You can switch departments as long as you have the same exchange program objective and you stay in the same J category. 

Your new department should submit a request through ISSS Link and upload documents to support your new program. If the request is approved, you'll get a new DS-2019.

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Since H-1B visas are employment-specific, the new department to which you will transfer will be required to file an amended H-1B petition. The transfer cannot occur until the amended petition has been filed and receipted by US Citizenship and Immigration Services, which normally occurs about 3 weeks after the amended petition has been filed.

If this transfer involves a change in position title or promotion, the department to which you are transferring will need to first check to see if the new title is one of the acceptable positions. If the title is not on the list, the department will need to contact your ISSS Advisor to discuss if the position title would qualify for H-1B sponsorship. The department will also need to discuss with your ISSS advisor if an extension is involved with this transfer to determine how much time is remaining on the six-year limit afforded H-1B status. If your department wants to request an extension beyond the six-year limit, please have them discuss it with your ISSS advisor.

Once the receipt notice is received by ISSS, your new department will be notified that they may complete the transfer of your employment.

Changing hiring/sponsoring departments must be reviewed carefully before it takes place.  Contact your ISSS advisor who handled the current (previously filed) O-1 petition to start the discussion.  If you are not sure, please email isss@emory.edu.  

Info for departments >>

Since TN visas are employment-specific, your department might have to file a new TN petition with USCIS before you can switch departments.

Your new supervisor should write a letter to ISSS with information about the transfer and submit a request through ISSS Link. 

Info for departments >>