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  •   over 13 years ago

Eligibility

The rules for prize eligibility state that we need to be citizens of USA.

If I am on F-1 Visa status can I still compete ? (Not for the prize money) .. but just the competition.

  • 4 comments

  • Manager   •   over 13 years ago

    Thank you for this question. I have forwarded it along to our legal counsel and will respond with their guidance as soon as possible.

  • Manager   •   over 13 years ago

    The Challenge organizers received several questions on the eligibility of Department of Energy (DOE) Laboratory contractor employees to participate in this Challenge. The statute authorizing the Challenge, 15 U.S.C. 3719 (America COMPETES Act) does not expressly prohibit participation by government contractor employees. 15 U.S.C. 3719(g)(4). Additionally, the Challenge rules do not expressly prohibit a DOE contractor employee acting in their private capacity from participating. Therefore, DOE lab contractor employees are eligible to enter the Challenge, subject to the other requirements of the Rules document, which is available in the tabbed link at the top of this web page.

  • Manager   •   over 13 years ago

    Regarding the other eligibility question on F-1 Visa status, I am still waiting on official guidance and will provide a response ASAP.

  • Manager   •   about 13 years ago

    Just to close the loop on an old question, I am writing to provide clarification to the F-1 visa aspect of contestant eligibility. Given the past deadlines, I recognize this information may not be useful anymore. But I hope it is better to be late than silent in this context.

    With clarification from our legal experts, people on student visas are not eligible to participate in this Challenge directly. However, students on on F-1 visas may participate if part of a US-based company or equivalent organization. The full requirements for US-based companies are available in the Rules document linked at the top of this screen.

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