A pre-doctoral student is someone currently enrolled in a doctoral program who has not yet obtained a doctoral degree. The doctoral degree program can be either in the United States or abroad. If these conditions are met, the scientist may be allowed to conduct biomedical research at the NIH.
For confirmation of a pre-doctoral student's eligibility to participate in the NIH Visiting Program, a
case for the scientist must be submitted to DIS. The case must include evidence of the individual's enrollment in a doctoral program signed by the Dean or Registrar on university letterhead. Upon receipt of the case, DIS will verify that the student meets all NIH and immigration policy requirements for participation in the Visiting Program.