A number of U.S. colleges are using a legal ambiguity to help international
entrepreneurs stay in America after graduating by hiring them upon graduation.
While most foreign students would be required to compete for one of the
United States’ 85,000 annual H-1B visas through its lottery system
after graduation, federal rules state that employees of universities or
companies that serve them are exempt from this system.
As it stands, at least six different colleges have announced plans to hire
foreign graduates on a part-time basis or allow them to house their companies
on campus as a means of qualifying for this exemption. Babson College
is now starting its own program, following the introduction of a similar
program at the University of Massachusetts.
While these “global entrepreneur in residence programs” provide
an opportunity for both colleges to attract talented youth and for foreign
workers to more easily pursue employment opportunities in America, critics
in Congress have said that the practice’s legality is questionable.
Since the provision to exempt university employees from the H-1B lottery
was originally created to help colleges hire researchers, certain members
of congress have called the practice an exploitation of a legal loophole
and a “backhanded attempt” to skirt federal rules.
H-1B Visa Lawyers in Washington, D.C.
If you are in need of an
H-1B employment visa, contact USILaw today. Our team of knowledgeable advocates are passionate
about matching talent with opportunity and can provide the strong legal
guidance you need to take the guesswork out of the immigration process.
To find out more about how we can assist you, call (800) 335-8520 today.