U.S.-Based Companies
Drive Innovation at U.S.-Based Companies
Host Foreign STEM Researchers at U.S. Based Company.
Through the STEM Research Initiative, your U.S.-based company can tap into an international talent pool to accelerate research efforts and drive innovation forward.
Offering diverse, global perspectives and a breadth of specialized expertise, foreign nationals involved in research and development can help your business gain a competitive advantage—strengthening R&D teams, creating solutions for better meeting customer needs, and spurring the development of cutting-edge technologies. With the ability to host international experts for up to five years, this initiative makes it easier for U.S.-based companies of all sizes to access the global resources needed to fuel future growth.
If you are a STEM participant, sign up at STEMTalentConnect.com to start your journey.
Program Overview
From startups to Fortune 500 companies, the STEM Research Initiative offers an easier way for U.S.-based companies and institutions to source talented researchers from around the globe. Non-immigrant researchers can legally remain in the U.S. for up to five years, staying at one organization for the entire duration or transferring their J-1 visa between multiple U.S.-based companies and institutions.
Is My Company or Institution Eligible to Host Foreign STEM Researchers?
As long as your company or institution is U.S.-based companies, has enough resources to host foreign talent, and has at least one physical location in the continental United States, you could be eligible to bring in subject matter experts from anywhere in the world to aid in research and development efforts, new product development, academic studies, trials, and more. Eligible industry sectors include, but are not limited to:
- Engineering (all)
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Robotics & Automation
- Computing & Electronics
- Software Development
- Semiconductors
- Renewable Energy and Cleantech
- Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, Astronautical
- Automotive & Autonomous Vehicles
- Quantum Computing
- IT & Cybersecurity
- EdTech, AgTech, & FinTech
- Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality
- Social Science
- And more
Who Can Participate in the STEM Research Initiative?
This initiative is designed for non-immigrant foreign researchers and global experts in their respective fields, especially those interested in conducting STEM research, collaborating and exchanging ideas with their American peers, and advancing their professional prospects and network in the United States. While many participants hold master’s degrees or PhDs, foreign nationals with demonstrated expertise and a minimum of a bachelor’s degree are eligible to participate, including:
- Current J-1 Research Scholars
- Foreign nationals – R&D Experts
- F-1 Graduates
- Former Research Interns & Trainees
- Foreign employees/New hires in R&D
- Non-U.S. PhD Fellows
What Roles Are Eligible To Be Hired For?
For the purposes of this initiative, eligibility is determined more by job function than specific job titles. For this reason, U.S.-based companies without official STEM classification can still qualify to participate in the program, as long as researchers’ roles fall into certain categories. Generally, positions in research and development, applied research, applied science, research roles that help generate new products or services, and similar will qualify.
For more detailed information, review our FAQs.
Benefits Overview
Short Processing Times
- Get approvals in 6-8 weeks on average
Relatively Inexpensive
- Program sponsor fees vary company to company
Straightforward Paperwork
- Less paperwork to fill out and file
- Doesn’t require complex involvement of legal departments or outside counsel
Eligibility Based on Exchange of Ideas in STEM Research (no lotteries!)
- Offers a more guaranteed path; not subject to a lottery system
- Initiative backed by the U.S. State Department for fewer USCIS hurdles
Stay in the U.S. up to 5 years
- Researchers can stay in the U.S. for up to 5 years, making a meaningful impact on your institution’s research and driving innovation at U.S. based STEM businesses
More flexibility. Fewer Restrictions.
- Researchers can travel, lecture, and attend relevant conferences
- Easy collaboration between research Higher Ed Institutions, U.S.-based companies, and economic development organizations
- No requirement to sponsor or host researchers for the entire five years
- They can easily transfer to other research facilities, academic Higher Ed Institutions, or U.S.-based companies
- More than one site of research activity allowed
- No caps on the number of researchers your organization can bring in
- No maximum on candidate age
Support Your Mission. Enhance the Academic Experience.
- Energize your institution, scholars, faculty, researchers, and other team members through exposure to diverse perspectives, new ways of thinking, and novel approaches to problem solving
- Build your institution’s international credibility, stature, and brand
- Attract more funding and donations
- Positively affect the lives of future professionals across borders
- Create and strengthen your overseas network to partner organizations
- Set your institution apart from the competition with innovative ideas and perspectives
Provide Resources for Your Local Community & Alumni
- Foster meaningful collaborations between academia and industry to extend your impact beyond your campus
- Support local innovation hubs, startups, and other businesses
- Create jobs and nurture innovation in your city, state, and beyond
- Expand U.S.-based companies’ access to a global STEM talent pool
How it Works
STEM Expert
U.S.-Based companies
Attorneys
Sponsor
Participation Guide: How to Get Started
1 | Find a research Candidate
Instances, your current team members will have suggestions on which global experts they want to bring on board. They are likely very familiar with other experts in their field of research through publications, research conferences, and other events. Occasionally, a foreign researcher may reach out to your organization directly to express their interest. In addition, a matching platform is currently being built to match foreign researchers to relevant STEM research opportunities in the U.S. Once launched, this platform can help your organization find qualified candidates directly.
