Visiting Researcher Requirements

Requirements

All applicants must meet certain requirements in order to be eligible for a Visiting Scholar or Visiting Student Researcher position at UC Berkeley.

  • Visas

    Non-U.S. citizens will apply for a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa sponsored by UC Berkeley. Visiting researchers receive a J-1 visa and their spouse and dependents receive J-2 visas. The Institute of European Studies, under the direction of Prof. Mia Fuller, will serve as the official host department and sponsor for the J-1 visa and campus affiliation. Visiting researchers may not initiate the visa application process until their appointment has been officially approved by the IES Director and by the UC Berkeley Visiting Scholar & Postdoc Affairs Office (VSPA).

    NOTE: Visa processing requires a minimum of 6 months. Scholars should NOT make any travel arrangements until after the visa is approved and issued.

  • Income and Funding

IES does not provide funding for Visiting Researchers. Visitors are required to provide proof of their own funding (such as a sabbatical salary, grant, or fellowship from an extramural organization). J-1 scholar funding requirements are established by the U.S. Government. The minimum funding requirements can be found on the Berkeley International Office website [embed a link here: https://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/ucb_departments/j-1/financial-requirements]

  • Health Insurance

    All international visiting scholars on the UC Berkeley campus are required to have medical insurance that meets the University's minimum coverage requirements, either through the UC Berkeley Visiting Scholar Benefit Plan or from another insurer. Please refer to the VSPA Health Insurance & Benefits page for more information.

  • English language proficiency

    UC Berkeley requires all international scholars to provide proof of English language proficiency (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, or signed documentation from an approved English language school). Upon verification, a confirmation of demonstrated proficiency in English can be issued by the IES Director. Visiting researchers cannot rely on staff support for translation services.

For more information regarding Visiting Researcher requirements, please contact the Berkeley International Office(link is external)(link is external) or visit the VSPA website(link is external)(link is external).

Program Fees

The following fees apply to IES Visiting Scholars and Visiting Student Researchers:

1. VSPA University Services Fee: $ 750 for Visiting Scholars / $1,000 for Visiting Student Researchers

This fee applies to all Visiting Researchers and is required by the University’s Visiting Scholar and Postdoc Affairs office (VSPA) to obtain a university ID card and gain access to campus facilities and resources.

There is also a nonrefundable fee for J-1 visa processing (if applicable).

2. U.S. Government Visa Fees (for international J-1 scholars only)

Visa fees are paid directly to the U.S. government (Consulate/Embassy) and are subject to change without notice. Please refer to the U.S. Department of State website for the most up-to-date fee schedules.

3. IES Administrative Fee:

Visiting Scholars Visiting Student Researchers

up to 2 months: $1,200

up to 5 months: $2,400

up to 8 months: $3,600

up to 12 months: $4,800

 Fees vary depending on the terms of the agreement signed with IES partner institutions. Please direct any questions about applicable fees to your home university.

Program Fee Payment Schedule

Visiting Scholars and Visiting Student Researchers should follow this schedule for the payment of the required fees:

1. DS-2019 Processing Fee + IES Administrative Fee (if applicable)

The total amount of these two fees (if applicable), including all applicable banking costs, must be wire transferred to IES before we can start the application process. Fees need to be paid in US dollars. IES is not able to accept payments via Western Union.

After you complete the wire transfer, please send a confirmation to IES Program Manager, Aminata Diawara, aminata.diawara@berkeley.edu . Please note that these fees are not reiumbursable under any circumstances. 

2. VSPA University Services Fee

Visiting Scholars and Visiting Student Researchers are required to pay the University Services fee online
before arrival at UC Berkeley. For details, visit the VSPA website.

3. U.S. Government Visa Fees

Visiting Scholars and Visiting Student Researchers will need to pay these fees directly to the U.S. government (Consulate/Embassy).

With questions about fee payments, please contact IES Program Manager, Aminata Diawara aminata.diawara@berkeley.edu