Employment Limitations

If you are offered new or different employment or consulting opportunities please remember that your permission to work is limited to the employer and the duties described in your approved H-1B petition. If you anticipate a change in job title, job duties, number of hours worked each week, or location of your employment (including work from home), even if these changes are within Iowa State University, contact us before making any change. We must follow Department of Labor procedures outlined for changes in employment and in some cases we may need to assist you with an amended H-1B petition. H-1B employees cannot legally work for or receive income from an employer other than the entity that filed the H-1B petition on their behalf. Although you may be reimbursed for expenses related to professional activities conducted outside Iowa State University, you cannot earn income (including honoraria or fees for consulting) from other entities for services performed within the United States.

Promotions, Demotions, or Switching Departments:

The H-1B petition is tailored for each individual in each specialty occupation. Any changes in your employment status, such as job duties, title or changing departments should be reviewed by the International Students and Scholars Office. Your petitioning department should contact ISSO prior to any anticipated changes in your terms of employment so that we may determine if an amended H-1B petition is necessary.

Engaging in employment not covered in the approved H-1B petition is a violation of status.

Termination of Employment:

H-1B status does not typically grant a "grace period" at the end of employment. Upon termination of employment, legal H-1B status ends, even if the petition was approved for a longer period. H-1Bs reaching the end of their status must do one of three things on or before the last day of employment:

  1. File for an extension of H-1B status with a different department at Iowa State University or a new employer
  2. File for a change of status to another non immigrant category
  3. Depart the United States