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The H-1B nonimmigrant visa program allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. DHS announced a final rule on December 17, 2024 that modernizes the H-1B program and increases flexibility to sponsor temporary workers.

Specialty occupation means an occupation which requires theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge in fields of human endeavor including, but not limited to, architecture, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, social sciences, medicine and health, education, business specialties, accounting, law, theology, and the arts, and which requires the attainment of a bachelor’s degree or higher in a directly related specific specialty, or its equivalent, as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States. A position is not a specialty occupation if attainment of a general degree, without further specialization, is sufficient to qualify for the position. A position may allow for a range of qualifying degree fields, provided that each of those fields is directly related to the duties of the position. Directly related means there is a logical connection between the required degree, or its equivalent, and the duties of the position.

Only full-time positions qualify for H-1B sponsorship consideration at Johns Hopkins University. Postdoctoral fellows and classified staff with qualifying work authorization pursuant to J-1 status or F-1 Optional Practical Training will not be provided H-1B sponsorship where their present status allows for continued employment in their present position. In addition, only full-time classified staff positions Level 4 or above that meet the condition set forth in Section 3, Item G of HR’s Recruiting and Hiring policy qualify or H-1B sponsorship consideration.  Individuals pursuing clinical training at JHU should review the School of Medicine’s policy on visa sponsorship.

The decision to extend H-1B sponsorship is made only after all institutional policies have been considered and adhered to fully. H-1B applicants and departments/divisions should review the H-1B Business Process Overview and H-1B Timelines to understand the complexity and length of time involved in H-1B sponsorship.