A Creative Solution We Pioneered
Through the efforts of U.S. Practice Director Jonathan Grode and the French-American Chamber of Commerce, Green and Spiegel U.S. has developed a novel solution that benefits universities and entrepreneurs alike – The J-1 Incubator Program.
Since the program’s launch in 2015, the U.S. Department of State granted multiple university clients the ability to utilize the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program to support increased start-up creation for international researchers at on-campus university incubators. This novel, cutting-edge use of the J-1 visa allows on-campus university-affiliated incubators the ability to attract visiting entrepreneurs, who, in turn, can operate their start-ups with legal U.S. status. Touted by state governments as a job creator, the J-1 Incubator program offers another solution to immigration status issues for entrepreneurs.
Use And Expansion
Through the J-1 Incubator Program and in conjunctions with the Firm’s participation in InAGrad (“Innovation After Graduation”), U.S. graduates and others may research and commence their business ideas in conjunction with a university’s incubator for up to five years. This option provides an avenue for foreign business owners who might not qualify for a Treaty Investor (E-2) visa, and otherwise would not be able to meet the corporate, employment, and salary requirements of a specialty occupation (H-1B) visa.
For more information on how the InAGrad Program can assist you or your institution, please contact us.