Foreign Guest Researcher Program

The Foreign Guest Researcher Program offers scientists from around the world the opportunity to work collaboratively with NIST scientists.

Foreign guest researchers at NIST fall into three categories:

• Those supported by their home institutions;
• Researchers supported through bilateral programs or international organizations; and
• Direct scientist-to-scientist collaboration or support.

Although NIST sometimes can provide a modest allowance for U.S. living expenses, guest researcher support generally comes from sponsoring companies or organizations.

The Foreign Guest Researcher Program is managed by the Office of International Affairs (OIA). Once you have been accepted into a NIST research program, your laboratory host and OIA staff can assist during your stay at NIST.

OIA provides assistance with:

• Policy and procedures on foreign guest researcher appointments;
• Visas: Serves as the primary point of contact at NIST for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State;
• Manages the Exchange Visitor J-1 program.