The NIH Visiting Program is composed of two different types of awards providing opportunities to foreign scientists at varying stages during their careers: Visiting Fellowships for training, and service fellowships- Research Fellow (VP) or Clinical Fellow (VP).

The Visiting Fellowship (VF) is an award to a foreign scientist, with 5 years or less of relevant postdoctoral research experience, offering advanced research experience and training and not requiring the performance of services for the NIH.

The Research or Clinical Fellowship (Title 42 Service Fellowship - VP) requires an FTE and the performance of services for the NIH. These appointments are for scientists with 3 or more years of relevant postdoctoral experience.

The NIH Board of Scientific Directors is responsible for recommending internal policies and procedures for implementing the NIH Visiting Program to the Deputy Director for Intramural Research (DDIR). Direction of the overall NIH Visiting Program is a joint responsibility of the Deputy Director for Intramural Research (DDIR), NIH; the Senior Advisor to the DDIR, NIH; the Office of Human Resource Management (OHRM), NIH; and the Division of International Services, ORS. The DIS administers the program.

The individual institute or center sponsoring a Visiting Program participant is responsible for identifying proposed participants, securing internal IC approvals and providing necessary materials to DIS/ORS. Sponsors should consult their IC Key Contact for more detailed instructions. Each IC sponsor is also responsible for ensuring that research conducted by Visiting Program participants is reviewed under the same procedures as all other intramural research projects, and that participants receive appropriate instructions in safety procedures (i.e., laboratory and radiation ), human subjects regulations, and the proper use and care of animals and equipment.

• NIH Manual Chapter 2300-320-3 - The NIH Visiting Program
  Issuing Office: FIC 496-6166 Release Date: 3/15/2006
• Division of Internation Services Information on the NIH Visiting Program
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding Training Opportunities for Foreign Scientists at the NIH
• Visiting fellowships are authorized by section 307 of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C.242(1)] and PHS Regulations at 42 CFR, Part 61, Subpart A.
• Service fellowships are authorized by sections 207(g) and (h) of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 209(g) and (h)] and PHS Regulations at 42 CFR, Part 61, Subpart B.
• HHS Personnel Instruction 300-5 Employment of Noncitizens.
• HHS Personnel Instruction 771-3 Employee Grievances.
• NIH Manual 1130, Delegation of Authority, Personnel No. 5, Service Fellows.
  
  For information on health insurance policy:
  April 10, 2008