Obtaining permanent residency (a “green card”) in the United States depends on both individual eligibility and the availability of immigrant visa numbers as published in the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin. In general, there are four main pathways to eligibility:
- Family-Based: Through a qualifying relationship to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Employment-Based: Through an approved immigrant petition based on employment.
- Diversity Visa Lottery: Through selection in the annual lottery program administered by the U.S. Department of State.
- Humanitarian-Based: For individuals granted refugee or asylee status, among other humanitarian categories.
CSU Sponsorship for Employment-Based Permanent Residency
When appropriate, Colorado State University (CSU) may sponsor individuals for permanent residency through an employment-based process. The role of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is limited to representing CSU’s interests and responsibilities as an employer by preparing and filing the necessary documentation.
Sponsorship may be considered for individuals who:
- Hold a permanent position at CSU, and
- Have been employed at CSU for a minimum of six months.
CSU may sponsor permanent residency petitions only in the following categories:
Faculty:
The University may sponsor tenured and tenure-track faculty based on the recommendation of the department chair. In some cases, highly qualified non-tenure track faculty may be sponsored when there is an expectation of long-term employment.
Research Professional Staff:
The University may sponsor highly qualified individuals in critical research positions based on the recommendation of the department chair or center director. The recommendation may be made only after consultation with ISSS. There must be a demonstrated expectation of long-term employment. Note: CSU does not sponsor individuals in postdoctoral fellow positions due to the temporary nature of those appointments.
Other Professional Staff:
Generally, CSU does not sponsor other professional staff for permanent residency. Exceptions may be made under exceptional circumstances, such as when the employee’s long-term services are in the best interest of the University and align with its mission of instruction, research, and public service. These requests must come from the appropriate college dean, vice provost, or vice president, after consultation with ISSS and must demonstrate:
- A long-term commitment by both the department and the employee, and
- the employee’s contributions are so unique that their position would be very difficult or impossible to fill with another qualified candidate.
Under federal regulations, the sponsoring department must demonstrate that no qualified U.S. citizen or permanent resident applicants are available for the position.
Process and Considerations
To explore the possibility of sponsorship, the applicant’s supervisor or department chair should meet with ISSS to review eligibility and possible pathways. Departments should be aware that the process for obtaining permanent residency is lengthy, complex, and requires a sustained commitment from both the department and ISSS.
Sponsorship decisions must be based on business necessity and the University’s strategic priorities—not on sentiment or personal relationships. Departments should use care when exercising the University’s employment authority for immigration purposes. Sponsorship should align with CSU’s goals, policies, and U.S. immigration law.
Important: Full-time employment does not create an entitlement to sponsorship. All decisions are based on CSU’s institutional need for the employee’s unique skills and expertise. The final decision to sponsor an employee lies with the University.
Employees may pursue permanent residence independently (e.g., via extraordinary ability or national interest waiver) if the University is unable to sponsor.
Case Types Filed by ISSS
At CSU, ISSS is authorized to file the following types of employment-based permanent residency cases:
The President of CSU has authorized ISSS to collect a fee for service to cover the administrative costs of permanent residency processing. A signed fee agreement is required before beginning any case. Please note that this fee is for ISSS services only and does not guarantee any particular result or the eventual grant of permanent residency. This service is intended to provide departments with a cost-effective mechanism for advancing CSU’s commitment to a diverse faculty and workforce. In general, outside attorneys may not represent CSU in these matters.