There is Life Outside the H-1B: An Introduction to the EB-3 and J-1 Visas and How They Can Help Grow and Diversify Your Workforce
The COVID pandemic may be receding but its impact on economic development in the United States still lingers through talent shortages, reduced professional training, and missed opportunities for cross-cultural exchange. Perhaps you are interested in global talent but feel your only option is the expensive and risky H-1B? Or you need to train a foreign employee in the U.S. but L and H-3 aren't exactly the right fit? Let us introduce you to the EB-3 and J-1 visa categories, both excellent - though very different -tools to satisfy your global talent needs while diversifying your workforce. Attendees will learn about the appropriate usage of these programs and basic requirements and costs and hear from a panel of experts that cover the entire process from international recruitment to visa sponsorship to satisfied host employer.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about both immigrant (EB-3) and non-immigrant (J-1) visa options and how they can be used to attract top talent to your organization.
- Hear about how the process works from both recruitment and visa experts.
- Discover how a current host employer has been successful using the J-1 Visa Program to recruit and train their talent.
In-person session offerings are on a first-come, first-served basis.
To view all event accessibility & accommodations details visit here.
If a speaker has provided session materials, please visit https://presentations.shrm.org.
Lindsay Bongi
Ms. Bongi is the Senior Specialist, Exchange Visitor Program, working with SHRM’s intern and trainee program participants and sponsor organizations. Ms. Bongi comes to SHRM with years of experience assisting young professionals and host companies in the J-1 intern and trainee visa sponsorship process. She has been involved with the Exchange Visitor program since 2012 and in her free time, counsels and monitors J-1 high school exchange students and host families as a Local Coordinator. In addition to her work in international exchange, Ms. Bongi previously has also created a Department of Labor registered culinary apprenticeship program and has experience teaching Talent Management Training and Train the Trainer courses. Her background is in financial reporting and accounting and she spent the early part of her career working for companies such as JPMorgan and America Online. Ms. Bongi earned her MS in School Counseling from Long Island University and her BS in Finance from Pennsylvania State University.
Jerrika Andersen Edwards
Ms. Jerrika Anderson Edwards is SHRM’s Exchange Visitor Program Senior Coordinator and ARO. Jerrika came to SHRM with more than five years of experience in international education and professional exchanges. After receiving her Bachelor's degree from Scripps College, Jerrika lived in Senegal, South Korea, and China. Jerrika's professional experience includes working as an English language teacher, working with the J-1 intern and trainee program, and most recently working with J-1 and F-1 students. Jerrika completed a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership and Learning from The George Washington University in 2022. She is excited to apply her skills and experience to the SHRM team.
Manuel Lievano
Manuel Lievano is a cofounder and CEO of MCC USA a Global work force solution company that focuses on helping U.S. companies with proven labor shortages to recruit foreign workers under different immigrations categories
Under Manuel’s Leadership, MCC has undergone a comprehensive operational turnaround with record financial growth. As a result, MCC USA is currently and industry leader with recruiting presence in more that 52 countries worldwide
The company has achieved 12 consecutive quarters of year over year growth, doubling the size of the business in just three years. Manuel drives home the company’s commitment to connecting with employees and customers alike, creating the strongest business possible.
Manuel comes with more than a decade of experience in the recruiting field; first recruiting for companies in Canada and later for U.S companies. Manuel holds a BA in Economics from the University of Minnesota. He currently lives in between Miami FL and his native country Colombia with his wife , Juliana and their two beautiful kids.