2 | Reach Out to a Sponsoring Organization
Find a sponsor to work with on the application process and throughout the course of your researchers’ stay in the U.S.
3 | Prepare Paperwork & Apply for Visa
The sponsoring organization will work with you on what paperwork and documentation you’ll need to apply for the J-1 STEM Research Visa initiative.
4 | Map Out Logistics
- What is their timeline for bringing a foreign researcher(s) over to the U.S.? Do they have a desired start date in mind?
- What is their purpose for bringing over a foreign researcher? What will the researcher’s work be focused on?
- How will the researcher collaborate with their internal teams? Who will supervise their efforts?
- How will they compensate the foreign researcher: an hourly wage, bi-monthly salary, a stipend? How much can their organization afford to pay?
- What are their desired goals and outcomes for hosting a foreign researcher? What by what date?
- How will they measure progress?
5 | Ensure a Successful Start
Make a plan for pre- and post- arrival. Consider the following:
- What will the orientation process look like for your foreign STEM researcher?
- What will ensure a successful onboarding?
- Schedule a meeting to introduce your researcher to the rest of the team.
- Prepare a list of expectations and goals for the research engagement and ensure these are communicated clearly to your research.
6 | Collaborate with Sponsors on Ongoing Administration
Facilitate transfers to other employers or academic institutions
About 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.
Learn moreFAQs for U.S.-Based Companies
Want to read other user-specific FAQs?
Can you please provide some concrete examples of off-campus STEM placements in the Short-Term Scholar Category?
Below are some concrete examples of how sponsors are implementing the STEM initiative in the Short-Term Scholar category, based on a March 2023 data snapshot. All exchange visitors are on a STEM exchange connected to a Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List.
- Through an international arts organization sponsor, an art museum hosts a Short-Term Scholar from India in the field of animation, interactive technology, video graphics, and special effects animation.
- A fermentation research and development company hosts a Shot-Term Scholar from Denmark to conduct research to improve the performance and fermentation characteristics of yeast strains.
- A science foundation partners with an international exchange organization to host a Short-Term Scholar from Japan in the field computational astrophysics.
- A university sponsors a Research Scholar in the field of astronomy and astrophysics to study solar flares at a NASA flight center.
- A not-for-profit applied science and technology development company hosts a Research Scholar from India in the field of chemical engineering hosted by a U.S. Department of Energy research laboratory.
Can you please provide some concrete examples of off-campus STEM placements in the Trainee Category?
Below are some concrete examples of how sponsors are implementing the STEM initiative in the Trainee category, based on a March 2023 data snapshot. All exchange visitors are on a STEM exchange connected to a Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List.
- A software company hosted a Trainee in the field of computer software engineering after partnering with a business association who provided sponsorship.
- A steel manufacturing company hosts an industrial engineering Trainee from Mexico, sponsored by a professional membership organization.
- A car manufacturing corporation partners with an international exchange organization to host a computer software engineering Trainee from Japan.
- A shipping logistics software company hosts a Trainee from France in the field of artificial intelligence.
Does the STEM Initiative permit a sponsor to place a J-1 research scholar with a for-profit company and can the exchange visitor receive compensation or wages from the company?
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 regulatory requirements for specific categories of the Exchange Visitor Program.
How do I sign up for the STEM Research Initiative?
The STEM Initiative will connect U.S.-based STEM entities interested in serving as host organizations with BridgeUSA sponsors of STEM-focused exchange visitors seeking opportunities in the United States.Prospective host organizations should reach out to BridgeUSA Sponsors (ECA’s implementing partners for exchanges) to determine the best fit.
I am a company interested in hosting a J-1 Research Scholar. The regulations indicate that Research Scholars may engage in research or consulting at “corporate research facilities … or similar types of institutions in the United States.” I am unsure what is meant in the regulations regarding “corporate research facilities.” Is my STEM business permitted to host a researcher?
Yes, companies are permitted by current regulations to host J-1 Research Scholars onsite at their respective places of business. The purpose of the Research Scholars category of the Exchange Visitor Program is to foster the exchange of ideas between Americans and foreign nationals and to stimulate international collaborative teaching, lecturing, and research efforts. A STEM business does not have to have an independent research division to qualify as a host organization. A company, organization, or similar entity may host a J-1 Research Scholar, as long as it can ensure that program requirements are being met, the field of research aligns with the prospective exchange visitor’s area of study, and the host organization maintains the ability, personnel, and resources to achieve the goals and objectives of the Research Scholar’s program. Sponsors and host organizations have a shared responsibility to ensure whether a host organization will be a good match for an exchange visitor (e.g., determining that the necessary infrastructure is in place to host and support that exchange visitor during the program).
Resources
Supplementary Resources for U.S.-Based Companies
