Job Offer Letter
It is critical to include the University’s required language regarding federal requirements for I-9 compliance in all job offer letters. Please refer to the OHR website for specific language and offer letter templates.
Selecting H-1B Dates
As part of the H-1B application process, employing departments will be asked to prepare an H-1B support letter with requested start and end dates for the H-1B status. The start date must be a future date which allows for the processing time required to prepare the petition. The end date can be no more than three years from the requested start date (for example: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026). Sometimes the dates of the job appointment do not match the requested H-1B dates (for example, when the employee has already begun the job with another visa status).
Departments may wish to obtain the H-1B approval for as long a timeframe as possible (up to 3 years) to avoid paying the costs associated with annual H-1B renewals, if the position is expected to continue. This must be weighed against the possibility that the employee will not perform satisfactorily or the funding for the position will not continue. As explained on the Employer Responsibilities page, if employment is terminated by the employer before the approved H-1B status end date, the employer may be responsible for the reasonable costs of return transportation to the employee’s last place of residence.
Additional Considerations About Job Start Date
Health Insurance Coverage
The employee's health insurance coverage may become effective on the first day of the month following the employee's first day of employment. It may be beneficial to choose an employment start date a few days before the month ends.
Tax Implications
There may be significant tax implications based on when the employee enters the U.S. To find more information on these tax implications, review NRVTAP's FAQs.
