Permanent Resident/Immigrant Status
Note: All abbreviations are followed by "#" and are defined in the glossary. Additional information on forms (##) and I-9 verification (###) is also provided.
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.
UW-Madison 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)
- same as U.S. citizens
- To comply with proper business and audit documentation practices, the UW requires that a copy of the form I-551 (Permanent Resident card which is also commonly called the "green card") or "processed for I-551" stamp in passport be attached to the payment request form (PIR, etc.).
- Federal
- same as US citizens
- State
- same as US citizens
- form I-551, Resident Alien card ("green card") or "processed for I-551" stamp in passport.