The Early Career STEM Research Initiative, facilitated by U.S. Department of State-designated BridgeUSA sponsors, gives STEM businesses in the U.S. the opportunity to connect with J-1 exchange visitors in search of research experience and training. By hosting exchange visitors, an employer can expand its business network, diversify its teams, and gain an international point of view. Through firsthand professional experience at a U.S. company, participants can develop new skills and improve existing ones.
The New Designation
As a BridgeUSA sponsor, SHRM has a new three-in-one designation combining Research Scholar, Short-Term Scholar, and Specialist. This new designation allows foreign experts to conduct research, lecture, observe, consult, or offer specialized knowledge or skills at U.S. organizations. The purpose of the new J-1 Research Scholar, Short-Term Scholar, Specialist Visa is to enable businesses and institutions to recruit global experts and researchers, encouraging the exchange of knowledge and innovation under a nonimmigrant, temporary visa.
Research Scholar, Short-Term Scholar, Specialist visitors may stay in the country from three weeks to five years. In addition, they may participate on a repeat basis with no waiting period, which is the perfect solution for companies hoping to improve their research and development faculties with the best talent from around the world.
Eligibility
The ideal candidate for SHRM’s new J-1 designation is a foreign national with significant expertise in their field. To qualify, they must work as a researcher, professor, or subject-matter expert in corporate research, academia, specialized institutions, or other institutions. The purpose of the visit should be to conduct research, observe, lecture, consult, train, or demonstrate special skills at U.S. academic institutions, corporate research facilities, research organizations, or other organizations.
During their exchange, the visitor will participate in long-term collaborative research with U.S. colleagues. This designation is thus a perfect fit for researchers, scholars, and specialists in any field who hope to contribute to global projects with the help of U.S. professional and academic resources.
Next Steps for Interested Hosts
Organizations interested in hosting exchange visitors via the new designation should contact SHRM on the “Get Started” page. SHRM will act as a resource and partner during the exchange, walking the hosting organization through the sponsorship of J-1 visitors and otherwise assisting with program compliance and implementation.
For more information on the program and FAQs, organizations may refer to FAQ: J1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions. For questions, please get in touch with SHRM’s J-1 Visa Team at evp@shrm.org.
Rachel Zheliabovskii is a specialist, B2C content, at SHRM.
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