Permanent Resident/Immigrant Status

Applications for permanent residence (immigrant status) may only be filed for positions that are considered to be permanent. INS defines a permanent position as one that is tenured, on the tenure track, or “for a term of indefinite or unlimited duration, and in which the employee will ordinarily have an expectation of continued employment unless there is good cause for termination.” In general, a position must be full time, permanent, offer the prevailing wage and require professional level skills to qualify for permanent residence.University of Connecticut has a very clearly defined policy stating for whom it will sponsor a permanent residence application. Please see the separate handout for details. In the case of a tenured position, permanent residence is the only option, as non-immigrant status is not appropriate.
Type(s) of Employment
Any, like US citizen
Note: refugees and asylees are eligible for employment and other payments in the same way that permanent residents are.
Length of Stay
Indefinite
Length of Time to Process
Approximately one year
Special Conditions
Applying for permanent residence is a lengthy process involving two or three government agencies. A person currently in the U.S. must maintain a valid non-immigrant status throughout the entire process. See IFSS handouts for full details
Required Documents Summary
*Department Request Form
*Dean’s or Director’s Authorization
*Documentation of Recruitment Process
*Documentation of Applicant’s Qualifications (see IFSS handouts for details)
Forms Needed for Payment
same as US citizens
Tax Liability/Withholding

Federal
Same as US citizens
State
Same as US citizens
I-9 Verification
*Form I-551, Resident Alien card (“green card”) or “processed for I-551” stamp in passport