Immigration information for faculty and staff

Over 100 international faculty and staff from nearly 40 countries learn and create as part of a diverse community at SCAD. SCAD unceasingly pursues top talent worldwide and we recognize the importance of representation in all areas of the university. SCAD’s commitment to global excellence extends to immigration support: SCAD human resources and global mobility partners with recruiting to provide immigration support.

SCAD Visa Sponsorship

There are various types of visa sponsorship that SCAD engages in with faculty and staff. To learn more about each type and process, review the fact sheets linked below. 

H-1B visa sponsorship 

Visa category for skilled foreign workers in specialty occupations, requiring a sponsoring employer in the US.

H-1B fact sheet > 

J-1 visa sponsorship

Visa category for individuals participating in cultural exchange programs, requiring a sponsoring organization in the US.

J-1 fact sheet > 

O-1 visa sponsorship

Visa category for individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics, requiring a US sponsor or agent.

O-1 fact sheet >

TN visa sponsorship

Visa category for Canadian and Mexican citizens under the Trade USMCA Treaty, requiring a sponsoring employer in the US.

TN fact sheet > 

Permanent resident (green card) information

For individuals seeking to obtain permanent residency in the US, commonly referred to as a green card, and includes information on eligibility requirements, application processes, and other relevant details

Permanent resident process > 

Apply for an embassy or consular appointment

The U.S. Department of State provides an online application for embassy or consular appointments to determine an applicant's eligibility for a visa. Immigrants can access their case online and complete DS-160, the first step in the immigration process. This page also includes instructions, frequently asked questions and documentation guidelines.  

Complete DS-160 online > 

Visa interview tips

There are many available resources online for visa interview preparation. Review and prepare for your visa interview and consult the global mobility manager with any questions you might have. 

Read visa interview tips > 

Global travel and U.S. entry

To view up-to-the-minute information about global travel requirements, including in the U.S., visit the Travel Vitals site.

Search global travel requirements on Travel Vitals > 

An I-94 is generated each time you enter the U.S. It is proof of your legal entry, it states the status under which you're admitted and permitted length of stay.

Retrieve I-94 online > 

Add an expense delegate in Concur for reimbursement

Faculty and staff working with the office of global mobility are eligible for reimbursement of embassy fees. The university's travel and expense system Concur is utilized to process reimbursements.

Steps to add an expense delegate in Concur >

Obtaining a U.S. social security number

To begin the process of obtaining a U.S. social security number, review the requirements and application process. 

Learn more about social security number requirements > 

Apply for a social security number > 

Obtaining a driver's license in Georgia

The Georgia Department of Driver Services website offers a variety of services and comprehensive information online. 

Learn more about obtaining a driver's license in Georgia > 

Register a vehicle in Georgia >

Banking in the U.S.

There are general banking eligibility requirements and documentation specific to the U.S.

Learn about banking in the U.S. > 

Taxes in the U.S.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides information on substantial presence and international taxpayers.

The office of global mobility can provide referrals to tax support in Savannah and Atlanta. The SCAD payroll department (payroll@scad.edu) is also available for support.

Learn more about taxes in the U.S. > 

Learn about individual taxpayer identification numbers > 

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Contact global mobility for support, resources

Faculty and staff, both new and prospective, can contact SCAD human resources with questions and requests for support.

Erin Powell, GMS-T, SHRM-CP
Global Mobility Manager 
Savannah College of Art and Design®
office:  912.525.5330   |   mobile: 912.412.4526
epowell@scad.edu

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"SCAD's immigration support was invaluable in my journey as a sponsored employee. SCAD's immigration team worked tirelessly to ensure a positive outcome, and continued to provide me with the guidance and support I needed to navigate the complex immigration process. Their commitment to my case was unwavering, and their personalized attention to detail made me feel cared for and supported every step of the way. SCAD played a crucial role in helping me and I am grateful for their expertise and dedication."

SCAD staff member, creative direction

 

 

Disclaimer

SCAD has placed information on this website as a service to current and prospective SCAD faculty and staff. While the information on this site may touch on legal issues, it is not intended as legal advice or as a substitute for the particularized advice of counsel. This website could include inaccuracies and is not guaranteed to be correct, complete or up-to-date. For the most current information, please check with the relevant administrative unit, department or office, or consult an attorney. SCAD reserves the right to change, delete, supplement, or otherwise amend at any time information, policies and/or documents contained in this website, without prior notice.

External Links
This website may contain links to other websites that SCAD believes may be useful or informative. Links to external websites are to provide information only and should not be interpreted as constituting or implying SCAD’s endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation of the third party information. SCAD does not maintain or control these sites and makes no guarantee concerning the accuracy, reliability or currency of the information found there.