Permanent Residency (PERM & Immigrant Visas)

Visa is responsible for filing all TTUHSC El Paso-sponsored permanent residence applications.

Types of Applications

Regular PERM

  • Employer must conduct a blind market test to show that no qualified U.S. worker is available for the position.

  • If no U.S. worker is found, Visa will file the PERM application with the Department of Labor.

Special Handling PERM (Higher Education Teaching Positions)

  • Used for faculty positions in higher education.

  • Requires competitive recruitment and national advertising.

  • Must be filed within 18 months of the job offer.

Professional Nurses (RNs) & Physical Therapists

  • These positions are pre-certified by the Department of Labor due to a shortage of U.S. workers.

  • Applications are filed directly with USCIS.

NIW (Non-Clinical)

  • Requires proof that the employee’s work is of significant national importance.

  • No labor certification is required.

NIW (Physician)

  • Physicians must work full-time in a designated underserved area for 5 years.

  • Must obtain an attestation from a federal agency or state department of health.

Outstanding Researcher/Professor Petition

  • Requires international recognition as an outstanding researcher or professor.

  • Applicant must show at least three years of full-time work experience.

  • Must provide evidence of at least two of six qualifying criteria (e.g., major awards, research contributions).

I-485 Application (Adjustment of Status)

  • The final step of all permanent residence processes.

  • TTUHSC El Paso does not file this petition; employees must retain independent legal counsel.

  • Employees must notify Visa upon receiving permanent residence status.

  • Individuals who have failed to maintain status may be ineligible for permanent residence.

  • Contact Visa before filing an I-140 if unsure about status compliance.