Invited Visiting Scholars & Graduate Students

Submit the following documentation to the Sociology Department here.

• Current Curriculum Vitae
• Brief summary of research project you will be working on at UCSD.
• UC Patent Acknowledgement Form (PDF): Please sign and return and then our department representative will fill out the remaining information and sign and date as the "Witness" when received. For non-US citizens: Please only sign for the ‘Patent Agreement' section at the bottom, not the ‘Oath.'

If an international visitor, please also see the section below entitled International Visitors for additional required documents.

To submit to the VGS Online Appointment Form:

• Current Curriculum Vitae
• UC Patent Acknowledgement Form (PDF): Please sign and return and then our department representative will fill out the remaining information and sign and date as the "Witness" when received. For non-US citizens: Please only sign for the ‘Patent Agreement' section at the bottom, not the ‘Oath.'
• Current Proof of Registration in a graduate program (PhD, Masters, or MD) -  ie. copy of your current transcript or letter from home institution confirming that you will still be registered for the duration of your VGS appointment at UCSD.
• Proof of Health Insurance, or Form C (PDF): Health Insurance Memorandum of Understanding

Additionally, please submit the following to the Sociology Department online here:

 For further guidance on these documents, please see our section for International Visitors.

• J-1 Form (PDF): Scholar Information Sheet
• Passport Biographical Page (including any independents)
• Proof of Funding

For our visitors requiring departmental sponsorship for a DS-2019 to obtain a J-1 visa, the following must be submitted along with the items listed above at least 3 months prior to planned arrival date. 

Additional Required Documents

Please note that these items listed below should be submitted through Sociology's online form here.

1. J-1 Form (PDF): Scholar Information Sheet - Fully completed and signed with all additional documentation (e.g. passport biographical page) as required attached.
2. Certification of English Language Proficiency by one of the following: 
   • Certification by an academic institution or English language school 
     • Letter should include:
       • Verifies the exchange visitor possesses English language proficiency high enough to function daily within the UCSD position and within the local U.S. community.
       • Issued on letterhead in English within the past 6-months
       • Includes signature from school official
       • Example [PDF]
   • or Certification by a recognized English language test
     • Copy of test must be in English & can include:
       • IELTS overall band score of 6 or higher
       • TOEFL test score must be 500 (paper based), 173 (computer based) or 61 (internet based IBT). TOEIC not accepted.
       • PETS score level 5 or higher
3. Proof of Funding: Documentation - in English - of funding from home institution, agency, or personal funds of at least $2,400 (for a single person) per month for duration of visit. Minimum proof of funding amount subject to change without notice.

Fees

• $625 IFSO visa processing fee. This fee must be paid before your visa application can be processed. Fees subject to change without notice.
  • For additional fees related to the J-1 process please see IFSO's Processing Time and Costs. 

• If you are a Visiting Graduate Student: $100 Visiting Student Registration Fee - This is in addition to the visa processing fee and must be paid within six weeks upon arrival on campus.