President
Orbis Global Inc.

Gennady Babankov is President of Orbis Global, a recently established organization dedicated to advancing international cultural and educational exchange and a Senior Advisor at Vestara, one of the largest female-led immigration law firms in the United States.

Over the course of his 25-year career, Gennady has worked at the intersection of government, academia, and industry, designing and managing programs that promote international education, workforce development, and professional exchange. His experience spans both inbound and outbound mobility initiatives, including major government-funded programs such as the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program and the Overseas Language Flagship Program, as well as BridgeUSA academic and private-sector exchange programs.

Since 2019, Gennady has led the development and expansion of J-1 Intern, Trainee, Research Scholar, Short-Term Scholar, and Specialist programs at organizations including SHRM, J1 Visa Exchanges, and the American Immigration Council. He has helped employers incorporate J-1 exchange programs into their global talent acquisition and mobility strategies and regularly advises corporate HR, immigration attorneys, universities, research institutions, and newly designated or prospective sponsor organizations on J-1 program design, regulatory compliance, sponsor operations, and best practices.

A lawyer and art historian by education, Gennady has a particular interest in cross-cultural training, intercultural communication, and cultural diversity. An avid traveler, he has lived and studied in Russia, Hungary, and Italy, and has worked extensively in Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan. He currently resides in Fairfax, Virginia, with his wife and son.

Session:

The biggest J-1 rule change in years: What the end of duration of status means