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U.Va. Human Resources
Human Resources Compliance and Immigration Services (HR-CIS)
Policies & Procedures

The office of Human Resources Compliance and Immigration Services (HR-CIS) is responsible for promoting and monitoring University compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and University policies and procedures with an emphasis on immigration. Our mission is to promote an effective, informed, low-risk workplace and facilitate an understanding within University Human Resources (UHR) and the larger U.Va. community of our dynamic regulatory environment.

We offer assistance and resources in a variety of areas, including:

  • Monitoring developments in Congress, federal agencies, and in the courts for information that may be pertinent to the University.

  • Alerting UHR and the University community to issues of interest identified by federal and state agencies such the IRS, Department of Labor, Department of Homeland Security, and others

  • Overseeing and helping to ensure that non-immigrant visa and permanent residency (green card) processing is done properly

  • Monitoring University payments made to foreign nationals (scholarships, fellowships, wages, honoraria) for appropriate tax treatment

  • Overseeing the employment authorization (I-9) process and providing training to departments

  • Facilitating policy development within UHR and coordinating all interaction with the University Policy Review Committee and Policy Manager

  • Providing legislative analysis of bills potentially impacting UHR or the University community during annual sessions of the Virginia legislature
We do not provide legal advice, but can help refer questions requiring legal counsel to Immigration counsel specially appointed by the Virginia Attorney General to advise the University. Individuals seeking or needing personal legal advice should consult their own attorney.

Contacting CIS:

Michael Schwartz
Director, Compliance and Immigration
(434) 924-4379
mbs7r@virginia.edu

Jose Fleming
Immigration Compliance Officer
(434) 243-2031
jlf7k@virginia.edu
and
Timothy J. White
Immigration Consultant
(434) 982-2735
tjw5x@virginia.edu

For immigration matters concerning employment immigration visas (H-1B, O-1, etc), Permanent Resident applications (green cards), employment authorization, immigration policy and related issues
Andy Meade
Foreign National Tax Specialist
(434) 924-1377
alm3f@virginia.edu		 For matters concerning taxation of payments to foreign nationals (payroll/wage; scholarship/fellowship; honoraria, etc.)
Christine Langford
I-9 Specialist
(434) 924-4393
drf6b@virginia.edu 		For matters concerning Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9)
David W. Ripley
Director, Policy Development & DHRM Liaison
(434) 924-4373
dwr@virginia.edu		 For matters concerning Human Resource compliance and policy



I-9 Form USCIS Updates Expiration Date on Form I-9: Citizenship and Immigration Services has released a new version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, with an expiration date of "08-31-12," (upper right hand corner), a revision date of "08-07-09," (lower right hand corner) and no other changes. Both this form and the previous identical form with an expiration date of “02-02-09” are acceptable for use. Please address any questions to: Christine Langford Human Resources Compliance and Immigration Services (434) 924-4393) Crf6b@virginia.edu

I-9 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Passport Cards: USCIS adds new passport cards to the list of acceptable I-9 documents.

Immigration Services

HR-CIS Staff

Taxation and Payment to Foreign Nationals

Labor Condition Application Postings (ETA 9035): View all current Labor Condition Applications certified by the US Department of Labor.

State and Local Government Conflict of Interests (COI) Act Compliance



03/2009 CONSULAR VISA PROCESSING WARNING!
IF YOU ARE A FOREIGN NATIONAL PLANNING TO TRAVEL ABROAD:
Please be advised that there has been a recent increase in security screenings of foreign nationals at U.S. Consulates abroad. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have increased the level of review that international visitors face at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad, at airports, and at border crossing posts with Canada and Mexico. The U.S. State Department processing time for a security screening at a consulate abroad is currently 12 weeks, with no option available for expediting the process.

Each foreign national, in consultation with their department if appropriate, should make their own decision regarding travel abroad. HR/CIS advises undertaking travel abroad with the understanding that returns to the U.S. may be significantly delayed, and that all foreign nationals traveling abroad should be certain to carry documentation supporting their current visa status.

HR/CIS recommends you contact our office with your passport and immigration documents as soon as you are aware of the date you plan to travel. We will review your documents, provide you with up to date travel advice, and sign your travel document (if necessary).

Please check this website regularly for updates on travel abroad and other issues impacting the foreign national community at UVA.


Wednesday, May 20, 2009 U.S. Customs and Border Protection reminds United States and Canadian citizens that new document requirements go into effect on June 1 for entry into United States at land or sea ports:
Travelers should apply for approved travel documents now, as it can take several weeks to receive a document that will comply with new requirements under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. CBP is committed to working with travelers to ensure they have access to and can obtain appropriate travel documents. U.S. and Canadian citizens who lack WHTI-compliant documents but are otherwise admissible will not be denied entry into the United States on June 1, and are encouraged to continue with their travel plans and to obtain facilitative and secure WHTI travel documents as soon as possible. WHTI-compliant documents for entry into the United States at land and sea ports include:
  • U.S. or Canadian passports;
  • Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST/EXPRES);
  • U.S. Passport Card;
  • State or province-issued Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (when and where available). For more information please visit the WHTI Web site. ( GetYouHome.gov )
U.S. and Canadian citizen children under age 16 arriving by land or sea from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean need only present proof of citizenship, such as an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a naturalization certificate, or a Canadian citizenship card. Document requirements for lawful permanent residents of the United States do not change under WHTI. Lawful permanent residents should continue to present their Permanent Resident Card (I-551). The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is the joint Department of Homeland Security- Department of State program that implements a key 9/11 Commission recommendation and Congressional mandate to establish document requirements for travelers entering the United States who were previously exempt, including citizens of the U.S., Canada and Bermuda. WHTI document requirements for air travel went into effect in 2007.

Changes in H-1B visa Processing Timeline

There are two forthcoming changes in the processing of H-1B visa petitions. The required Labor Condition Application (LCA), currently approved and issued instantaneously, will, effective July 1, 2009, need to be approved and issued through an office of the U.S. Department of Labor. It is expected that such approvals will take at least seven (7) days.

Additionally, effective January 1, 2010, all prevailing wage determinations, currently sourced instantaneously, are required to be processed through the U.S. Department of Labor Chicago. It is expected that issuance of a prevailing wage by USDOL will take thirty (30) days.

As you move forward with submitting H-1B visa requests, please plan for these additions to the processing time. Please contact University of Virginia Compliance and Immigration Services for assistance in determining accurate processing timelines for H-1B visa requests.


Possible International Travel Delays Due to H1N1