Skip to content

Immigration Services

Legal Permanent Residency (LPR) Sponsorship at Clemson University

Clemson University values the contributions of our international faculty, staff, and researchers. As part of the Office of Global Engagement, Immigration Services supports employment-based visa and permanent residency (green card) petitions in partnership with approved immigration attorneys.

Legal permanent residents (LPRs), or green card holders, are non-citizens legally authorized to live and work permanently within the U.S. While LPRs enjoy many rights – such as an offer of employment without special restrictions, owning property and applying for financial aid – their status is different from U.S. citizenship since LPRs remain nationals of their home country. They also may not vote or hold elected office in the U.S. Eligible LPRs may later apply for U.S. citizenship.

Clemson’s Role in the LPR Process

Clemson sponsors employment-based permanent residency for eligible faculty and staff.

We:

  • Coordinate with SC Attorney General–approved immigration attorneys.
  • Assist with documentation and internal approval processes.
  • Ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws and institutional policy.

Sponsorship Requirements

  • Sponsorship must follow Clemson’s internal approval process and meet federal eligibility standards.
  • The hiring department may pay up to $5,000 in legal service fees and optionally up to $5,000 in USCIS filing fees.
  • Employees are responsible for any additional legal or USCIS fees, including those for dependents.

Key Steps in the Process

  1. PERM Labor Certification: Required for most cases; must be filed within 18 months of job offer for “special handling” eligibility.
  2. Form I-140: Filed after PERM approval to classify the employee as eligible for an immigrant visa.
  3. Form I-485: Filed when a visa is available, to adjust the employee’s status to LPR.
  4. Supplement J: Confirms continued job offer during I-485 review.

Important Notes for Tenure-Track Faculty

Departments hiring tenure-track or long-term contract faculty should initiate LPR sponsorship early. “Special handling” labor certification requires specific recruitment documentation and must be filed within 18 months of the job offer.

Approved Immigration Attorneys

Clemson requires the use of one of the three attorneys approved by the SC Attorney General’s Office when institutional funds or signatures are involved. Each offers a free initial consultation:

Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.

  • Special Counsel - Garrett D. Steck.
  • Located in Greenville, Charleston, Columbia, and Florence, South Carolina.
  • Phone is (864) 240-3300.

Lawrence J. Needle, P.A. | South Carolina Immigration Lawyer

  • Located in Columbia, Charleston, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
  • Phone (803) 376-1203.

Weinstock Immigration Lawyers

  • Located in Atlanta, Georgia.
  • Phone (770) 913-0800.

Next Steps

To begin the LPR sponsorship process, departments must submit:

  • The Request for University Support form,
  • The original job offer letter,
  • The position advertisement,
  • The candidate’s CV or resume.

These documents are submitted to Immigration Services, which coordinates with the attorney and the Office of General Counsel.

Contact Immigration Services with any questions regarding eligibility, timelines, or required documentation.

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and not legal advice. Final decisions regarding immigration benefits are made by the U.S. government based on individual eligibility.