iJOBS Seminar: New Immigration Pathway for Industry Jobs through Rutgers J-1 STEM Research Sponsorship Program

For those not well-informed about the J-1 visa, here is what you should know before discussing the J-1 STEM Research Sponsorship Program.

Exchange Visitor (J) visas are non-immigrant visas granted to individuals approved for temporary cultural exchange programs in the United States. Their primary mission is to promote mutual understanding and cultural exchange through research, teaching, and cultural initiative programs. Given their temporary nature, individuals issued a J-1 visa can stay in the U.S. for up to five years. Afterward, they are required to either leave the country or transfer to another visa category.

J-1 visas cover several categories: professor, research scholar, and student. If you are a visiting scholar, such as a postdoctoral researcher, you fall under the research scholar category of the J-1 visa program. This category aims to facilitate work-based learning and collaborative research between the U.S. and foreign countries. It is important to note that the J-1 visa is not intended for ordinary jobs or skilled labor. Program sponsors, such as academic institutions, must ensure that J-1 visa holders progress in their research and participate in cross-cultural programs in the U.S.

J-1 STEM Research Sponsorship Program

The J-1 STEM Research Sponsorship Program, announced by the Biden administration in 2022, remains a viable pathway. This initiative opens new opportunities for J-1 scholars and F-1 students who wish to pursue careers in private STEM research companies in the U.S. Through this program, private companies can partner with academic institutions to sponsor international STEM researchers.

Traditionally, H-1B Temporary Employment Visas have been the primary option for hiring international talent in specialty occupations requiring the theoretical and practical application of specialized knowledge. You might wonder, “How does the J-1 STEM Research Sponsorship Program differ from the H-1B visa?”

Compared to the H-1B visa, the J-1 STEM Research Sponsorship Program offers several advantages. First, because H-1B visas are capped, applicants must go through a lottery system. As a result, even if a company is willing to hire and sponsor you, you may not receive an H-1B visa. However, the J-1 STEM Research Sponsorship Program does not involve a lottery system, providing certainty for employees and employers.

There are also differences in the application process. H-1B visas must be processed through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), making the application process longer and more expensive. In contrast, J-1 STEM Research Sponsorship Program applications are processed much more quickly and involve fewer government fees. Employers also benefit from this initiative, as it allows them to access a more diverse talent pool without being restricted by the limitations of H-1B visas.

How the J-1 STEM Research Sponsorship Program Works

So far, this program sounds promising, doesn’t it? Let’s explore how the J-1 STEM Research Sponsorship Program and its application process work.

The host company (a STEM research company that wants to hire you) contacts RU Global. RU Global collects information and verifies the employer and employee’s eligibility. If everything checks out, RU Global reaches an agreement with the host company and issues a DS-2019 form for the employee.

Since this initiative is part of the Exchange Visitor Program, the sponsor, host company, and participant must fulfil specific roles:

Host Company Eligibility Requirements

As you can see, host companies must meet specific eligibility criteria. Here are the key requirements:

• The host company must be a STEM research company, and the job must align with the participant’s research background.
• The company must provide the exchange visitor with valuable skills, education, and experience in a STEM field.
• It must have the personnel, facilities, and resources to support work-based training.
• The job must require the employee to be on-site at the employer’s premises for at least three days per week.
• The host company must monitor the participant’s progress and well-being.
• The company must have a designated supervisor overseeing the employee’s day-to-day work.

Final Considerations

The J-1 STEM Research Sponsorship Program is relatively new, and many employers may not be aware of it. As an applicant, you can inform your potential employer about the program and seek guidance from RU Global.

This program is available to:

• Researchers currently on a J-1 visa who wish to transition into a STEM research company.
• International research scholars applying from abroad who qualify for a J-1 visa.
• F-1 visa holders, though they are encouraged first to use their Optional Practical Training (OPT)benefit, which allows them to work in a STEM field for up to 36 months before transitioning to a J-1 visa.

Currently, the J-1 STEM Research Sponsorship Program is available within the Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania). Therefore, applicants must seek employment in these states.

For more information, feel free to contact Asenath Lutabingwa, Executive Director for International Faculty & Scholar Services at RU Global.

This article was edited by Junior Editor Janaina Cruz Pereira and Senior Editor Joycelyn Radeny.