Entrepreneur Visa Sponsorship
Now you can move to or remain in Boston after you graduate to launch your company through the Massachusetts Global Entrepreneur in Residence Program.

“It seemed too good to be true, and we were skeptical at the beginning. But a couple of months after we engaged, we had the visa we needed. Now we are full of excitement about the prospects of our endeavor…”
MIT Media Lab grad Hasier Larrea – Co-Founder, Ori Systems

Program

If you become a Global Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the VDC, you can obtain a cap-exempt H-1B visa, sponsored by the University of Massachusetts, anytime during the year. You work 8 hours per week at the VDC mastering the company building process and sharing your expertise with entrepreneurial peers, faculty and students. During the program, you will document your extraordinary talent and ability, and advance your company, so you can obtain a longer-term visa independent of the University of Massachusetts. Your company will also advance through thoughtful and meaningful business mentorship, connections and resources including offices, laboratories, and equipment. Backed by our years of experience and expertise.

Read Can I Start a Company on a Visa? Of Course You Can, at Least in Boston. Also read How Does the Massachusetts Global Entrepreneur-in-Residence Program Work to learn how we helped Ivan and how we can help you.

This first-in-the-nation initiative is a public-private partnership. We acknowledge the generous support of the Mass Tech Collaborative, Goodwin Procter and Silicon Valley Bank.

 

Results

Since launching the program in 2014, 395 entrepreneurs have applied to the program. 20% were accepted. 110 initial (H-1B) and follow-on (H-1B, O-1, EB-1, EB-2) visas have been approved, for a success rate of 100%. 65% of the entrepreneurs are still active in the US. Their companies have 1,690 employees, and have raised $1,017,657,000 in funding.

Eligibility

-You have the necessary specialty education and occupation to qualify for an H-1B visa;
-You are creating a company with high growth potential which is underway in terms of financing and governance; 

-Your company has been accepted as a member of the VDC; and
-You are committed to mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Apply

Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. To apply, complete the form and we’ll be in touch for a telephone then in-person interview. You’ll get valuable legal advice on how to position yourself for long-term success.

Apply

Venture Development Center
University of Massachusetts Boston
100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 02125-3393

Contact us
vdc@umb.edu
1.617.287.6070

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