SLAC supports an atmosphere of free intellectual exchange and collaboration within the international scientific and technical community. Visitors from around the world perform a vital role in sustaining the creative environment and contribute to achieving SLAC's mission. As a Department of Energy (DOE) facility, SLAC is required to comply with the Unclassified Foreign Visits and Assignments program, DOE Order 142.3A.

New Requirements:

Beginning Feb. 1, 2019, the Department of Energy (DOE) requires that all foreign nationals (non-U.S. citizens) looking to conduct work on-site or remote at SLAC must provide their curriculum vitae (CV).

• The CV must chronologically list all academic institutions and work positions, including science and technology activities and specialties, with no gaps in time since college (Associates/Bachelors or equivalent).
• CVs should not contain social security or passport number or any other personal identifying information.
• CVs will be uploaded to the DOE’s Foreign Access Central Tracking System (FACTS). By submitting this information, you consent to SLAC providing this information to the DOE.
• Please also indicate immigration status and be prepared to provide a printed copy of the CV and all required immigration documents (green card, passport, etc.) upon arrival at SLAC.

Prior to Planning Travel to SLAC – New Requirements

Additional steps must be completed prior to arrival for foreign nationals from certain countries.

• Foreign nationals who are not US citizens and were born in, are citizens of, or represent or have ongoing affiliations with Iran, Cuba, North Korea and Syria must provide additional information, including a strong justification, to be considered for access to SLAC. Advance federal review and approval is required before individuals are permitted access to the Laboratory (including remote IT access; this process can take longer than 12 months.
• Foreign nationals who are not US citizens and were born in, are citizens of, or represent or have ongoing affiliations with certain other countries may have requirements for advance approval depending on the nature of the work or visit to SLAC.  For these countries, advanced approval is not required if you are only attending a public tour or a public event.

Please ask your SLAC point of contact and work with the International Services Office for more information before making arrangements to travel to SLAC.

Arrival and Check-in at SLAC – New Requirements

• Admittance onto site must take place during weekday business hours Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Evening and weekend check-in is no longer available.
• Due to the new requirements, time to complete processing upon arrival will take longer. You are strongly encouraged to plan for a minimum of four hours processing time before being permitted access to destination onsite or for beamtime. Providing complete information to your host in advance and having all required documents on hand will reduce the chance of additional delays.
• Non-US citizens must bring their valid original passport and applicable visa with all immigration documentation supporting the visa status and/or renewals.
• Provide a printed copy of their curriculum vitae (CV) chronologically listing all academic institutions and work positions, including science and technology activities and specialties, with no gaps in time since college (Associates/Bachelors or equivalent).

Please click on the link below to view a list of documents you must bring depending on your visa type.

Foreign Visitors: Documents Required for Check-in at SLAC »

Visa Sponsorship

If you have been invited to SLAC to participate in collaborative research or conduct work at SLAC (including participation in SLAC-program-sponsored experiments at SSRL, LCLS, FACET or the Test Facilities) and require immigration sponsorship, in order to initiate the immigration process you will need to contact the SLAC International Services Office at least 60 days before your intended travel dates. The ISO can provide guidance to you on the appropriate visa and processing times, and will advise you what information and/or documentation will be needed from you.

Travel and Expense Reimbursement

Because SLAC is a national laboratory supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), we must follow the regulations of the DOE and US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) relating to reimbursement of travel expenses. Visitors who are not U.S. citizens or US lawful permanent residents (a.k.a. "green card holders"), please refer to Foreign Visitors: Documents Required for Check-in at SLAC. To access the Travel Reimbursement Guidelines, go to: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/ocfo/travel/visitorGuidelines.html.

SLAC's ISO provides visa and immigration services to our international visitors and employees, representing over 80 countries around the globe.

The team helps facilitate the visa process for employees and affiliates, and provides expert advice to foreign nationals, division management, and HR partners. We assist with preparing documents necessary to gain and maintain legal status in the US, including nonimmigrant and permanent residency status; serve as a resource on immigration issues and concerns; partner with Laboratory Counsel; and consult with external legal counsel on complex immigration issues.

The team is located in the VUE Center and is here to help if you have questions regarding appropriate visas and documentation for your visit to SLAC. Contact: iso@slac.stanford.edu

As SLAC administers its visa and immigration services under the Stanford Bechtel International Center programs, we encourage you to visit their site where you will find more detailed information about the visa programs for visitors and employees, as well as workshops available to international students and scholars:

• Stanford Bechtel International Center »
• Guide for J-1 Exchange Visitors »
• Guide for H-1B Employees » (Note: SLAC is considered a “department” of Stanford in this respect).
• Practical Matters: Information on living in the US, including taxes, social security, identification, and health insurance »