Foreign Nationals and Deemed Exports

Did you know?

A product does not have to travel across the U.S. border to be considered an export. An export may not involve a product at all. Simply exposing a non-U.S. citizen to information about export-controlled technology, even in the U.S., may be treated as an export. Such disclosure of information, if made without a proper license, is potentially a violation of federal law that could result in federal penalties.

A U.S. person is defined as a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident (i.e., green card holder), or an individual who is granted status as a “protected person” (8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)). A foreign national refers to anyone who is not a U.S. person. A deemed export is the release of technology or technical data to any foreign national in the U.S., including students, post-docs, faculty, visiting scientists, or training fellows. A deemed export is treated as an export to that person’s home country.

In general, the terms technology and technical data mean specific information necessary for the development, production, or use of a commodity, and usually takes the form of blueprints, drawings, photographs, plans, diagrams, models, formulae, tables, engineering specifications, and documentation. It generally does not include basic marketing info on function, purpose or general descriptions of defense articles.

For the most part, technology or technical data that is publicly available does not require a license to export. In other words, information that arises through fundamental research where the information is ordinarily published is not subject to the regulation. However, information or technology received through an NDA that is not considered publicly available would be subject to export control regulations

Technology is “released” for export when:

  • it is available to foreign nationals for visual inspection (such as reading technical specifications, plans, blueprints, etc.);
  • technology is exchanged orally; or
  • technology is made available by practice or application under the guidance of persons with knowledge of the technology.

While the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) do not incorporate the term “deemed export,” the concept is in the definition of an export and pertains to the release of ITAR technical data and defense services.

Licensing Determinations

The Export Control Office can work with you on export licensing determinations for students, faculty, staff, or visiting scholars OR on determining whether your international collaborations would trigger licensing requirements.

Deemed Export Questionnaire

To ensure UCI’s ongoing commitment to complying with U.S. export control laws, sanctions, and embargoes when hosting, employing or otherwise engaging with foreign nationals, a Deemed Export Questionnaire is required for all H1-B, J-1, and O-1 visa applications. Sponsoring faculty members or individuals overseeing a visa beneficiary should review and respond to the questions contained in the form. The questions aim to address any export controls compliance risks associated with employing and hosting foreign nationals at UCI. Specifically, the questions will ensure that UCI avoids any issues with respect to deemed exports.

Completed Deemed Export Questionnaires should be emailed to the Export Control Office for review and signature prior to submitting a visa application to the International Center. The Export Control Office will review the information provided to determine if a deemed export license is required to employ or host the visa beneficiary.

The Deemed Export Questionnaire

This form is used to assess a visa beneficiary’s export licensing requirements during their appointment at UCI.

Questions?

Please contact the International Center for questions regarding immigration requirements and visa types.