The demand for H-1B visas rises each year. Yet, the odds of being selected for the H-1B lottery are less than 25%. The Build Fellowship offers a cap-exempt H-1B visa solution with a 99% acceptance rate, allowing foreign national talent – like yourself – to pursue careers in the fastest-growing industries across the U.S.
If you are a foreign national who wants to work, or continue working, in the U.S., securing your visa is a top priority — The Build Fellowship is here to help.
Qualification & Commitment
Candidate Qualifications
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 6 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 & Responsibilities
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 benefactors to file a full time cap-exempt H-1B visa concurrently.
Company Benefits
The Build Fellowship offers companies work visa solutions for their top foreign nationals and access to a pipeline of incoming talent trained with relevant skills and industry knowledge.
University Benefits
Build Fellows launch projects for partner university and college students, offering industry knowledge and skills development to build the U.S. workforce through educational programming.
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.
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.
FAQs
What are the required documents to apply?
- Job Description
- Resume / Curriculum Vitae
- Degree Transcripts
- Diplomas
- Certified Academic Evaluation
What if my degree was obtained outside of the United States?
Before applying to The Build Fellowship, any degree obtained outside of the U.S. should be evaluated and certified by a credential verification service.
We recommend Morningside Evaluations for a quick and cost-effective service.
Do I need to be in the United States to apply?
No, you do not need to be in the U.S. to apply. However, you will need to visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country and apply for an H-1B visa.
Once you enter the U.S. in H-1B status, you would begin your employment with The Build Fellowship.
How is the salary share calculated?
The salary share is calculated according to the fair prevailing wage for a Fellow’s specialty occupation and wage level within the city and state in which the Fellow resides, for 5 hours per week of work using the FLC Data Center.
In addition to the salary, which is remitted to the Fellow, there are costs for taxes, software, and Fees. These fees are invoiced quarterly and are approximately $350 and 20.65% of the quarterly salary share.
How long does the entire process take?
Processing times vary, but generally will take about 2 to 3 months.
Can my family accompany me?
Yes, your spouse and children under the age of 21 can accompany you under the H-4 visa category.
