Technology Careers in the Hudson Valley
Technology Visas in the Hudson Valley
Technology careers in the Hudson Valley are booming. Big tech firms like IBM, Onsemi, and AMD have all recently made substantial investments locally, made possible in part due to the 2022 passage of the CHIPS and Science Act.
Immigrants will play a huge part in this boom, both in the Hudson Valley and nationally. While the U.S. is serious about taking the lead in advanced technology, there is a shortage of highly-skilled workers to advance the field. This has spurred U.S. companies to look to immigration to fill the gap. Immigration pathways like the H-1b visa for those with a bachelor’s degree, the O-1 visa for immigrants of extraordinary ability or achievement, STEM OPT, and green card sponsorship via the EB-1 and EB-2 options are all viable options for immigrants working in tech.
From Student Visas to Big Tech
With Dutchess County being home to several universities with large international student bodies, young professionals who immigrate to build their careers in the Hudson Valley have a unique opportunity. For example, students who graduate from a local university with a STEM degree can apply for an extended work authorization period using STEM OPT, followed by an H-1b visa for up to six years.
Many H-1b visa holders working in STEM go on to obtain a green card, either through employment sponsorship via the EB-2 or EB-3 route, or by self-sponsoring their own green card through a National Interest Waiver.
With President Biden’s recent Executive Order directing USCIS to make the immigration process easier for those working in STEM, the future looks bright for advanced technology in the Hudson Valley.
Here are some recent developments in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics (STEM) in the Hudson Valley.
IBM Invests in Poughkeepsie
IBM’s CEO and Chairman, Arvind Krishna (born in India and now an American citizen), recently welcomed President Joe Biden for a tour of the company’s Poughkeepsie warehouse. With help from the CHIPS and Science Act, the firm recently committed to a $20 billion investment in the Hudson Valley to expand its operations in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, mainframe technology, and research and development.
AMD and Onsemi Invest in Fishkill
Two other immigrant-led multinational technology firms will also be investing locally. Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD), led by Taiwanese-born Lisa Su, recently established a research and design center in Fishkill (Dutchess County). The new facility will focus on mixed-signal integrated circuits and processor packaging.
Onsemi, run by Lebanese-born Hassane El-Khoury, will also be investing in Dutchess County, with plans for a $1.3 billion facility in East Fishkill. Much of the work at this facility will focus on image sensor fabrication, a key technology used in self-driving cars.
STEM Visa Lawyer Hudson Valley
If you wish to work in the technology field in the Hudson Valley, you have options. It’s important to speak with an experienced attorney to help you find the right pathway for your particular skills and career goals. Please get in touch today: +1 845-288-2435 / beaconimmigrationlawyer@gmail.com.
Beacon Immigration PLLC is a law firm located in the Hudson Valley of New York at 6 Eliza Street, Suite 5, Beacon, NY 12508 (Dutchess County).