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The paths to PR listed above are all employer-sponsored paths, meaning that UT is sponsoring the employee. In an employer-sponsored petition, the employer must take an active role in the process, pay the costs, and take on certain compliance obligations. However, there are other paths available that don’t require the employer’s involvement. These are called self-sponsored petitions, because the employee sponsors himself/herself and UT has no official role to play in the petition. If an employee chooses a self-sponsored path, the employee pays all related fees. UT faculty and staff may write recommendation letters in relation to such petitions but may not sign any immigration documents. The self-sponsored paths include:
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