Foreign National Employees

As the University of Montana's international recognition for outstanding academic and research programs increases, we are receiving an increased foreign national candidate pool for posted positions.

We are pleased to inform you that the Montana University System (MUS) has contracted with BERRY APPLEMAN & LEIDEN LLP (BAL) who will provide immigration legal services on immigration matters involving University employees.

The University of Montana is working closely with BAL to ensure that the transition goes smoothly with existing and future immigration cases. In that regard, not every existing file will transfer to BAL immediately. Where active work is currently in process, the file may remain with our current immigration provider to complete the filing before the case is transferred. There will not be a disruption to cases currently in progress. 

One of the many benefits to using BAL is their secure website where you can check your case status at any time. The Cobalt portal will house all of the information needed to support immigration services such as work permit applications, visa renewals, permanent residency, expiry tracking, etc. The portal also provides secure messaging capabilities protecting your Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and enabling you to securely upload documents. In due course, individuals will receive a registration link for access to the web-accessible database. BAL also provides extensive immigration information and news on their website, where you can SIGN UP to receive daily immigration newsletters.

 IMPORTANT NOTE:

Your University of Montana liaison is Ann Guiditta in Human Resource Services.  Ann can be reached at 406-243-2665 or you may email Ann.Guiditta@umontana.edu.  It is very important that you communicate with us prior to finalizing a job offer and/or hiring a foreign national.

ALL NON-US CITIZENS REQUIRED ESSENTIALS:

All new and returning student employees are required to submit copies of the documents listed below at the beginning of their employment AND again every fall semester if they are still working on campus.

J1 Visa:
  • Complete the Foreign National Information Form ⤓ Foreign National Info.xlsx (download)
  • Passport
  • Form I-94
  • Form DS-2019
  • Visa
  • Social Security Card
  • Work Authorization Letter (if applicable)
F1 Visa:
  • Complete the Foreign National Information Form ⤓ Foreign National Info.xlsx (download)
  • Passport
  • Form I-94
  • Form I-20
  • Visa
  • Social Security Card
  • Work Authorization Letter (if applicable)
Permanent Residents:
  • Permanent Resident Card (copy of FRONT and BACK)
  • Social Security Card

RESOURCES

See Also:

All documents must be current and not expired in order to satisfy the eligibility requirements.

For H1-B Visa assistance, please contact Ann Guiditta in Human Resource Services at 406-243-2665 or Ann.Guiditta@umontana.edu .