IPSO provides processing for J-1, H-1B, TN, E-3 and O-1 status. As an international scholar, you are hosted by an Augusta University college or department. Any requests for sponsorship of nonimmigrant status or permanent residency must start with your host. Once IPSO has received an official processing request from your host, we will contact you with information on required documentation and answer any questions you may have at that time.
Immigration status is a federally-derived benefit involving the discretionary authority of the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of State and the Department of Labor. Issuance of documents and their corresponding privileges are contingent upon attestations made by IPSO personnel based on information provided by both applicants and their Augusta University hosts. Sponsored employees and visitors are only authorized for employment and/or activities as they have been represented to the U.S. government. Failure to limit your activities to those as represented can result in your employment termination and/or loss of immigration status. Such actions could also have a negative impact on future petitions to the U.S. government. If IPSO is made aware of such violations, your program will be terminated immediately. If you are considering any change to your employment or sponsored visitor activities, please contact IPSO prior to taking any action.
IPSO personnel are charged with representing the interests of Augusta University. In general, Augusta University is prohibited from authorizing outside legal counsel to represent its interests in immigration matters. IPSO will petition for nonimmigrant and immigrant visas in cases that are supported by deans or department chairs and deemed otherwise appropriate. The dean or department chair and IPSO must approve and sign any petition or labor certification for which Augusta University is the sponsor. If you wish to consult an attorney for the sections of those forms and procedures that are not part of the Augusta University application or petition, please let us know. In our office, we maintain a list of immigration lawyers who are members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). Be a careful consumer! We recommend that you consult the AILA list before choosing an attorney for personal matters. Further, we suggest that you ask any attorney for references from Augusta University or other academic institutions before signing a contract for services.
IPSO was established to represent Augusta University colleges and departments in immigration matters. As such, our budget includes funds allocated by the State of Georgia. Therefore, we are prohibited from providing any services that are essentially personal in nature. These include:
J-1 Waivers
J-1 Exchange Visitors are responsible for seeking their own J-1 waivers, and may refer to the U.S. Department of State website for more information. Augusta University personnel employed in J-1 status should inform their colleges or departments before taking any steps in the J-1 waiver process.
Any Family-based Matters
Tax Advice
Augusta University employees are advised to direct their questions on tax issues to Rebecca Wagner in the Office of Nonresident Alien Tax Compliance.
Advisors are available for Augusta University faculty, staff, visiting scholars, enrolled students and their spouses for questions concerning immigration status as it pertains to enrollment, employment or scholar programs at Augusta University.