Foreign Nationals
Entry Requirements for Foreign Nationals
ALERT: Effective November 29, 2016, Chinese nationals holding B-1/B-2 visas must enroll in EVUS prior to entering the United States. See “Additional Resources” for details.
SLAC supports an atmosphere of free intellectual exchange and collaboration within the international scientific and technical community. Visitors from around the world perform a vital role in sustaining the creative environment and contribute to achieving SLAC's mission. As a Department of Energy (DOE) facility, SLAC is required to comply with the Unclassified Foreign Visits and Assignments program, DOE Order 142.3A. As a result, additional steps must be completed prior to arrival for foreign nationals from certain countries.
Foreign nationals who are not US citizens and were born in, are citizens of, or represent or have ongoing affiliations with Iran, Sudan and Syria must provide additional information, including a strong justification, to be considered for access to SLAC. Advance federal review and approval is required before individuals are able to visit or receive an identification (ID) badge for unescorted access at a DOE facility; this process can take longer than 12 months. However, advance approval is not required if you are attending a public tour or other public event at SLAC.
Please ask your SLAC point of contact or the International Services Office for more information.
Upon arrival to SLAC, non-US citizens must bring their valid original passport and applicable visa with any immigration documentation supporting the visa status and/or renewals. Please click the link below to view the documents you must bring depending on your visa type.
Foreign Visitors: Documents Required for Check-in at SLAC »
NOTE: Foreign nationals with Visa Waiver-Tourist (WT) or B-2 visas are NOT eligible to work at SLAC or obtain a SLAC badge.
For general entry requirements for all visitors, please see Entry and Access.
Users and Invited Visitors
Visa Sponsorship
If you have been invited to SLAC to participate in collaborative research or conduct work at SLAC (including participation in SLAC-program-sponsored experiments at SSRL, LCLS, FACET or the Test Facilities) and require immigration sponsorship, in order to initiate the immigration process you will need to contact the SLAC International Services Office at least 60 days before your intended travel dates. The ISO can provide guidance to you on the appropriate visa and processing times, and will advise you what information and/or documentation will be needed from you.
Travel and Expense Reimbursement
Because SLAC is a national laboratory supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), we must follow the regulations of the DOE and US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) relating to reimbursement of travel expenses. Visitors who are not U.S. citizens or US lawful permanent residents (a.k.a. "green card holders"), please refer to Foreign Visitors: Documents Required for Check-in at SLAC. To access the Travel Reimbursement Guidelines, go to: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/ocfo/travel/visitorGuidelines.html.
SLAC International Services Office
SLAC's ISO provides visa and immigration services to our international visitors and employees, representing over 80 countries around the globe.
The team helps facilitate the visa process for employees and affiliates, and provides expert advice to foreign nationals, division management, and HR partners. We assist with preparing documents necessary to gain and maintain legal status in the US, including nonimmigrant and permanent residency status; serve as a resource on immigration issues and concerns; partner with Laboratory Counsel; and consult with external legal counsel on complex immigration issues.
The team is located in the VUE Center and is here to help if you have questions regarding appropriate visas and documentation for your visit to SLAC. Contact: iso@slac.stanford.edu
As SLAC administers its visa and immigration services under the Stanford Bechtel International Center programs, we encourage you to visit their site where you will find more detailed information about the visa programs for visitors and employees, as well as workshops available to international students and scholars:
- Stanford Bechtel International Center »
- Guide for J-1 Exchange Visitors »
- Guide for H-1B Employees » (Note: SLAC is considered a “department” of Stanford in this respect).
- Practical Matters: Information on living in the US, including taxes, social security, identification, and health insurance »
Quick Links
Additional Resources for Foreign Nationals
Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) for Chinese nationals
Obtain Electronic Copy of I-94
US Department of State (DoS): General Visa Information
DoS General Business Travel Information
Business Visitor (B-1) Visa Information
Exchange Visitor (J-1) Visa Information
US Customs and Border Protection: General Guidance on Traveling to the US
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
US Citizenship and Immigration Services
American Physical Society - International Affairs