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Office of Research Services

Serving the NIH Community

Because of a lapse in government funding, the information on this website may not be up to date, transactions submitted via the website may not be processed, and the agency may not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted. The NIH Clinical Center (the research hospital of NIH) is open. For more details about its operating status, please visit cc.nih.gov. Updates regarding government operating status and resumption of normal operations can be found at opm.gov.

NIH Visiting Program Scientists

Visiting Program Scientists

Extended Absence Abroad

Extended Absence from NIH

Visiting Program participants must request DIS approval in the following circumstances:​

  1. You plan to pursue research activities abroad (other than short travel to attend conferences or meetings) for more than five weeks, or
  2. You plan to take extended personal leave for more than five weeks. This includes vacation and medical leave.

Scientists must submit the Request for Extended Absence from NIH form with an accompanying memo to DIS at least two weeks before their planned absence from NIH. Memo requirements are listed on the request form. DIS will review your request and determine whether you are eligible to preserve your U.S. immigration status and return to NIH after the planned absence.

If you plan to pursue research or other outside activities without taking an extended absence (more than 5 weeks) from NIH, review our Outside Activity page to determine next steps.

Revised 10/2020

DIS Info

​​​​​Service Hours:
9:00AM - 4:00PM ET

Non-FTE Check-In/EOD:
Monday By 11:30am (​in local time zone of lab)
Submit Online​
Document Pickup:
By Appointment
J-1/J-2 Travel Signature Requests:​
Submit Online
Badge Validation:
Submit Online​