What is WPI’s Missions Statement?
WPI educates talented men and women in engineering, science, management, and
humanities in preparation for careers of professional practice, civic contribution, and
leadership, facilitated by active lifelong learning. This educational process is true to the
founders’ directive to create, to discover, and to convey knowledge at the frontiers of
academic inquiry for the betterment of society. Knowledge is created and discovered in the
scholarly activities of faculty and students ranging across educational methodology,
professional practice, and basic research. Knowledge is conveyed through scholarly
publication and instruction.
What is the purpose of this program?
The Global Entrepreneur-in-Residence (GEIR) gives entrepreneurs whose occupational training is ending a chance to have additional time (up to 6 years) to remain in US to develop a high potential business and obtain an employment-based green card.
Most international students have an F-1 visa that allows them to study in the US and continue in occupational training for (science, technology, engineering or math degrees) for an additional 12 or 29 months after graduation.
The H-1B is the standard nonimmigrant visa for those who wish to remain in the US to work, but there are only 85,000 issued each year and the quota is exhausted within a few days. For entrepreneurs an additional challenge is that when assessing an H-1B application, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services will look at the ownership and strength of the company. However, a startup requires time to generate the funding, customers or revenue to qualify.
By partnering with the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) under its nonprofit research institution status (exempt from the H-1B cap), GEIR helps entrepreneurs obtain a cap-exempt H-1B visa to stay in the U.S. and continue to build a startup company.
Who is eligible?
- Students who has a minimum of an undergraduate degree or above in STEM or related business fields and able to obtain an H1-B Visa
- Students who are currently in OPT/starting OPT
- Students who have created a company with high growth potential which underway in terms of financing and governance
- Students company has been accepted as a member of the Innovation Center
- Participant(s) is committed to mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs
What is the Entrepreneur’s Job Description?
As a GEIR, you will devote 8 hours per week enhancing entrepreneurial training and venture creation at WPI by:
- GEIRs will share their experience and expertise with students, faculty and other aspiring entrepreneurs.
- Documenting their entrepreneurial experience, talents and unique qualifications
- Serving as judges and panelist in the innovation ecosystem as appropriate and in some cases securing the funding necessary to grow their ventures
GEIR program Membership fees
Applicants will be responsible for a $500 monthly membership fee to use the Innovation Studio. Members will receive dedicated space in the Innovation Studio, access to the facilities tech suites, markerspace, rapid prototype lab and the video recording suite.
H-1B Visa Process for GEIR Program
- Initial Interview with representatives from human resources and Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- Once individual accepts appointment, Office of International Faculty and Scholar Services will determine “Prevailing Wage” for the specific position
- Finalize detailed job description and align compensation to meet prevailing wage requirements
- File a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the U.S. Department of Labor
- Once LCA approved, post it at WPI for 10 days to notify the public of the intent to hire an H1-B worker.
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While LCA is posted, WPI will prepare and file the H1-B petition with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)