As explained in the DOS guidance for Responsible Officers of designated programs, the program sponsor must ensure that STEM Initiative exchange visitors have a positive experience, paying close attention to their health and welfare while on program and providing appropriate orientations, oversight, and cross-cultural experiences. Regular check-ins (often but not exclusively by email) and a … Read more
FAQ Category: Government
Yes. A chamber of commerce, economic development agency, industry trade group, or private corporation could help build capacity for its members by underwriting the cost of becoming its own designated J-1 program sponsor or creating its own hub with an existing designated sponsor. Details on applying for designation are available here: https://j1visa.state.gov/sponsors/become-a-sponsor/
Yes, community colleges are eligible to apply for Department designation to become an Exchange Visitor Program sponsor. Details on applying for designation are available here: https://j1visa.state.gov/sponsors/become-a-sponsor/. Regardless of the sponsor type, the J-1 categories eligible for the STEM Research Initiative include College and University Student (Student Intern and Academic Training), Intern, Trainee, Specialist, Short term … Read more
Responsible Officers have the discretion to request “Permission to Issue” Forms DS-2019 from the Department on behalf of non-designated academic or research institutions if sponsors determine such placements support the purpose of BridgeUSA, and the applicants and proposed institutions meet all eligibility and program requirements set forth in 22 CFR Part 62 BridgeUSA Regulations. The … Read more
Yes. A J-1 Research Scholar can continue their research off campus with a STEM business if the primary objective of the exchange will remain the same e.g., to research a particular subject. Department-designated sponsors must have robust procedures in place to confirm the bona fides of any host organization, lab, or office that will serve … Read more
Yes. For example, a Department-designated university can sponsor a J-1 Research Scholar to conduct research at a STEM business. This includes STEM start-ups.
Prospective host organizations should reach out to Department-designated sponsors (ECA’s implementing partners for exchanges) to determine program eligibility and best fit. After interested parties connect, sponsors and host organizations will follow their own internal procedures to determine whether a placement meets category-specific regulatory requirements and the goals and objectives of the Exchange Visitor Program.For host … Read more
Yes. The school may place the J-1 research scholar with an off-campus host as long as the research scholar is conducting research consistent with their original program objectives. The host organization does not need to have any affiliation with the school. Examples include a startup that is affiliated with a faculty member of the school … Read more
Host organizations (e.g., STEM businesses) can pay wages or other remuneration directly to research scholars during their programs. Sponsors should document the wages or other remuneration and update existing financial information in SEVIS for the selected exchange visitor. Sponsors should print updated Forms DS-2019, which will reflect the total financial support, sign it, and provide … Read more
Yes. Department-designated sponsors must have robust procedures in place to confirm the legitimacy of any host organization, lab, or office that will serve as a host their exchange visitors. Research scholars may receive wages or other remuneration as long as the individual is conducting research consistent with their original program objectives. STEM placements meet the … Read more