Once you connect with a Department-designated sponsor, it will be your primary resource and implementing partner for the duration of the exchange. It can guide you through the recruitment and sponsorship of exchange visitors for your organization. It will inform you of your roles and responsibilities as a host organization.First, the sponsor will work with you to determine whether your business meets the category-specific regulatory requirements and the goals of the Exchange Visitor Program. Sponsors will assess whether your business will be a good match for an exchange visitor and will determine whether you have the necessary infrastructure to host and support a STEM exchange visitor. Host businesses must demonstrate that their industry or field of research or study aligns with the background and skills of the prospective exchange visitor.For the duration of the exchange visitor’s program, the host business works in tandem with the designated sponsor to monitor the exchange visitor’s progress and welfare. The host business provides the exchange visitor with valuable skills, education, and experience in its STEM field while benefitting from the exchange visitor’s unique skills, talent, and perspective. A pre-established supervisor or mentor at your business should be responsible for the day-to-day oversight of an exchange visitor.Importantly, the STEM initiative is an educational and cultural exchange program. While it facilitates work-based training and research and learning opportunities, it is not a labor program. Exchange visitors are expected to return home and share their newly acquired skills and knowledge in their home country.