Under federal Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), US employers must seek and receive a license before releasing controlled technology or technical data to non-immigrant workers employed in H-1B status. Even if such information is released to the H-1B employee within the US, the regulations consider the release a “deemed export” as if the information had actually been sent to the H-1B employee’s home country.
In essence, the EAR pertains to the production, development, or use of “dual use” items found on the Commerce Control List, while the ITAR pertains to technical data directly related to defense articles found on the US Munitions List.
As part of the USCIS forms to file an H-1B petition, UAB is required to attest and certify that it has reviewed the EAR and ITAR and determined whether or not controlled technology or technical data will be a deemed export in this situation and has applied for a license, if necessary.
For additional background and help determining whether export control regulations will apply to your international hire, please refer to the Export Control Office’s Export Control Decision Tree.