Berkeley Lab

Berkeley Lab’s Quick Guide to Hiring/Hosting International Scholars

J-1

Visa Type Maximum Duration Cost Timing Recommended For Pros/Cons
J-1 nonimmigrant visa category: For exchange visitors participating in programs that promote cultural and educational exchange between the U.S. and another participating nation. May be sponsored financially by Berkeley Lab, a foreign government or entity, U.S. government or entity, or self-sponsored. J-1 must show proof of funding in the amount of $1,600 for the principal; $600 for a spouse; and $300 for each child accompanying.

NOTE:

On-Site Activity Requirement

Please note: As of January 1, 2024, all J-1 Exchange Visitors sponsored by Berkeley Lab must participate in their program activities on-site (site(s) listed in SEVIS as the primary or secondary site of activity) at least three out of five days per week – or 40% of the time. Please review this Guidance Directive for further details. If you are a Hiring Manager or Host of a J-1 Visa holder, please ensure that they are collaborating, researching, working, etc. on-site in a hybrid mode (fully remote is not permitted), at least 3 out of 5 days per week, or alternatively, fully 100% on-site. This Directive is subject to change, as is the work-mode requirement for the Exchange Visitor visa; the Department of State may make changes to this guidance at any time.
  • Short-Term Scholar: No minimum, with a six-month maximum stay. Visits are short in nature. May return as a short-term scholar, provided there is a substantial break between visits and each visit has a unique objective. Can be used for collaborative research, observation, lecture, meetings, seminars, workshops, experiments, etc.
  • Research Scholar: Three-week minimum stay, up to a five-year maximum. Five years is “use or lose.”

Please note: Berkeley Lab is not authorized by the U.S. Department of  State to sponsor undergraduates for a J-1 visa (Intern category). If appropriate, we are able to assist with using an outside vendor to help support the visit of an undergraduate in certain cases. Please inquire with IRSO.
  • NONE for Berkeley Lab
  • Scholar pays  SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee, as well as visa application fee

 
  • One month at Berkeley Lab Visa and Immigration Services
  • No government processing time
  • Must factor in time to receive visa stamp (if arriving from abroad). May vary from a week to several months
  • Transfers from other entities or institutions within the U.S. require careful coordination with the hire, IRSO, and the other sponsor.
  • Temporary positions
  • Researchers
  • Postdoc fellows
  • Short-term scholars
  • Students from other institutions with academic training (18-36 months of degree-related training, paid or unpaid)

 

 
  • Prior use of some J-1 categories may result in a 12-month bar from use of the Research Scholar category, or 24-month bar on repeat participation of this same category. Berkeley Lab Visa and Immigration Services will advise.
  • Prior use of any J-1 category may result in employee becoming subject to 212(e), a foreign home residency requirement that can affect future ability to secure H-1B visas and permanent residency. Visa and Immigration Services will advise.
  • Paid external employment is generally not permitted, other than occasional lectures or consulting.
  • Only in some cases can change from J-1 to permanent resident.
  • Flexibility in terms of site of activity.
  • J-2 spouses can work with Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
  • Allows for 30-day grace period at end of authorized time in U.S.