Reliable Model. Rooted in Law.
A reliable H‑1B pathway rooted in cap‑exempt H-1B sponsorship through non-profits partnered with Universities while remaining employed full-time by a private-sector employer.
Under federal law (INA §214(g)(5)), four types of employers are not subject to the annual H‑1B cap making them "cap-exempt": universities, nonprofit entities affiliated with universities, and nonprofit/governmental research organizations. When a foreign national holds a qualifying role with a cap‑exempt organization, they can also hold a concurrent H‑1B visa with a private‑sector employer, without being subject to the lottery.
Key takeaway: Build's model leverages this cap‑exempt framework so talent can work part‑time for one of our fellowship programs supporting universities and full‑time for a U.S. company via a concurrent H‑1B.
How do The Build Fellowship Nonprofits Work with University Partners?
The Build Fellowship partners with qualified nonprofit organizations that have established, mission-aligned collaborations with accredited U.S. universities. These nonprofits serve as a bridge between the Fellows and the academic institutions that anchor the cap-exempt H-1B role.
Our Fellows create projects that offer hands-on training to students to the nonprofits' University partners. These projects are all rooted in the Fellow's individual field of specialization and give students the opportunity to engage in real-world, experiential learning challenges that are relevant to success in some of the most in-demand fields.
The Build Fellowship and the nonprofit manage the administrative and programmatic aspects of the placement, ensuring that the role meets the statutory criteria for cap-exempt status. Together, the nonprofit and university create a framework where Fellows can meaningfully contribute to U.S. education and research while students gain new skills and build their resume by engaging in the Fellow projects. This collaborative model not only safeguards compliance with H-1B regulations but also delivers measurable benefits to students, faculty, and the broader academic community.
The Build Fellowship partners with qualified nonprofit organizations that have established, mission-aligned collaborations with accredited U.S. universities. These nonprofits serve as a bridge between the Fellows and the academic institutions that anchor the cap-exempt H-1B role.
Our Fellows create projects that offer hands-on training to students to the nonprofits' University partners. These projects are all rooted in the Fellow's individual field of specialization and give students the opportunity to engage in real-world, experiential learning challenges that are relevant to success in some of the most in-demand fields.
The Build Fellowship and the nonprofit manage the administrative and programmatic aspects of the placement, ensuring that the role meets the statutory criteria for cap-exempt status. Together, the nonprofit and university create a framework where Fellows can meaningfully contribute to U.S. education and research while students gain new skills and build their resume by engaging in the Fellow projects. This collaborative model not only safeguards compliance with H-1B regulations but also delivers measurable benefits to students, faculty, and the broader academic community.
We partner with attorneys across the U.S.
Click here to nominate one of your employees or nominate yourself for The Build Fellowship.