Immigration Strategies for MIT Postdocs and PhD Students Exploring Entrepreneurship
Date and time
Location
MIT Classroom, 35-225
(https://whereis.mit.edu/?go=35)Description
About this session:
Innovation and entrepreneurship is in the air everywhere at MIT. International MIT PhD students and postdoctoral researchers are increasingly exploring entrepreneurial options and venture creation for when they leave the Institute. However, if you are here on a visa and you have expectations of starting a technology-based company when you leave MIT, the reality is that it won’t be easy.
This workshop is intended to help International MIT postdoctoral scholars and PhD students understand the limited options available to them for working and remaining in the US after leaving MIT. This session will help you understand the key issues involved from an immigration standpoint and the importance of developing appropriate strategies well in advance that may lead to desired outcomes.
Speakers:
Susan J. Cohen and William L. Coffman of Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.
Susan Cohen is the founder and Chair of Mintz Levin’s Immigration Practice. She is known internationally for her work on immigration law and policy. Susan has won numerous awards and recognitions, including: Best Lawyers in America: Immigration Law, International Who’s Who of Corporate Immigration Lawyers, Massachusetts Super Lawyers, and she was the recipient of the Irish International Immigrant Center's Solas Award in 2014.
Bill Coffman’s legal work focuses on immigration and nationality law, as well as outbound emigration and related international law. Bill regularly represents clients in immigration matters before the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Labor, as well as before US and foreign consulates. Bill has been recognized widely for his work, including: Best Lawyers in America: Immigration Law and International Who’s Who of Corporate Immigration Lawyers.
Important: Postdocs and PhD students need to carefully consider a number of factors, especially related to activities during their MIT appointments and studies. These include the requirements of their current visas and whether sponsored funding or fellowship terms impose restrictions. Careful evaluation and planning is critical to ensure that individuals remain in compliance with MIT Policies and Procedures including all conflict of interest provisions.
Postdocs and PhD students should consult with their supervisors, appropriate departmental representatives and when applicable either the International Scholars Office or International Students Office, respectively.