CT Global Talent Initiative – STEM Research Program

Program Description

The CT Global Talent Initiative - STEM Research Program helps organizations in the state of Connecticut attract international talent to engage in STEM research positions by partnering with UConn's BridgeUSA J-1 visa program. This program helps the state of Connecticut attract and retain global STEM research talent, and supports the University's strategic goal of powering a thriving Connecticut. Aligning with the Department of State's BridgeUSA Early Career Stem Research Initiative, the CT Global Talent Initiative - STEM Research Program promotes a mutually beneficial cultural exchange experience for international exchange visitors and host organizations in Connecticut.

Apply to be a Host Organization

Request Visa Sponsorship

 

 

Students in lab

(Al Ferreira/UConn Photo)

How the Program Works

  1. Organizations will apply to be approved as a host organization to engage individuals as J-1 exchange visitors under the CT Global Talent Initiative.
  2. UConn will set up a meeting with the organization to discuss further details of the program. After this meeting, the host organization applicant will pay the application fee.
  3. UConn will conduct a site visit to the organization where the exchange visitors will work and coordinate a Visa Affiliation agreement to finalize the terms of cooperation.
  4. Once the agreement is finalized, the host organization can request UConn's J-1 visa sponsorship for eligible exchange visitors, and J-2 visa sponsorship for their eligible accompanying family members.
  5. UConn will offer visa sponsorship in maximum one-year increments, with option to extend (in most cases) for up to 5 years.
  6. UConn will maintain communication with the host organization and the sponsored exchange visitors throughout the period of visa sponsorship to ensure the program is compliant with the BridgeUSA J-1 visa program.

Host Organization (Employer) and Position Eligibility

  • The host organization has a business location in Connecticut where the exchange visitor's work will take place.
  • The position is full time and at least 60% in-person (up to 40% of work hours may be remote).
  • Responsibilities must have a research component and the work must related to one of the DHS STEM Eligible fields.
  • The exchange visitor's salary must align with the host organization's salaries for similarly situated U.S. employees in similar roles, but no less than the "Required annual income before taxes" identified by the MIT Living Wage Calculator for the employment location in Connecticut, by county.

Exchange Visitor Eligibility (Employee)

  • The employee must be already in the United States on a nonimmigrant visa and has the ability to obtain J-1 visa status or be a noncitizen who is located abroad with the ability to come to the U.S. on a J-1 visa.
  • Earned Bachelor's degree (minimum) and has appropriate experience and qualifications for the research position, as evaluated through the hiring process.
  • English proficiency demonstrated by a valid English language test score: TOEFL - 79; IELTS - 6.5; CEFR - B2; Duolingo - 100.
  • Health insurance meeting the full benefit requirements for the J-1 visa program.
  • Must agree to maintain contact with UConn and participate in scheduled check-ins with UConn as visa sponsor and abide by all J-1 visa regulations.

Host Organization Responsibilities

  • Ensure the exchange visitor is employed according to all local, state and federal laws, including export controls regulations and labor regulations.
  • Provide the research scholar with an orientation to the workplace and in-person work site.
  • Provide intentional opportunities for the research scholar to engage with U.S. culture.
  • Provide data to UConn needed for its annual report to the Department of State for continued J-1 visa sponsorship approval.
  • Maintain regular communication with UConn as outlined in the UConn-Host Organization agreement.
  • Provide UConn access to the work location for site visits or visits with the exchange visitor, as needed.

UConn Responsibilities

  • Work with approved host organizations to provide J-1 visa sponsorship for qualifying employees and J-2 visa sponsorship for their qualifying accompanying dependent family members.
  • Advise the host organization on their responsibilities to host exchange visitors under UConn's J-1 visa program.
  • Advise exchange visitors on the visa process and requirements to maintain J-1/J-2 visa status throughout the program.
  • Provide a required orientation to the J-1/J-2 visa regulations to each exchange visitor hired through the Early Career STEM Initiative
  • Complete required reporting in the DHS Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) as necessary to maintain the J-1/J-2 status.

Program Fees

Program fees cover UConn's operational costs to administer the program. Please inquire with GTDI about program fees.

 

Program Contacts

Contact for New Host Organizations:

Host organizations interested in learning more about the program may contact Tolga Turker, at atturker@uconn.edu.