As a postdoctoral appointee on a temporary (non-immigrant) visa, not only must you understand the restrictions of your immigration status, but also you must start planning early for your career after the postdoctoral stage. Since the career decisions you make must be coupled with your immigration potential, your immigration education must be integrated into your career exploration. This is essential in your decision-making process, whether you would like to seek permanent residence in the U.S., return to your country of origin, or continue your career on a third country.
Your Immigration Education Starts Here!
If you are planning to pursue permanent residence in the U.S. taking the self-sponsored path (under the EB-1 or EB-2 category), you need to assemble an immigration portfolio. An immigration portfolio includes evidence of your credentials, work experience, international recognition, and the importance of your work. You can learn how to use your professional development activities to create an immigration portfolio by prioritizing activities that satisfy the immigration criteria for advanced-degree holders while increasing competitiveness for diverse careers.
The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs has received a grant from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund to educate international postdocs who would like to plan a long-term career in the United States. Find more information here.
Our office also offers workshops and guidance on how to plan your career in the U.S. while being on a temporary visa.* Contact us or visit our events page regularly for the upcoming offerings.
* This is not legal advice nor does it intend to be a substitute for legal advice.
Free Immigration Consultations
The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs may offer you the opportunity to discuss your career options with an immigration attorney. Please contact us if you have any questions.