Visa & International Services Administration
Overview
The Visa & International Services Administration (VISA) office provides a wide array of services to departments and over 200 international employees and visiting scientists coming to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (CSMC). VISA, a division of Academic Human Resources, is dedicated to providing comprehensive immigration advising services, programs and informational resources that facilitate the hiring of international employees in support of CSMC’s departments and research units mission as well as international scholars and their families in achieving their academic, professional and personal goals.
In addition to our oversight of the CSMC's immigration services, the VISA office also oversees I-9 compliance for the entire Medical Center.
Information on this site pertains only to employment or sponsorship by CSMC and is not intended to be nor should it be used as immigration legal advice. In addition, individual experiences may differ and procedures may vary as the information is subject to change at any time.
News and Announcements
Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) Site Visits
What you should know…. Fraud Detection and National Security Site Visits
Reminder Regarding Travel Outside of the U.S.
Are you planning a trip outside of the U.S. during the upcoming holidays? Don't forget to notify our office prior to your travel to obtain the necessary travel validation documents and/or an updated employment verification letter.
- J-1 scholars and J-2 dependents need a valid signature on your DS-2019 form along with other supporting documents to re-enter the U.S.
- Other visa status holders (e.g. H-1B, H-4, E-3, O-1, etc.) must carry the original I-797 Approval Notice and an employment verification letter.
- If you need a travel signature or employment verification letter, please contact our office to schedule an appointment with your Immigration Partner at least 2 weeks prior to your trip abroad.
For more information about travel and reentry, please visit our international travel page. For more information about travel warnings from the U.S. Department of State, please click here. For more information about re-entry into the U.S., please click here
New Visa Fees Effective April 13, 2012
The Department of State recently announced a new nonimmigrant and immigrant visa application fee schedule . Although the fee changes become effective April 13, 2012, written comments will be accepted from the public if submitted on or before May 29, 2012.
Visa Pilot Program - China Launch/Romania Added
As of February 13, 2012 the US Embassy and consulates in China will allow certain visa applicants in the B, C1, D, F, J, M, and O categories whose visas have expired less than four years ago (48 months) to renew their visas in the same classification without another interview. Specifically, J visa categories are eligible provided the applicant is renewing his/her visa to continue participation in the same program at the same institution as with the previous visa. Click here for more information
London Visa -Delays Expected
The 2012 London Olympics are fast approaching. In response to the anticipated strain on the resources of the U.S. Embassy in London, visa services, will be limited during July and August for all nonimmigrant visa categories. The U.S. Embassy encourages applicants to apply for visas during the spring and early summer as appointment availability cannot be guaranteed. Appointments are currently available until the end of June. During a meeting at the US Embassy in London this past September, it was stated that J visa applicants would be given preference during this time.
Updates on Visa Retrogression India/China Second Preference (EB-2)
Due to the rapid forward movement of the cut-off date, demand for China and India Employment Second preference numbers has increased dramatically during recent months, and at a much faster rate than had been expected. The Department of State announced that the visa availability numbers will be retrogressed to August 15, 2007 instead of May 1, 2010 as previously announced in the April visa bulletin. This is an attempt to hold number use within the annual limit while maintaining availability for those countries that have not yet reached their per-country limit. USCIS has indicated that it will continue accepting China and India Employment Second preference I-485 filings based on the originally announced April cut-off date. Please click here for more information.
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