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 ICO 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 the DIS Customer Portal.
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.
B-1/WB Visitors
A visitor may access NIH campus in B-1 or WB status if the individual is:
- Eligible for B-1 status and can obtain a
B-1 visa OR eligible for WB status via the
Visa Waiver Program,
AND
- Obtains clearance through VisitNIH, a part of the
Visitor Access Management Initiative (VAMI).
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.
Revised 03/2026
