STEM Research Initiative
Accelerating Research.
Advancing Innovation.
Learn more about the STEM Research Initiative
In an effort to expand opportunities to bring a global perspective to STEM research in the United States, the U.S. Department of State announced the STEM Research Initiative using the J-1 Research Scholar visa under existing law and regulation. The STEM Research Initiative makes it easier for foreign nationals involved in research and development, at all degree levels, to collaborate with U.S.-based companies and institutions, including an up to five year period of stay.
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BENEFITS OVERVIEW
Benefits of the STEM Research Initiative
Short processing times
Straightforward paperwork
Relatively inexpensive
Eligibility based on exchange of ideas in STEM research (no lotteries!)
Stay in the U.S.
up to 5 years
Flexible
FOR U.S.-based companies
Accelerate Your Company’s R&D with Foreign STEM Researchers
Bring a Global Perspective to Your Business
Bring a global perspective to your business by hosting a foreign STEM researcher. Through the STEM Research Initiative, you can hire global experts for roles in R&D or any STEM-related project, even if your business isn’t classified as a STEM organization. Backed by the U.S. Department of State, this initiative gives U.S.-based companies the opportunity to host foreign talent for up to five years—allowing researchers to make a meaningful impact, while advancing innovation at your business.
Learn moreFOR Higher Education INSTITUTIONS
Sponsor Foreign STEM Researchers at Your Institution
Advance Research. Facilitate Collaboration. Foster Innovation.
Whether you’re a university, research facility, nonprofit, or other institution, the STEM Research Initiative provides a surefire path towards sponsoring or hosting global experts in your field of research. Accelerating innovation while fostering collaboration, the STEM Research Initiative allows foreign researchers to remain in the U.S. for up to five years—allowing them to build their network, while advancing research efforts at your institution. Backed by the U.S. Department of State, this initiative allows you to bring a diverse, global perspective to your research efforts, while supporting your institution’s mission.
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FOR STEM Experts
Advance Your Research & Your Career in the U.S
As a foreign national involved in research and development, the STEM Research Initiative provides you with a unique opportunity to advance your research abroad in collaboration with U.S. experts. Allowing individuals to conduct research in the United States for up to five years, the STEM Research Initiative will help you discover innovative approaches, access new ideas, and connect with American experts in your field—all while building a strong international network. Offering the flexibility to apply your research skills at multiple businesses and institutions, this initiative delivers a straightforward path towards exploring professional and research opportunities in the United States.
Learn moreAbout the STEM Research Initiative
The STEM Research Initiative is a collaboration between the U.S. Department of State, sponsoring organizations and U.S.-based companies electing to host foreign nationals involved in research and development at their organization. Developed by the State Department with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the initiative was devised to make it easier for U.S.-based companies and institutions to tap into a diverse well of overseas talent and global perspectives. By nurturing collaboration between domestic and foreign researchers, it aims to advance innovation and accelerate STEM research in the U.S. and beyond.
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