Foreign Nationals

Overview

By virtue of our mission of international research collaboration and coordination, IARC faculty come from a varied set of national backgrounds. The following information is a brief overview of requirements for foreign nationals; it is the individual’s responsibility to ensure that this information is correct and up to date. More detailed information will be available during your International and HR orientations. 

Faculty coming to IARC from outside the United States must acquire the correct visa. Depending on your home country, it may take several months for visa approval, please contact Jacqueline Muehlbauer(ext 6016) to find out how much lead-time you will need before submitting for a Visa.

Required documents

You must have the following documents after arriving at IARC: 

• A non-expired passport, valid for the duration of your stay, at minimum 6 months from your date of arrival in the U.S. 

• A valid visa 

• A copy of the electronic I-94 record or if driving into the U.S, the I-94 Arrival and Departure Record which you receive upon arrival into the USA. If your I-94 form has an expiration date, please notify the International Advisor. 

• The I-797 Approval notice for the H-1B status or 

• DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor form for the J-1 status. This document is requested by your sponsoring organization (IARC), issued by UAF and is used to determine the dates that you are authorized to participate in your research program. 

Social Security

All foreign visitors employed by UAF need to apply in person for a Social Security card. You must check in with the UAF Office of International Programs and Initiatives before submitting the application. Forms, instructions and directions will be provided by the OIPI staff. You should receive your card approximately two weeks after applying. 

J-1 status

If you are in J-1 status, you must provide your residence and mailing addresses to the UAF International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office If either changes, you are required to notify the ISSS within 10 days of the change(s). If you are in H-1B status, you are required to update your address with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This may be done online.

Tax returns

As you will be earning income in the US, you will be required to file a tax return each year. Compliance with the US tax code is the responsibility of the individual. Annual IRS tax forms must be postmarked no later than midnight on April 15. More tax information for international scholars and links to forms can be found on the ISSS website.