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

Diverse executive team people discussing company stats.

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.

People stick together with various country flags.

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.

Read 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

Bottom up view of national flags together.

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 more

FAQs for U.S.-Based Companies

Want to read other user-specific FAQs?

Which BridgeUSA categories are eligible to participate in the STEM Research Initiative?

Eligible categories for participation include Professors and Research Scholars, Short-term Scholars, Trainees and Interns, College and University Students, and Specialists.

Who is eligible to be a host organization for the STEM Initiative?

Any organization or business (including non-profits, for-profits, foundations, or laboratories) can potentially serve as a host organization for STEM research or training. A business does not need an independent research division to qualify as a host organization. Further, an exchange visitor can be placed at a host organization that offers placements in STEM, but whose core business isn’t STEM-focused.STEM exchange visitors hosted by a business must be engaged in an activity that is linked to the subject/field code (CIP code) that is listed in section four on the exchange visitor’s Form DS-2019.There are two key criteria to determine whether a STEM business (host organization) can serve as a viable host placement: 1) ability to provide authentic training or research activities that align with the exchange visitor’s program objectives as listed on their Form DS-2019 and 2) ability to provide program activities consistent with the exchange visitor’s field of study or research, which is listed as a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) STEM Designated Degree Program.

Will the initiative affect the home-residency requirement for exchange visitors?

The initiative will not affect the home-residency requirement for exchange visitors. Some exchange visitors are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement following their exchange program. Please visit https://travel.state.gov for additional information.