Visa office Inviting a J-1 Scholar Inviting a Visiting Graduate R

A Visiting Graduate Researcher (VGR) is an individual, domestic or international, who is: (1) enrolled as degree-seeking graduate student at his or her home institution and maintaining satisfactory advancement towards the completion of his or her academic degree, and (2) invited to conduct short-term doctoral research or participate in a "prescribed course of study" such as a mentored or independent research project or master’s research collaborations with a faculty member at UCLA. Departments must contact UCLA Graduate Division for information regarding fees, application procedures and supporting documents. Complete application instructions are available online.

Once the department receives VGR approval notification from Graduate Division, the department can submit the DS-2019 request to the DGSOM Visa and Licensing Office.

The DGSOM Visa and Licensing Office needs 10 working days to process the DS-2019 form. Requests should be submitted at least 3 months prior to start date of program to give VGR enough time to apply for the J-1 visa at the U.S. Embassy and make travel arrangements.

Also note the following guidelines when requesting a DS-2019 for student researchers:

Student researchers will only be eligible for J-1 Short-Term Scholar or J-1 Research Scholar category.
Programs must be for a minimum 22 days.