Global Services

Transition FAQs – Visa

How does the transition impact:

There is no DACA impact; the transition activities do not change your status or work permit (EAD).

For all Active F-1 Students in CPT, 1st year OPT or STEM OPT EAD, you must notify your US university of the change in Fermilab’s operating contractor from Fermi Research Alliance, LLC to Fermi Forward Discovery Group, LLC. Once your US University issues a new Form I-20, you must upload it to your Docketwise profile. Please contact the Visa Office if you do not already have a Docketwise account or you need another invite to access it.

  • Additional requirements for STEM OPT EAD. Specifically, you must also submit a new Form I-983 to your US University. Once your US University issues a new Form I-20, you must upload it to your Docketwise profile. Please contact the Visa Office if you have not yet completed this task, or if you do not already have a Docketwise account or you need another invite to access it.
  • Additional Requirements for Active F-1 Students in CPT. After receiving your notification of the change in Fermilab contractor, your US university may request a new letter describing your employment offer. If you receive this request, please contact the Visa Office for further assistance.
  • Travel is not affected. Proceed as if nothing has changed – if you already have a valid visa stamp you can use it. If you need a new visa stamp, contact your US university for guidance.

Your current H-1B status, with the Approval Notice listing Fermi Research Alliance, LLC as the sponsor, remains valid for its entire validity period. If you already have an FRA H-1B Visa Stamp in your passport, that visa stamp also remains valid for its entire validity period. FermiForward is a successor-in-interest to FRA, so H-1B status and already issued visa stamps remain valid.

Your travel plans may warrant additional action on your part. For example:

  • If traveling abroad and applying for a NEW H-1B visa stamp to return to the US, and you still hold the H-1B status pursuant to the petition filed under the FRA, contact the Visa Office immediately, as this requires a new H-1B petition prepared, filed, and approved on your behalf before you may schedule the visa appointment.
  • If traveling abroad and returning to the US with VALID FRA H-1B visa stamp, please carry the H-1B Successor-in-Interest letter sent out on January 1, as well as a recent Employment Confirmation Letter from the Records Office. Contact the Visa Office if you have questions.
    • Please present ONLY the passport with the valid H-1B visa stamp to start – most entries do not require any further documents. ***IF*** the CBP officer mentions the sponsor name, only then present the Successor letter.

Fermilab’s J-1 program designations seamlessly transferred from FRA to FermiForward on January 1, 2025.

J-1 visa holders’ presence in the US remains valid, even if the DS-2019 lists FRA as the sponsor.

  • If traveling abroad and returning to the US with VALID J-1 visa stamp, please carry the Successor-in-Interest letter sent out on January 1. Contact the Visa Office if you have questions.
    • Please present ONLY the passport with the valid J-1 visa stamp + DS-2019 with a valid Travel Signature to start – most entries do not require any further documents. ***IF*** the CBP officer mentions the sponsor name, only then present the Successor letter.
  • If traveling abroad and applying for a NEW J-1 visa stamp to return to the US , please contact the Visa Office, who will issue you a new Form DS-2019 showing FermiForward in the sponsor name field.

If your LPR application has already been approved and you possess a valid LPR card – there is no change to your status or work permit. Additional circumstances and potential impacts are noted below:

  • If your LPR application has been filed and USCIS Receipts issued, no action is needed at this time. You may be contacted on a case-by-case basis. As usual, you must contact the Visa Office if you receive any communication from the USCIS regarding your case.
  • There is NO effect on your travel. Please continue as usual – carry your valid passport and green card.

FermiForward O-1 petitions were filed and approved in 2024. All employees holding O-1 status should contact the Visa Office with any questions about their status or travel.

New TN petitions were filed and approved in 2024. All employees holding TN status should contact the Visa Office with any questions about their status or travel.