INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATES

This information describes which U.S. visas may be used by foreign scientists participating in the NRC Research Associateship Program and by others visiting the National Academies.

The following visas are acceptable for foreign NRC Research Associates:

• J-1 research scholar or short term scholar
• J-1 student approved for postdoctoral academic training
• J-2 dependent spouse with employment authorization (requires EAD)
• L-2 dependent spouse with employment authorization (requires EAD)
• U.S. lawful permanent resident (immigrant visa)
• Pending U.S. permanent resident with employment authorization (requires EAD)
• F-1 student authorized for optional practical training (requires EAD)
• Asylee or refugee

(NRC Research Associates may not hold H-1B, O-1, L-1, TN or other employment-related visas because they are not employed by the NRC or by the host federal laboratories.)

J-1 exchange visitors

J-1 Research scholars and short term scholars are sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences and enrolled in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). Research scholars are allowed a maximum stay of 60 months. Short-term scholars are more senior researchers or consultants who come to the U.S. for a maximum stay of 6 months.

J-1 students on academic training are sponsored by the U.S. university from which they received their degree. Like research scholars and short term scholars, all J-1 students are enrolled in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) and obtain their immigration information from their university J-1 Responsible Officer. With written approval of the university international office, J-1 students are allowed up to 36 months for postdoctoral research and/or employment in the field of their degree discipline.

J-2 exchange visitor spouses may, in certain cases, hold NRC awards if they have an employment authorization document (EAD) from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Since their status depends on their spouse’s J-1 status, the time available for an NRC award is limited to the time remaining in their spouse’s J-1 status.

L-2

L-2 intracompany transferee spouses may hold NRC awards. Details similar to J-2 section above.

U.S. Permanent Residents and Pending Permanent Residents

U.S. lawful permanent residents hold a Permanent Resident Card (“green card”) and an I-551 stamp in their passport. The I-551 stamp is valid documentation of lawful permanent residence and can be used until the Permanent Resident Card is issued.

Pending U.S. permanent residents have already applied for adjustment to lawful permanent resident status and hold Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) which are renewed annually. They are authorized to work or receive a fellowship stipend in the United States until permanent resident status is approved.

F-1 Students on OPT

F-1 student graduates of U.S. universities must hold an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by USCIS for optional practical training in the field of their degree discipline. Authorization to work or receive a stipend is limited to 12 months and is non-renewable. F-1 students have two options for NRC tenure:

1. A student who does not wish to change to J-1 status and who intends to complete tenure within one year may use only OPT only if the tenure dates match the EAD dates exactly to allow time for a full 12-month NRC award. No extension of tenure is possible.

2. A student with less than 12 months of OPT may begin tenure in F-1 OPT status using the EAD, but must apply for a change of status to J-1 under NRC sponsorship in order to continue tenure of the NRC award.

Asylees and Refugees

Asylees and refugees may hold tenure as NRC Research Associates incident to their status.