FAQs

Why was NCI created?

What exactly does NCI do?

The National Council for Innovation helps America attract and retain skilled foreign nationals with the talent and desire to make significant innovations—whether they want to start their own company or work for a cutting-edge information technology, biotechnology or nanotechnology focused organization or company.

NCI does this through:

Creating a profile list of skilled foreign nationals in science, technology, engineering and math to be matched with corporations or organizations in the national interest (as determined by NCI)
Providing scholarship/fellowship opportunities
Educating the public about issues surrounding skilled immigration
Creating a welcoming climate for skilled foreign nationals at corporations and for-profit businesses
Communicating with legislators

How do candidates make it onto the profile list?

Candidates must apply (see FOREIGN NATIONALS section).

Candidates are chosen based on:

Their employability or ability to attract venture capital. (as determined by the Board)
Their charitable status as defined by their country-of-origin and their financial status.

Do NCI candidates require sponsorship?

NCI’s target population are foreign nationals who are either refugees or who are eligible for the O-1, Exceptional Ability visa. These particular visas do not require a sponsor; however, some of our program participants will require sponsorship. Their visa eligibility will be noted on their profile.

Do NCI candidates speak English?

Some speak very well, some speak fairly well and some will require language skills when they arrive. Their level of competency will be noted on their profile. Please note that English skills can be acquired and that NCI will provide whatever support it is financially able to assist in the foreign national’s positive workforce integration.

Do they have legitimate credentials?

The Department of Labor requires that all employment-based visa seekers have a credentials evaluation. If you are interested in hiring someone from our profile list, you will be able to request a credentials evaluation.