Visas

The visa process can be long and complicated. Our team is here to help! Below is a summary of the most common visas our team members pursue.

Visa Type Applies to Involved Parties Projected Processing Time
(for department assisted visas only)
Visa Duration Maximum Time Frame
F1 UCLA Graduate Student Visa (GSRs) Obtained by the Student through the Dashew Center. N/A 1-3 years Duration of education
F1OPT Post-Graduation from Higher Education Obtained by the team member through the Dashew Center. N/A 1 year 3 years
Student J1 Visiting Graduate Researchers Obtained through the DGSOM Visa and Licensing Office in close collaboration with Department's Visa Coordinator. 4-5 Months 3 months - 1 year 2 years
J1 Visiting Doctors Obtained through the DGSOM Visa and Licensing Office in close collaboration with Department's Visa Coordinator. 4-5 Months 1 year 2 years
J1 Employment work authorization Obtained through the DGSOM Visa and Licensing Office in close collaboration with Department's Visa Coordinator. 4-5 Months 1-5 years 5 years
Clinical J Residents Obtained through a third party, ECFMG. Student Affairs Office coordinates. N/A 1 year 5 years
H1B Employer Sponsored Visa Obtained through the Dashew Office in close collaboration with Department's Visa Coordinator. 5-6 Months* 3 years 6 years
O1 ‘Extra Ordinary Visa'; Employer Sponsored Visa Obtained through the DGSOM Visa and Licensing Office in close collaboration with Department's Visa Coordinator. 6-8 Months 3 years Unlimited
Permanent Resident Employer Sponsored Obtained through the DGSOM Visa and Licensing Office in close collaboration with Department's Visa Coordinator. 1-year NA NA
TN Applicants from Mexico or Canada; Employer Assisted Obtained by the applicant on their own. Requires a letter be provided by the Department. N/A 3 years Unlimited

*assuming that the candidate already has a Waiver (if needed). Note on Waivers: If the employee is currently in the US and subject to a 2-year home residency requirement by their home country, they must obtain a Waiver in order to qualify for the H1B visa. Applicants should strive to apply for a Waiver 1-year before their visa status expires.

If you have any questions about a current or potential visa, please reach out to the Department’s Lead Visa Coordinator, Kristine Fisher ([email protected]).