International Office

Visa Guidelines for Foreign National
Postdoctoral Scholars

The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) regards the postdoctoral experience as one that emphasizes scholarship and continued academic training for individuals who recently completed a doctoral degree. The postdoctoral appointment is a temporary one designed to conduct research under general oversight of a mentor in preparation for a permanent position in academe, industry, government, or the non-profit sector.

TSRI recognizes the important contributions of foreign postdoctoral scholars to its mission. In making visa sponsorship decisions, TSRI seeks to balance the interest of the postdoctoral scholar, the PI, and the institution as a whole.

When a J-1 visa is available for a reasonably sufficient period of time to complete a proposed scientific training program, then TSRI will sponsor a J-1 visa. If a J-1 visa is not reasonably available, or the faculty member recruiting the individual can establish that an H-1B visa is in the best interest of TSRI and fully justified by the particular circumstances, then TSRI will sponsor an H-1B visa. The sponsoring faculty member can obtain a Postdoctoral H Visa Exception Request form from the International Office.

All costs associated with obtaining an H-1B visa will be the responsibility of the PI requesting the visa.

Further information about J and H visas can be found here.