Permanent Residency

Before initiating any discussions regarding permanent residence with Drexel as a sponsor, please read the permanent residency policy set forth by the Office of the Provost.

Under Federal law, there are strict requirements applicable to Permanent Residence status for foreign nationals who intend to reside in the United States permanently. There are several bases on which a foreign national may apply for Lawful Permanent Residence status. For this reason, you must use an ISSS-appointed immigration attorney for filing the application.

Payment of Costs and Fees Associated with Sponsorship

For planning purposes, foreign nationals seeking sponsorship with Drexel University should be aware that Drexel University is only required to pay the fees the Department of Labor requires sponsoring employers to pay at the time the application is submitted. It is at the discretion of each department as to who pays all other fees such as attorney and filing fees.

Drexel departments interested in sponsoring a foreign national for permanent residence should reach out to isss@drexel.edu to discuss sponsorship options and approximate fees. Once Drexel ISSS has confirmed departmental support for permanent residence, Drexel ISSS will connect the sponsoring department with outside counsel who will initiate petition proceedings. Please direct questions about the permanent residency process to isss@drexel.edu.