U.S. companies in the fastest-growing industries need access to specialized talent to maintain a competitive edge. Yet the odds of a foreign national being accepted by the annual H-1B visa lottery are less than 25%.
The Build Fellowship’s cap-exempt H-1B visa solution offers an immigration pathway to skilled global talent, with a 99% acceptance rate, without relying on the H-1B lottery.
Build Fellows are employed part-time by Build Fellowship nonprofit and University partners, enabling them to work full-time for U.S. companies – like yours.
The Build Fellowship Overview: Eligibility & Commitment
Fellow Eligibility
A Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in a specialized field.
Ability to dedicate 5+ hours per week to educational programming initiatives and workforce development.
A benefactor (a company, organization, or individual) willing to support the Fellowship costs – Fellows cannot fund their own Fellowship.
Fellowship Commitment
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, Fellowships can begin at any time.
Fellows are sponsored for cap-exempt H-1Bs for up to 3 years, with a minimum 12 month commitment.
A 3 year extension is possible.
Step 1: Application
The Build Fellowship welcomes applications from foreign national innovators, experts, and entrepreneurs seeking immigration solutions for U.S. employment.
Step 2: Placement
The Build Fellowship places top candidates in part-time positions at our partner Nonprofits and Universities.
Step 3: Employment
By working part-time for partner organizations, Build Fellows secure their cap-exempt H-1B visa, allowing them to be employed full time at U.S. companies.
Key Benefits for Companies
Visa Sponsorship & Support
The Build Fellowship offers ongoing immigration support and guidance to Build Fellows, while sponsoring them for their part-time cap-exempt H-1B visas. This enables company benefactors to file a full-time cap-exempt H-1B visa concurrently.
Peace of Mind
Gain peace of mind knowing you have a back up plan to the H-1B lottery, so you can forecast and plan your staff needs accordingly.
Talent Pipelines
Gain unique access to students entering the workforce who are trained with relevant industry knowledge.
Part-Time, Remote Employment
Fellows work 5+ hours per week launching projects and educational programming at partner universities to develop students’ skills and knowledge and prepare them for the future workforce.
- 1:1 lecture and mentorship sessions
- Experiential learning projects in your specialized field
- Hours are flexible and based on Fellow schedules
Application to Acceptance Timeline
Evaluation & Contracting
2–3 week
- Nomination & Consultation
- Screening & H-1B Evaluation
- Contract Signed
Visa Processing
6-8 Week
- Petition Development
- Visa Approved (if no RFE)
Employment Starts
1 Week
- Fellowship Begins
- Full-Time Employer Files Petition
The Build Fellowship Pricing Model.
Option 1: Build & Company Employ the Fellow
Company pays Build $4000 per month
Fellow is employed by Build & the Company, both entities manage
the immigration needs
- Build employs the foreign national in the Fellowship
for 5 hours per week and sponsors them for a part-time, cap-exempt H-1B visa. - Company employs the foreign national and sponsors
them for a full-time, concurrent H-1B visa. - H-4 dependent filings.
Option 2: Build Employs the Fellow
Company pays Build $75+ per hour
Build manages all employment and immigration needs for the Company
- Build employs the foreign national in the Fellowship,
for 5 hours per week, and sponsors them for a part time, cap-exempt H-1B. - Build also employs the foreign national, as a full time
contract employee with the Company, and sponsors their concurrent H-1B visa.
Considerations
As a result of the Fellow’s participation, and as long as the company is paying the Fellow a fair wage, the company can negotiate with the Fellow for a lower base compensation.
For the concurrent employment options, we recommend reducing the Fellow’s compensation by at least $1k per month because that is the typical minimum in additional compensation that the Fellow receives.
