U.S. Work Authorization and Visa Sponsorship

Wake Forest University values international talent and provides sponsorship for various U.S. employment-based nonimmigrant visas, including H-1B, O-1, and J-1, in coordination with our Center for Immigration Services and Support. All official offers of employment are contingent upon the candidate obtaining and maintaining valid work authorization in the United States throughout their period of employment.

This page provides important information regarding the University’s current policies and funding constraints surrounding visa sponsorship at the departmental level.

Recently, many U.S. employers, including Wake Forest University, have been impacted by a significant increase in supplemental fees mandated by a recent Presidential proclamation, “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers,” (the “Presidential Proclamation”) applicable to foreign nationals who are outside the U.S. or seeking admission to the U.S. in H-1B status for the first time. This Presidential Proclamation required a $100,000 fee for an H-1B employee who was currently outside the U.S.

In June 2026, a federal district court ruled that the Presidential Proclamation was unlawful. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) appealed the federal district court’s ruling, and their appeal was recently denied. This means that the federal district court’s ruling remains in place and the $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications is currently blocked and not in effect. 

DHS stated they will comply with the federal district court’s ruling and will pause enforcement of the $100,000 fee while considering further legal steps. If the district court’s ruling is later reversed, DHS has indicated that it plans to seek recoupment of the $100,000 fee from employers. U.S. laws would require that these fees be borne by the employer, and not the prospective employee. These cases are ongoing, and we will continue to monitor and provide relevant updates.

This information is meant to clarify the legal and financial constraints the University must navigate with respect to supplemental H-1B fees. Your attention to this important matter is appreciated as you consider employment at Wake Forest University.

If you have questions about the contents of this policy page, please contact Human Resources at .