Visiting Researcher Program

Visiting Researchers and Scholars will receive an appointment from UC Berkeley. The most common appointments are:

• Visiting scholars are individuals who possess a Ph.D. or its equivalent, and whose primary purpose for residence on the Berkeley campus is to conduct independent research. 
• Visiting student researchers are applicants who are currently enrolled in a degree program and are working to obtain a degree (note a minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required).
• Short-term scholars are applicants who are restricted to a maximum of six months with no extensions allowed. Short-term scholars are not subject to the “24-month rule”.

Non-U.S. citizens will require a J1 Visa which will be processed by our Human Resources and International Office Team.  For more questions related to immigration policy or visa regulations please go to: Berkeley International Office.

With proper industry experience or technical expertise as demonstrated by your CV, the University may waive the PhD requirement as a Scholar. If you are not enrolled in a program or pursuing  a graduate degree, you may still apply and HR will determine your appropriate J1 visa status after review of your records.

Research  programs typically  do not allow for any extensions beyond the program dates. There are additional fees if an extension is requested by your supervisor. 

Please note that it is important that  you arrive prior to your program start date.  The J1 Visa allows you to arrive up to 30 days before your program starts. You can use this time to find housing and settle in.

For researchers or scholars who require a J1 Visa, the University will need proof of funding for the entire duration of their stay. Researchers and scholars must show funds to cover the program tuition and fees as well as insurance and cost of living.

 UC Berkeley currently requires $1,800 per month as proof of funding. However, please note that your cost of living will be largely driven by your housing needs. Funding may be from personal funds or other sponsors.

Visiting Researcher Programs have the following list of fees:

Research Program Fees:

• up to 6-months $5,500
• up to 12-months $10,500

Effective March 9, 2020 all acceptances are contingent on receipt of a non-refundable deposit of $1,500.

The program fees includes the J1 visa for applicants only. J2 visas for dependents are available at additional cost.

University Service Fees:

•   $750 Visiting Scholars (PhD required).
•   $1,000 Visiting Researchers.

SEVIS/Other visa-related fees: $220 (subject to change)

U.S. Health Insurance (See below)

U.S. citizens do not incur SEVIS fees, but are required to pay the University Services Fee and must provide proof of insurance.

SCET will invoice Research Program Fees to the appointee.  All other fees are to be paid directly. SEVIS fees are paid to the Department of Homeland Security. Each country may set separate visa origination fees that are subject to change.

For Blockchain Xcelerator fees please go here.

The University requires that anyone holding an appointment (regardless of citizenship) must have health insurance. Appointees have two options:

• Purchase an approved University healthcare plan.
• Provide proof of an existing healthcare plan that meets University requirements and apply for a waiver.

Details on insurance plan requirements, cost and waiver forms may be found here.

Due to the very high demand for housing, UC Berkeley and the SCET staff cannot assist with housing requests. Most Visiting Researchers will find an apartment or house off campus to share with other Visiting Researchers and Scholars . You will find a list of many housing resources here on the University's resource page.

Most visa applications can be completed with the shipment of your DS2019, within 10 weeks.  Once you receive your DS2019, you must make an interview appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

Once accepted, the SCET Berkeley team will submit your CV, Statement of Research and Passport to Human Resources. A case worker will reach out to you directly within 5 business days.

Prompt and accurate submission of documents to Human Resources is paramount; as incomplete submissions will delay the process. (this will take 2-3 weeks).

You will need to have the following documents:

• Proof of funding documents ready (current/liquid bank accounts including cash or equities is allowed).
• Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL 90 or IELTS 7) or proof of interview with your SCET supervisor.
• If you are still enrolled in an academic program you will need proof of enrollment from your home university.

Once Human Resources has completed your file, your case will be sent to the Berkeley International Office. The final visa application and completion of your DS2019 will take 10 business days. Your DS2019 will be sent to you via FedEx (please be sure your documented address is correct). Forms are NOT provided electronically.

Once you have your DS2019, you can make an appointment for an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. 

Visiting Researchers and Scholars do not receive academic credits and do not get a transcript from UC Berkeley.  Visiting Researchers/Scholars are allowed, with instructor and program permission to audit one course per semester. Audited courses do not provide any evaluations or academic credits.

No. Non U.S. citizens and J-1 Visa holders  are not allowed to work, paid or unpaid. The program is a full time program for academic research purposes which is construed to be at least 32 hours of research and program-based activity during your stay.

You may travel within the United States during program holidays or with approval from your supervisor if travel is required for your research.  Travel outside the United States is permitted only for research or emergency purposes and must be approved by your supervisor.

The J1 visa is meant for full-time research at UC Berkeley.  Frequent travel outside the U.S. or any travel of more than 2 weeks requires written permission.  Customs and Border Patrol have the final say on entry to the United States. 

Additionally, please note that travel on the J1 is discouraged. A short trip (less than two weeks) can be manageable if is related to your research or caused by an emergency. 

Finally, note that travel within 30 days of the end of the program also requires additional documentation.

The Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology has an open workspace. Conference rooms and breakout rooms are generally reserved for faculty and staff meetings. If you require dedicated workspace there are many hot-desk/rental options in the Berkeley area.

Also, note that generally our researchers benefit from the open collaboration workspace as it facilitates meeting other researchers such as our Berkeley Blockchain Xcelerator teams, SCET students, and faculty.