UVA_HRSupporting Foreign Nationals at UVA
Tim White, UVA HR Immigration Services Manager, has significantly impacted the lives of thousands of foreign nationals at the University of Virginia, many of whom are now permanent residents. With over fifteen years of service to UVA and its international employees, his strategies and dedication have enhanced UVA’s standard of immigration support for the international community.
Comprehensive Support
Tim ensures that every foreign national and UVA department has the necessary information to navigate immigration complexities. He is known for his prompt and thoughtful responses, often being available by phone or Zoom night or day to answer questions or address issues, and attending international recruiting events to help attract top candidates and explain the process of working at UVA. His commitment to exceptional customer service is evident in his interactions, and he is trusted by those across the University for his immigration expertise.
In 2024, Tim met with nearly 200 foreign nationals, many of whom were new to Charlottesville or the U.S. His compassionate approach makes foreign nationals feel assured and understood. His kindness and empathy towards these individuals reduces their anxiety and ensures that everyone feels welcomed and part of the UVA community. He receives accolades from colleagues, departments, and potential candidates for his clear communication and proactive responses.
Broad Outreach
Tim serves as the liaison for permanent residence cases that are outsourced to law firms. He maintains regular communication and monitoring between departments, foreign nationals, and law firms.
He has facilitated the hiring of Canadian nurses, traveling to Canada with UVA nurse recruiters to provide comprehensive information about visa categories and pathways to permanent residency, promoting inclusion and diversity within the nursing staff. The team also processes employment visas for individuals worldwide, filing the cases and offering assistance every step of the way to the departments, units, and candidates.
Expertise and Recognition
Tim’s expertise is recognized by law firms, and he was invited by Fragomen to present at the NAFSA conference alongside their attorneys. This highlights his value as an HR team member and his commitment to sharing knowledge.
He maintains positive relationships with various departments and offers presentations to equip them with immigration knowledge, enhancing the overall customer service experience at UVA.
Teamwork and Collaboration
Tim and his team exemplify outstanding teamwork and dedication to customer service. Their collective efforts ensure that the solutions provided by their office effectively support foreign national employees. For example, in 2024 the team collaborated closely with the HR Business Operations team to shift away from paper checks for immigration filings to the T&E card payment system. This allowed for significantly faster case preparation and filing. By embracing a collaborative approach, they consistently address individual concerns and enhance the overall experience for everyone involved.
The team manages a suite of Immigration Services webpages on the HR website that guide applicants through the process of working at UVA if they are from a country outside of the U.S. They offer immigration-related assistance and resources, as well as oversee, facilitate, and monitor foreign national immigration petition filing to ensure that nonimmigrant visa and permanent residency (green card) processing is completed in accordance with relevant regulations. A primary responsibility of the team is to guide foreign nationals and hiring units for the duration of the immigration process, usually beginning with temporary status and ending with permanent residence.
Tim White’s exceptional leadership and dedication to immigration services have made a tremendous impact on UVA’s community. His efforts have created a welcoming environment for foreign nationals, making him a deserving candidate for the HR Pillar Award. Tim’s commitment to outstanding customer service and continuous improvement is invaluable to the UVA community.