O F F I C E O F L E G I S L A T I V E R E S E A R C H
P U B L I C A C T S U M M A R Y
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PA 24-103—sSB 250
Commerce Committee
AN ACT CONCERNING TH E GLOBAL ENTREPRENEU R IN
RESIDENCE PROGRAM
SUMMARY: This act requires the Department of Economic and Community
Development (DECD) to submit recommendations to the Commerce Committee
by January 1, 2025, on how to design and establish a three-year Global
Entrepreneur in Residence pilot program to attract or retain resident specialists in
Connecticut. Under the act, a “resident specialist” is someone who:
1. is employed part-time by a private employer in a specialty occupation (see
BACKGROUND),
2. is not a United States citizen, and
3. wants to move to or stay in Connecticut as a nonimmigrant while employed
by the employer.
In addition to attracting and retaining resident specialists, the program may:
1. facilitate or support partnerships between eligible institutions (i.e., public or
private higher education institutions in Connecticut) and private employers
that employ resident specialists;
2. help resident specialists file visa applications; and
3. accept donated funds to support the program’s purposes.
Under the act, DECD must consult with UConn, the Connecticut State Colleges
and Universities (CSCU), the Office of Workforce Strategy, and the governor’s
office when making the pilot program recommendations. It may also consult with
other eligible institutions, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit businesses to
make recommendations.
Lastly, the act requires DECD, UConn, and CSCU, by January 1, 2025, to
jointly survey noncitizen students at UConn and CSCU to assess interest in the pilot
program. They may do so in collaboration with other eligible institutions and any
other parties.
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage
BACKGROUND
Specialty Occupation Visas
To qualify for certain visas (e.g., an H-1B visa), a foreign worker must have a
bachelor’s degree or higher and be employed in a specialty occupation by a U.S.-
based employer who will file the visa petition. A specialty occupation is generally
one that requires highly specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s or higher degree
in the specific specialty (or its equivalent) to work in the occupation in the United
States.