Dear Colleagues,

The U.S. Department of State has made clear that any visitor to a US academic institution who engages in research and whose activity will benefit the hosting institution should be sponsored for a J-1 or H1-B visa and not a tourist visa.

While at first glance, a tourist visa (B-1/B-2; Visa Waiver: WB/WT) may seem to be an appropriate status for certain visitors who are invited to UCR or who come to UCR for an unpaid visit of short duration, the State Department requires a J-1 visa if:

1.    the university is benefiting from the visit

2.    equipment and facilities used are owned or operated by the university

3.    the contents of the visit and/or research activity undertaken might result in the form of published work, patent, or discovery at a later date, or

4.    the visitor is involved in a formally structured program.

If any one of these instances applies, the use of B-1/B-2 or WB/WT would be out of alignment with US Department of State guidelines. It is the activity the visitor will be performing while at UCR, and not the length of the individual’s visit, that is the determining factor as to whether a J-1 visa is needed, even for short visits.  If in doubt, please contact the International Scholar Office for consultation.

To keep UCR in compliance with federal regulations, we require international visitors participating in research activities at UCR for at least 21 days to come as J-1 Exchange Visitors, which is consistent with the requirements at other UC campuses.  Please note that visits shorter than 21 days may also require a J-1 visa. Prospective hosts and/or researchers should consult with the Office of International Affairs to determine the most appropriate status for the proposed visit.