Visas & immigration
Visa categories
An overview of the visa and immigration statuses the International Office supports for students, scholars, and employees at Hampton University.
Choosing a category
Which status fits?
The right category depends on the purpose of the visit, the length of the appointment, the person’s citizenship and qualifications, and their long-term plans. Please consult the International Office before an offer letter or invitation is issued, so we can recommend the best option for both the individual and the department.
Students
International students
Student
Who it is for
Degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students enrolled full time at Hampton University.
Key document · length
Form I-20, issued by Hampton
For the length of your academic program
Exchange student
Who it is for
Students coming to Hampton through an exchange agreement or a non-degree program for academic credit.
Key document · length
Form DS-2019, issued by Hampton
For the program dates on your DS-2019
Faculty, staff & scholars
Employees and visiting scholars
Specialty occupation
Who it is for
Faculty and professional staff in positions that require at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Hampton is cap-exempt.
Key document · length
Form I-797 approval of Form I-129
Up to 3 years at a time; 6 years maximum
Research scholar & professor
Who it is for
Visiting researchers, professors, and short-term scholars. Some J-1 scholars are subject to a two-year home residency requirement.
Key document · length
Form DS-2019, issued by Hampton
Up to 5 years; short-term scholars up to 6 months
Permanent residence
Who it is for
Faculty and researchers with an advanced degree or exceptional ability, sponsored by Hampton or through a National Interest Waiver.
USMCA professional
Who it is for
Canadian and Mexican citizens working in a qualifying USMCA profession.
Australian specialty occupation
Who it is for
Australian citizens in positions that require at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Extraordinary ability
Who it is for
Individuals with sustained national or international acclaim in the sciences, education, arts, or athletics.
Key document · length
Form I-797 approval of Form I-129
Up to 3 years; extensions in 1-year increments
Contact us
International Office
- Armstrong-Slater Hall, First Floor, 200 William R. Harvey Way, Hampton, VA 23668
- (757) 728-6914
- internationaloffice@hamptonu.edu
- Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Planning a hire or a new arrival?
Contact us as early as possible. H-1B and J-1 cases need several months of lead time, and every case starts with a conversation about the right visa category.
Equal Opportunity · Accessibility · Title IX · Legal & Privacy · Website Feedback · Accreditation · Directory
© 2026 Hampton University · Hampton, Virginia 23668 · 757-727-5000