Faculty and Staff Immigration Services (FSIS) helps eligible employees and university departments obtain work authorization status and permanent residency filings. We collaborate with partners across campus to hire and retain international faculty and staff.
Submit a CIF
To initiate the sponsorship of a prospective or current foreign national employee for work authorization or permanent residency, please submit a Universal Case Initiation Form (CIF).
I-9 Information
Resources to help you and your department document employment eligibility.
Employment in F-1, J-1, or J-2 Status
Employment in F-1, J-1, or J-2 Status
International and Student Scholar Services
ISSS handles employment authorization for international students, scholars, and their dependents.
Inviting Scholars to Campus
How to invite a J-1 scholar to campus.
Employing International Students
Information on employing international students in F-1 or J-1 status or their F-2/J-2 dependents.
Iowa Driver’s License Information
FSIS does not help foreign national employees obtain an Iowa driver's license. Our office is independent of the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) and can't provide advice or assistance regarding the issuance of driver's licenses.
IDOT uses the SAVE database system to screen all license applicants. Any delay in receiving a driver’s license is based on information from the SAVE system and is not information that our office can update. IDOT must resolve issues directly with the employee.
Regardless of what the Iowa City Department of Transportation may say regarding an employee's immigration status, we can't help anyone obtain a driver's license.
Please note for those employees who have ported (transferred) their H1B status from their old employer to the University of Iowa, IDOT requires the transferred H1B case be approved prior to issuing the employee an Iowa driver’s license. Premium processing is optional, but may want to be considered in this situation to ensure the case is approved promptly.
Legal Advice
Our office does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, we recommend consulting a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Immigration Management Software
FSIS uses eIMMIGRATIONAIR for all non-immigrant (NIV) and immigrant (IV) cases. This software features a secure online portal that allows for the safe transference of sensitive data anywhere in the world.