of the College/School. The completed form along with a copy of the appointment letter for the sponsored employee must be submitted to the International Faculty and Scholar Advisor in SUB 1, Rm 4300 (MSN: 4C3). They will make a preliminary determination as to whether or not the position and the individual qualify for a permanent resident petition and advise the department accordingly. Please note that to be considered “Permanent”, the employee will ordinarily have an expectation of continued employment unless there is good cause for termination. A temporarily funded position such as a Post-doc or Visiting Professor will not be considered “Permanent”.