USA Immigration Laws Geared to Advance STEM Fields

In January 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration announced several changes to enhance the ability of STEM students and professionals to obtain entry and residency in the United States.  STEM includes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics–all fields the administration feels are critical to the prosperity, security, and health of our country.  Changes to the USA Immigration laws are intended to better attract and retain the global talent we need to achieve advances in innovation.

The announcement made in January 2022 includes the following items:

1. A new “Early Career STEM Research Initiative” will promote STEM educational opportunities for international students coming to our country to conduct research, participate in business-sponsored training programs, or complete studies in an educational exchange visitor program.  The new guidance will facilitate additional academic training for college students in the STEM fields on the J-1 visa for up to 26 months.
2. These updates added twenty-two new fields to the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).  This program allows college students with Bachelor’s or beyond degrees to remain in the U.S. for an additional 36 months past graduation to work in their STEM fields of study.  Some examples of the new fields of study are bioenergy, general forestry, forest resources production and management, human-centered technology design, cloud computing, anthrozoology, climate science, earth systems science, economics and computer science, environmental geosciences, geobiology, geography and environmental studies, and mathematical economics.
3. Several updates and clarifications were made to the procedures concerning O-1A non-immigrant status awarded for “extraordinary ability.”  The Department of Homeland Security clarified the standards used to determine eligibility for “extraordinary ability” for STEM fields and provided more guidance for the types of evidence required to meet the standards.
4. Updated guidance was released concerning the requirements applicants must meet to obtain National Interest Waivers related to STEM occupations.  This provision is intended to increase the opportunities for entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals to continue to perform their work in the U.S.

How U.S. Immigration Law Changes Will Impact Visa Applications

Changes like these will hopefully increase the interest of individuals seeking employment and residency in the United States.  As communication about these opportunities spreads, there will be more significant needs for immigration document translation, from the application through supporting evidence, including official documents and applicant narratives.  The USCIS requires all translated documents be accompanied with a certification, which is a statement by the translator that:

1. The translation is complete and contains no omissions from the original document,
2. The translation is accurate,
3. The translator is qualified to professionally translate the documents and takes personal liability for their work.

Errors in translation or missing documentation lead to unnecessary delays and denials.  Using a professional translation company with expertise in the USCIS processes will help ensure the most speedy review of visa applications.

The best way to ensure an immigration application will be reviewed expeditiously is to work with the professionals at The Perfect Translation.

At The Perfect Translation, we combine industry expertise with language fluency to ensure your translated documents meet USCIS’s requirements the first time.  Our team of translators has proven experience working with the USCIS successfully to assist clients in obtaining immigration, naturalization, and citizenship status.  Contact us today for a free quote and to get started on your project.