HMC Faculty Immigration Resources

Harvey Mudd College is committed to being a welcoming institution of higher education that is enhanced by our diverse community. Our international faculty are vital to our mission of educating leaders with a clear understanding of the impact of their work on society. This resource page provides guidance on immigration-related topics, travel considerations, and available support.

This resource page is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Any individual immigration needs or circumstances should be addressed with appropriately approved and engaged College legal counsel to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Who to Contact for Immigration Questions

Office of Human Resources: Dana Nagengast, Patrice Siffert, and Haley Phillips

Phone: 909.607.9700 | Email: hr@hmc.edu

Dean of Faculty Office: Karl Haushalter

Phone: 909.621.8122 | Email: haushalter@hmc.edu

Immigration Pre-Travel Assessment and Planning

The decision to travel outside the United States is personal, but immigration policies, practices, and travel bans are shifting daily and often cannot be fully assessed or projected in advance.

Before undertaking international travel for any work, study, personal, or leisure purpose, including to conduct research, attend conferences, teach abroad, participate in learning programs, or community service projects, international faculty are urged to carefully consider and assess the variables outlined below, all of which may impact travel plans, personal safety while abroad, and the ability to reenter the United States:

Immigration policies and travel restrictions can change rapidly.
Visa holders (H-1B, J-1, F-1, etc.) may face delays or additional scrutiny when re-entering the U.S.
Visa renewals may take longer than usual; plan ahead.
Border officials may inspect electronic devices and ask detailed questions.
Check current travel advisories
Having a previous encounter with law enforcement, (i.e. being arrested or convicted of a crime in the US or abroad) can trigger immigration consequences even if this encounter happened a long time ago, or if the conviction was subsequently expunged. If any of these examples noted above impact you, we encourage you to consult with an attorney before any travel or filing any immigration application.

Some potential travel concerns may involve the following:

Concern	Explanation
Visas (H-1B, F-1, J-1, O-1, etc.)	Individuals may face increased scrutiny or delays upon re-entering the U.S., especially if they traveled through countries under diplomatic strain. Visa renewals are likely to have longer processing times. Disruption in travel can inadvertently impact legal status as visas are often tied to specific institutions/programs.
Immigration Policies	Policies, including executive orders or Department of Homeland Security memos, could affect visa eligibility or re-entry requirements mid-trip, leaving travelers vulnerable to unexpected barriers.
Citizenship Status and Border Control	Greater emphasis on stricter border control may lead to longer screening processes, device searches, or interviews.
Country-Specific Bans and Restrictions	Travelers may be affected by current or proposed travel bans or enhanced screening procedures based on their national origin or prior travel history.
Legal and Diplomatic Issues	Foreign laws often differ significantly (e.g., regarding speech, dissent, and data privacy). Violation of these laws, intentional or not, may impact the ability to re-enter the U.S.
Geopolitics	Tensions in areas like the Middle East, Eastern Europe, or parts of Asia/Africa may increase risks of conflict, detainment, or restricted movement for foreign nationals, especially from Western countries.
Security Risks	Some destinations may have increased threats of terrorism, civil unrest, or or targeted violence.
Cybersecurity and Research Scrutiny Concerns	Traveling with research data or devices may make travelers vulnerable to surveillance or cyber espionage. Those in sensitive research areas (AI, biotech, defense) may face additional questions at the border.
Screening of Social Media	The Department of Homeland Security and USCIS screen for content indicating support for antisemitic terrorism or activity as a negative factor in adjudicating immigration benefit requests. Politically sensitive contents could also be misinterpreted.

To assess these risks, consult the following external resources:

US Department of State – Travel Advisories
- Provides country-specific travel advisories (Levels 1–4), alerts, and safety information. Includes details on entry/exit requirements, health risks, crime, and civil unrest. Check the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time alerts and embassy assistance.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Travelers’ Health
- Offers country-specific health notices, required vaccinations, and COVID-19 guidance. Great for understanding current outbreaks or public health precautions abroad.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- Guidance for travelers with immigration or visa concerns (especially re-entry policies) as well as digital privacy and what CBP can inspect (e.g., electronic devices).
Travel.State.Gov U.S. Department of State
- This website is the official U.S. Department of State portal for information and services related to U.S. Visas.

Country-Specific Restrictions

Certain countries may be subject to U.S. travel bans or heightened security measures. Review official government updates and consult legal authorities for the latest guidance.

