The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc. ("Foundation") sponsors aliens in three immigrant visa classifications; J-1, H-1B and Trade Nafta ("TN"), for employment purposes. An "alien" is any person who is not a citizen or national of the United States ("U.S."). The Foundation will only support members of the Foundation's scientific faculty in permanent residence applications.

The Foundation has full discretion in determining the visa classification in which to sponsor an alien and has no obligation to file a petition based on personal preferences. For example, an alien may prefer the H-1B to the J-1, but the Foundation makes the decision as to which classification will be applied for on the alien's behalf. The Foundation reserves the right to decline to file a petition or an extension of stay on behalf of an alien.

A J-1 visa application ("DS-2019") is the Foundation's first consideration for an alien seeking employment. Generally, if a DS-2019 is denied, or the Foundation is somehow barred from pursuing a J-1 due to immigration policy or procedure, the Foundation would then consider an H-1B.

• M. Teal Pemberton, Director of Human Resources, Responsible Officer ("RO")
• Jane Nance, Employment and Immigration Coordinator, Alternate Responsible Officer ("ARO")

All employer sponsored immigration applications are processed through the Foundation's Human Resources department. Third-party immigration attorneys are retained by the Foundation to assist with some visa applications.

Research Scholars are permitted to enter the U.S. to engage in teaching, research, observing, lecturing, or consulting at research facilities, museums, libraries, post-secondary accredited educational institutions, or other similar institutions. J-1 status under the Researcher Scholar category is initially granted for up to three years, with a possible six-month extension allowed. Five-year J-1 visas are expected to become available in the near future.

A Short-term Scholar is a professor, research scholar, or person with similar education or accomplishments who comes to the U.S. on a short visit for the purpose of lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or demonstrating special skills at research institutions, museums, libraries, post-secondary accredited educational institutions, or similar types of institutions. The maximum stay for a Short-term Scholar is limited to six months. No extension of stay is permitted.

H-1B Visa: Specialty Occupation
The H-1B visa classification is open to aliens seeking to enter the U.S. for the purpose of working in a "specialty occupation." The term "specialty occupation" is defined as an occupation that requires a theoretical application of a highly specialized body of knowledge; and the attainment of a bachelor's or higher degree (or its equivalent) in the specific specialty as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the U.S.

H-1B status is granted for an initial period of stay up to three years with extensions allowed with the cumulative duration being six years. In certain situations, there may be a seventh year extension or more.

TN Visa: North American Free Trade Agreement ("NAFTA")
Using the TN visa, Canadian and Mexican citizens in certain professions may enter the U.S. to work for a U.S. company on a temporary basis. In order to qualify for TN status, the intended U.S. activity must be in a profession listed in Appendix 1603.D.1 of NAFTA and the applicant must possess the required credentials to be considered a professional. The TN is renewable every year provided that the stay remains temporary in nature.

Permanent Residence
Permanent residency in the U.S. allows for an alien to live permanently in the U.S. as long as certain rules are followed and may allow for the filing of U.S. citizenship.

The Foundation will pay for all requisite attorney fees and related filing and flat expense fees for a J-1 (or subsequent extension), on behalf of an alien.

The employee is responsible for any and all expenses associated with family members named on each J-1 petition.
 

Upon initial hire, if a J-1 is not a viable option for an alien, the Foundation will consider sponsoring the alien on an H-1B.

Aliens currently employed by the Foundation and sponsored on a J-1 may be renewed on an H-1B in limited situations and with the approval of the appropriate Division Director. The alien must have exhausted their time on the J-1, and their continued employment is necessary to complete their projects. It is the alien's responsibility to obtain a waiver of the two-year home residency requirement before an H-1B petition can be initiated. Once a request for a waiver has been made, an extension of the J-1 cannot be processed.

A supervisor for an alien in valid F-1 status, with Optional Practical Training ("OPT") in effect, and who possesses a valid Employment Authorization Document ("EAD"), should request the Human Resources department to process an H-1B within six months of the expiration of the EAD, to avoid a lapse in eligibility and break in employment.
 

The Foundation will pay for all requisite attorney fees and related filing and flat expense fees (with the exception of premium processing fees) for an H-1B and subsequent renewals. The alien will pay the premium processing fee if it is necessary to expedite the H-1B.

The alien is responsible for any and all expenses associated with family members named on the H-1B petition.

An alien who leaves the Foundation within the first twelve months of their Foundation sponsored H-1B initial or renewed status, will reimburse the Foundation one-half of the incurred attorney fees.
 

The Foundation will pay for all requisite attorney fees and related filing and flat expense fees for a TN (or subsequent extension), on behalf of the alien.

The alien is responsible for any and all expenses associated with family members named on the TN petition.
 

The Foundation will provide financial support to alien members of the scientific Faculty seeking permanent residency. The Foundation will reimburse the alien up to $5,000.00 for documented attorney and application filing fees. Itemized receipts must be provided and approved by the Human Resources department before reimbursement can be made.

The alien must retain their own attorney to process their permanent residency application. If requested, the Human Resources department will provide contact information of qualified immigration attorneys, but is not responsible for the quality or outcome of the alien's selection.

The Human Resources department will provide any necessary documentation to assist with the application process, but will do so on the advice of counsel. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the alien to provide the necessary documents to the attorney of record.
 

It is the alien's responsibility to submit the form to USCIS and provide the Human Resources Department with the updated information.

Questions regarding the Foundation's immigration services should be addressed to:
   The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.
   Attention: Human Resources Department
   2510 Sam Noble Parkway Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401
   580-224-6230 (phone)
   866-223-5810 (toll free)
   580-224-6240 (fax)
   nfhr@noble.org