What is GEIR?
To attract and retain more qualified entrepreneurs and their growing companies within Massachusetts, the Global Entrepreneur in Residence Program (GEIR) was established in the 2014 Jobs Bill.
![GEIR Button Graphic: Retain More Grads- Foster More Startups-Incubate More Ideas - Greater Economic Growth](/sites/default/files/inline-images/GEIR%202.png)
Through the GEIR, universities will partner with the Commonwealth to provide valuable, relevant part-time work opportunities which will initiate a cap-exempt H-1B visa application process. Participating universities will act as the “sponsor” for filing cap-exempt H-1B petitions for graduates with advanced degrees who want to grow their companies but cannot due to a lack of available H-1B visa slots. This part-time employment authorization will enable the entrepreneur’s start-up company to apply for the entrepreneur’s work authorization, also in a cap-exempt visa category, and ultimately will allow the company, and new high-skill jobs, to grow here in Massachusetts.
The GEIR pilot will be implemented in partnership with the University of Massachusetts Boston and the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
![GEIR Process Graphic](/sites/default/files/inline-images/GEIR%20PROCESS%202_0.png)
Interested in participating in GEIR?
To help candidates do a preliminary evaluation of their individual eligibility, certain program criteria as laid out in state law include:
- Candidates must be a start-up entrepreneur in a leadership position (CEO, Co-Founder, or the like) within an early-stage venture;
- Candidates must have a master’s degree or above in STEM or related business fields; and
- Candidate’s start-up venture must be headquartered in Massachusetts and able to affiliate with a venture center within UMass Boston or UMass Lowell.
Want to Learn More?
- Full Text of the 2014 Jobs Bill.
- CNN Money Article: "Can States Solve the Immigration Crisis?"
- Research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston: Demand for H-1B Visas in New England.
- Read more on the UMass Boston Venture Development Center's work on the GEIR program or email the VDC if you'd like more information.