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New Program For J-1 STEM International Students

New Program For J-1 STEM International Students

To help the United States’ economic recovery, the U.S. wants to attract more foreign J-1 STEM (science, technology, engineering or mathematics) talent. The Departments of State and Homeland Security announced a new immigration program to increase opportunities for foreign STEM scholars, students, researchers and other experts on a J-1 visa and the U.S. businesses that want to employ them. The Early Career STEM Research Initiative will facilitate training for undergraduate and pre-doctoral university students in STEM fields on a J-1 academic visa for up to 36 months. BridgeUSA is the Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) under the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).

The J-1 visa extension applies to the 2021-22 and 2022-23 academic years.

What Is A J-1 Visa?

J-1 visas are for nonimmigrants participating in exchange programs such as short-term scholars and university students. To qualify for a J-1 visa, foreign applicants must be primarily in the United States to study, pursue training that is directly related to their major field of study, and either engage in a full course of study or commence with their academic training within 30 days after completion of their related studies.

Qualifications for a J-1 STEM Extension

Eligibility requirements for the J-1 STEM extension include:

  • Be on post-completion and hold an appropriate degree in one of the DHS-approved STEM fields.
  • Be employed by or have a job offer from an employer who is registered with the E-Verify employment verification system.
  • Have fewer than 90 days of unemployment while on OPT.
  • USCIS must receive the application before the expiration date on the current EAD.

A student visa immigration attorney can help you apply for a student visa, and avoid the simple mistakes or missed deadlines that can lead to your application being denied.

Learn More:

New Guidance on O-1A Visa Requirements
Expansion of STEM Optional Practical Training

Contact an Experienced  Cook or DuPage County Student Visa Attorney

It can be confusing for international students to apply and receive their student visas in a timely manner to attend their course of study. Mario Godoy and the other experienced immigration attorneys at the Godoy Law Office can assess your situation and advise you on your best options to apply for a student visa. Call today at 630-912-0322.  

 

Mario Godoy
Mario Godoy
Immigration Lawyer and Illinois Crimmigration Attorney

Immigration Attorney Mario Godoy has years of experience guiding clients with immigration issues through the immigration process along with guiding clients through the criminal case. Godoy focuses on family-based immigration law, business immigration law, removal defense, and criminal defense representation of immigrants. A criminal charge or conviction can be devastating to your immigration case. With over a decade of immigration law experience and memories of family members who were deported due to bad legal advice, Godoy is committed to helping other immigrant families receive the legal justice they deserve. As a legal entrepreneur who practices immigration law, criminal law, estate and probate law, and running two successful law firms, Mario Godoy understands the importance of keeping families together and making a home and future in America.

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