In order to enter the U.S. and legally work at UCLA (e.g. planning experiments, conducting research, teaching, etc.), even if it is only for a short time, you are strongly advised to get a J1 visa.  Tourist visas such as B1/B2 will allow you to enter the country, but if you are on a tourist visa, you cannot legally work at UCLA or be on the UCLA payroll, get reimbursed for travel expenses, or participate in any work-type activities other than meeting people and taking part in discussions or consultations. Not having the correct visa also creates extra paperwork and administrative problems.

We strongly advise you to get a J1 visa and to start the process as soon as possible.

If you have more detailed questions about whether you are required to get a visa to come to UCLA, whether you might need a different kind of visa because of special circumstances, the DS-2019 process, or the timetable involved in applying for one, please contact one of the following people. They are up to date on all the latest rules and regulations and can give you the most accurate advice.

FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS:

Dr. Tama Hasson, Director, Undergraduate Research Center
tama@lifesci.ucla.edu
+1-310-267-2219
UCLA Undergraduate Research Center

FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS (VISITING GRADUATE RESEARCHERS):

Mr. Michael Flaxman, Coordinator, Office of Postdoctoral and Visiting Scholar Services (OPVSS)
mflaxman@grad.ucla.edu
+1-310-825-4247
UCLA Graduate Division - Visiting Scholars & Visiting Graduate Researchers

FOR POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLARS:

Mr. Tony Coelho, Exchange Visitor Intake Advisor
ACoelho@saonet.ucla.edu
+1-310-825-1681
UCLA Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars

Mr. Lokubanda Tillakaratne (Tillak), Exchange Visitor Specialist
ltillaka@saonet.ucla.edu
+1-310-825-1681
UCLA Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars

If a J1 visa is the correct visa for you, UCLA can help you with the paperwork for obtaining it.

If you are still an undergraduate student, the procedure for registering and initiating the visa process is outlined at this Undergraduate Research Center website.

If you have not yet finished your Ph.D. and are still a graduate student, the procedure for registering and initiating the visa process is outlined at this Graduate Division website.

The only exception to this is if you are coming to UCLA for LESS THAN THREE WEEKS.

If you have finished your Ph.D. and are now a Postdoctoral Scholar or if you are a non-degree student coming to UCLA for LESS THAN THREE WEEKS, there is a different procedure.

1. Please go to the UCLA Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars website and read the instructions there.

2. Download the pdf for the J-1 Form / DS-2019 Request Form and the instructions for filling it out.  If you cannot access these pages, please let us know your fax number, and we will fax you the form.

3. Fill out the DS-2019 Request Form.

4. Fax it back to our office at +1-310-206-1843 or send it to strom@chem.ucla.edu as a pdf attachment.  Please include your CV, proof of the financial support you will have while at UCLA, and a copy of the photo page of your passport that shows your passport number and its expiration date.

5. We will have your DS-2019 application processed.  This can take 2-3 weeks.  Please plan accordingly.

6. We will then send your DS-2019 to you via express courier.  Please provide us with the address and phone number where you would like it sent.

7. You can use the DS-2019 to get a J1 visa at your embassy.

Information you will need to have in order to fill out the DS-2019 Request Form:

- The dates you will be at UCLA

- The subject of your research

- The financial support of your work (i.e. any fellowships you have, any private funds, or any financial arrangements you have with Professor Houk as to whether he will pay you a salary or a supplement)

- The medical insurance that will cover you while you are at UCLA (some students have their own insurance, either privately or through their institutions; other students can get insurance through UCLA)

- The names and passport information of anyone who may be coming with you to the U.S.

YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS TO GET A VISA. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR EMBASSY AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY.

For further information on visas, please check the Policies and Procedures link at the UCLA Travel Center and related links at the UCLA Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars.