Selection Criteria
CLAS accepts Visiting Scholars who are pursuing a research project related to Latin America in any discipline. We welcome applications from academic researchers and university faculty members as well as from individuals with experience in government, business, or other professional fields who are likely to benefit from interactions with research scholars. Current Ph.D. students may apply for affiliation as a Visiting Student Researcher.
Application Review
CLAS reviews Visiting Scholar and Visiting Student Researcher applications three times a year.
The application process, from acceptance as a Visiting Scholar or Visiting Student Researcher to arrival in the United States, usually takes at least three months and can take up to six months to complete due to visa regulations. Scholars and Student Researchers should plan their arrival date accordingly.
Privileges and Responsibilities of a Visiting Scholar
Visiting Scholars and Visiting Student Researchers are independent researchers while in residence at Berkeley. They enjoy full access to UC Berkeley’s libraries and electronic resources and receive an e-mail account for use during their stay. They may be invited to present or otherwise take part in seminars or conferences organized by CLAS, and they are welcome to attend all public events on campus. Classroom participation as an auditor is subject to the approval of individual faculty members. All Visiting Scholars and Visiting Student Researchers are required to submit a final report on the outcome of their research affiliation. CLAS appreciates copies of publications or papers completed during a visitor’s affiliation with UC Berkeley.
Please note that CLAS cannot guarantee office space to its Visiting Scholars and Visiting Student Researchers, nor does it provide individual computer equipment or phone lines. Visitors should plan to bring their own laptops.
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STEP 1
A complete application consists of:
Complete applications may be e-mailed directly to Julia Byrd (julia.byrd@berkeley.edu)
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STEP 2
Completed applications are then reviewed by CLAS. Applicants will be notified of the Center’s decision in writing within a reasonable period of time.
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STEP 3
Successful applicants will be asked to submit additional application forms and to pay the required non-refundable fees listed below:
Fee | Six months or longer; visa extensions allowed | Six months or less; no visa extensions allowed |
J-1 Visa Processing Fee |
$500 | $500 |
Campus Service Fee | $1000 for 1 year $2000 for 2 years |
$1000 |
CLAS Affiliation Fee | $1,000 |
$650 |
Fee | Six months or longer; visa extensions allowed | Six months or less; no visa extensions allowed |
J-1 Visa Processing Fee |
$500 | $500 |
Campus Service Fee | $750 for 1 year; $1500 for 2 years | $750 |
CLAS Affiliation Fee | $2,000 | $1,300 |
Fee | Six months or longer; visa extensions allowed | Six months or less; no visa extensions allowed |
J-1 Visa Processing Fee |
$500 | $500 |
Campus Service Fee | $750 for 1 year; $1500 for 2 years | $750 |
CLAS Affiliation Fee | $4,000 | $2,600 |
Fees must be paid in U.S. dollars and can be in the form of an international money order, cashier’s check, or personal check payable to “UC Regents.”
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STEP 4
Once all fees have been paid and secondary application materials have been received, CLAS will process the applicant’s DS-2019, which allows him/her to go to the nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy to apply for the J-1 (Visiting Scholar) visa.
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STEP 5
After receipt of the DS-2019 and related materials, applicants are required to pay a one-time U.S. government Homeland Security processing fee (SEVIS) of $180 online: http://www.fmjfee.com. Once this fee has been paid, applicants will then contact their local Consulate or Embassy to apply for the J-1 visa. To find the address, phone number and business hours of the nearest Consulate or Embassy, please visit the following website: http://www.usembassy.gov/. Usually an interview is required to secure the J-1 visa. For more information on the visa and estimated processing times, please click on the following link: http://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/shared/docs/invite_%20j1ev.pdf
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STEP 6
Once a Visiting Scholar/Visiting Student Researcher has the visa in hand and travel plans scheduled, she/he should inform CLAS of her/his arrival dates and schedule an appointment to complete the arrival forms required by the U.S. government.
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