The Academic Training STEM Extension provides pre-doctoral level (i.e., bachelors and masters) exchange visitors in the College and University Student category an academic training extension of 18-months, giving them a total of up to 36 months. The previous maximum for non-doctorate STEM students was 18 months.

The Early Career STEM Research Initiative connects U.S. STEM businesses and research institutions with J-1 exchange visitors seeking STEM training and research experience through Department-designated BridgeUSA sponsors.