DIS is responsible for verifying that foreign national scientists at NIH are lawfully admitted to the United States and authorized to participate in proposed research activities.

DIS requires a case for all foreign national scientists in the NIH Visiting Program. To initiate or extend a foreign national scientist's time at NIH, administrative staff must follow the relevant DIS checklist to submit a case, also known as a package or request, for DIS processing and approval. DIS requires a case even if the scientist is already inside of the United States with valid work authorization. The IC must also submit a case to DIS to change a scientist's current designation (e.g. Research Fellow promotion to Staff Scientist, Special Volunteer to Visiting Fellow, etc.). Please remember that a change in funding source(s) will usually require a change in the scientist's designation. DIS approval of a case is required before the change can occur.

Case checklists are organized by NIH designation and list specific document requirements based on prospective visa type. DIS provides Case Preparation guidance (checklists, processing times, selecting NIH designation and start date) on our website. Follow DIS guidance on how to submit a case through our DIS Case Submission SharePoint site.

When Not to Send a Case to DIS:

DIS does not require a case for the following individuals:

Contract Worker

The scientist will be a contract worker. Documentation must still be submitted to DIS for NIH ID badge validation. Refer to our guidance on obtaining an ID badge.

Delegate Program Visitors

The scientist will be routed through the B-1/WB Delegate Program. The scientist must be eligible for B-1 or WB status and will stay at NIH for fewer than 90 days. Documentation submission to DIS is only required if a NIH ID badge is requested on their behalf. Refer to our guidance on the B-1/WB Delegate Program.

Permanent Resident/U.S. Citizen

The scientist is a U.S. permanent resident (green card holder) or U.S. citizen. However, if a foreign national scientist already in the Visiting Program receives their green card, provide DIS with a copy.

Trainees Receiving a Scheduled Pay Adjustment/Stipend Increase

If a Pre-doctoral Fellow, Post-doctoral Fellow, or a Supplemental Fellow receives a stipend increase/pay adjustment during a period already covered by a DIS Notice of Action (NOA), DIS does not need to be notified.
*Applies to Non-FTE designations only, contact DIS for FTE pay adjustments outside of typical yearly/performance increases.