DIS Prepares to Host it's 17th Annual Immigration Conference

Woman presenting to visiting scientists and administrators

Visiting Scientists and the administrators that serve them are a sizable population at NIH. Over 20 different visa status are in use across 25 different NIH designations, making each scientist's concerns truly unique. In order to better serve those either in or working with the visiting program, the Division of International Services (DIS) constantly looks to improve its communications and outreach. Perhaps you noticed their pop-ups in December offering travel signatures to J-1 scientists in Building 10. With about 1,500 J-1 Exchange Visitors at NIH, the plurality of whom work in Building 10, these informal events made it even easier for busy scientists to obtain a necessary service before holiday travel.

Many annual events for Visiting Scientists and administrators are back in 2019. Over 150 scientists attended the 2019 VFC/DIS Immigration Symposium, a joint effort by the NIH Visiting Fellow Committee (VFC) and DIS on February 7, 2019. The Symposium was a chance for the Visiting Fellow community to learn about important aspects of their participation in the Visiting Program and the many opportunities to participate in the VFC throughout the year. This year's presentations included information about the J-1 G-7 program, the J-1 to H-1B transition, and considerations for accepting training and experiential opportunities outside of NIH.

For administrators, DIS is preparing to host the 17th Annual Immigration Conference, April 23-24, 2019. This year's main event will be a plenary session with representatives from DIS, NIH Civil Program, the Office of Intramural Training and Education, and the Office of Human Resources. Other sessions include "Evaluating the Success of your Communication Approach" and "Advising Foreign Nationals." With 105 countries and their respective cultures represented in our Visiting Program, these sessions will assist administrators who seek to ensure their communications are understood. There will also be many returning seminars and workshops, such as Case Preparation, Foreign Physicians, and more! Registration opens in March and will be available on the DIS website.

IN THIS ISSUE


On December 5, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security announced an extension of the REAL ID full enforcement deadline to May 7, 2025. Learn more about the REAL ID Extension.​

ARCHIVES