Resource: https://www.uscis.gov

Presidential Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers (H-1B)

Effective: September 21, 2025, for 12 months unless extended.

Resource: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers – The White House

Essential Travel Documentation for International Travel

When traveling internationally or within the U.S., international faculty should carry the following essential documents:

Valid Passport & Visa: A current, unexpired passport and a valid F, J, or H-1B visa stamp (if required for re-entry).
Current Immigration Form: Your most recent, properly endorsed Form DS-2019 or I-20 (for J or F status) or I-797 Approval Notice (for H-1B status).
Updated I-94 Record: Access to your most recent I-94 record, as this serves as your alien registration.
Employment Verification: Proof of connection to Harvey Mudd College, such as your appointment letter or a verification of employment from the letter from the Office of Human Resources
Three recent payroll records or paycheck stubs.
SEVIS Fee Payment: Proof of your I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt and confirmation page (if applicable to your status).
Supporting Documentation: Evidence of funding, U.S. address, school/employer contact information, and emergency contact details for your RO or Human Resources contact.
Document Copies: Digital and printed copies of your entire immigration document set (passport ID, visa, I-20/DS-2019/I-797).
Travel Itinerary: Your travel itinerary and return ticket (if available, to demonstrate intent to return).

Additional Helpful Websites and Information

Immigration Categories HMC Sponsors

Visa Category	Visa Type	Primary Purpose	Typical Duration	Key Notes
F-1 OPT (Optional Practical Training)	Nonimmigrant (Student)	Allows F-1 students to gain practical work experience related to their field of study	12 months. Can only apply up to 36 months for STEM OPT, where the employer is an E-Verify employer, (HMC is not an E-Verify Employer)	Must be directly related to major; employer reporting required; employment authorization after degree completion This visa is only supported for students, not international faculty.
H-1B	Nonimmigrant (Employment)	Employs foreign nationals in specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor’s degree	Up to 3 years initially; maximum 6 years	Employer-sponsored; subject to annual lottery; dual intent allowed
J-1 (Exchange Visitor)	Nonimmigrant (Exchange)	Educational and cultural exchange programs (e.g., scholars, researchers, postdocs, visiting professors)	Program – specific (varies by category)	Some participants subject to 2-year home residency requirement; sponsor required
Green Card (Employment – Based)	Immigrant	Permanent authorization to live and work in the U.S.	Permanent	May be employer-sponsored; includes multiple preference categories (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3)

Costs Associated with Immigration Services

Any costs associated with immigration or visa-related services are the responsibility of the incoming faculty member, unless such costs have been expressly authorized and approved in advance by the HMC Dean of Faculty’s Office, in writing. If approved, immigration visa support will be provided to the faculty member only and will not extend to family members.

Continuation of Immigration-Related Financial Support

Approval of financial support for immigration-related expenses is limited to the specific request and time period authorized. Approval of initial support does not guarantee that the College will provide financial support for future visa extensions, changes in status, or applications for permanent residence (including green card sponsorship) for the faculty member or any accompanying family members. Absent prior written authorization, such costs may be the sole responsibility of the faculty member.

Employment Outside of Harvey Mudd

If you are an HMC employee with an HMC-sponsored visa status that allows you to conduct research or teach, you are allowed to pursue additional employment only in very limited situations. It is very important to follow the employment rules for your visa type.

As a J-1 exchange visitor, you can only work at HMC in the position named on your DS-2019 form. Substantial off-campus employment is not allowed.
H-1B and E-3 statuses are employer-, location-, and duty-specific. This means you may work only for Harvey Mudd College doing the job duties specified in your H-1B or E-3 application. No exceptions are permitted by law.
O-1 status is employer- and employment-specific. This means you may work only for HMC and only in the job duties specified when your O-1 petition was approved.
TN status is employer- and employment-specific. This means you may work only for HMC and only in the job duties specified when you entered the country (Canadians) or when your I-129 petition was approved.

Honoraria and consultation fees paid by another employer

Your J-1, H-1 B, E-3, and TN status does not allow you to accept honoraria and consultation fees paid by another employer. You may be reimbursed for expenses for talks and presentations at other institutions, but no other payment or compensation for services may be accepted.

Questions

For updates or to suggest resources, contact the Office of Human Resources at 909.607.9700 or hr@hmc.edu

Disclaimer: This resource page is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice and is subject to change. Any individual immigration needs or circumstances should be addressed with appropriately approved and engaged College legal counsel to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulation