Date:

(Name)

(Address)

Dear \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

I would like to invite you to visit Lawrence Berkeley National
Laboratory (LBNL) for a period of \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ (days, weeks
or months), beginning on or about \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ (mmddyy
of appointment start). This visit will provide an opportunity for you to
contribute your expertise to the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Division\'s work on (subject of meetings, workshop, discussions, or
research).

**(Describe here everything that will be offered by the lab by way of
support: travel and living expenses or reimbursement, stipend, per diem,
honorarium, computer account, email account, etc.):**

We will provide you with workspace and other work-related support as
needed. We understand that you will arrange funding for the remainder of
your expenses. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ at (510) 486-\_\_\_\_\_ or by email
(\_\_\_\_\_\_\_@lbl.gov).

**(In case of LBNL monetary support, please add):** Please note that
this payment may have tax implications, which could include being
subject to mandatory tax withholding under U.S. federal regulations.
Please email <taxinfo@lbl.gov> for guidance.

Additional information regarding LBNL support services is available on
the Lab's International Researchers & Scholars Office (IRSO) website.
Please go to: http://www.lbl.gov/Workplace/HumanResources/irss/.

**(Next paragraphs are to be used only if Guest is coming to LBL
directly from abroad):**

**(Applicable for J1:)** We are informed that a J-1 visa is the most
appropriate classification for your visit here. IRSO will contact you
shortly with instructions on how to download, complete, print and fax
the DS-2019 application. Once issued, you will need to take the DS-2019,
along with the enclosed Support Letter, to the nearest American
Consulate to request a visa stamp in your passport for entry.

**(Applicable for B1:)** We are informed that a B1 Business visa is the
most appropriate classification for your visit here. In that respect,
please take the enclosed Support Letter, along with your valid passport,
to the nearest American Consulate and request a visa stamp for entry.

**(Applicable for WB:)** We are informed that a Visa Waiver for Business
(WB) is the most appropriate classification for your visit here. In that
respect, please use the enclosed Support Letter, along with your valid
passport, to enter the United States. An immigration officer will issue
an I-94 card for you valid for up to 90 days.\
\
**(Applicable for WB:)** Effective January 12, 2009, all Visa Waiver
travelers will be required to obtain an authorization via ESTA before
traveling to the United States: <https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/>.

**(Applicable for WB:)** Effective October 26, 2004 all individuals
entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must
present a machine-readable passport at a U.S. Port of Entry to be
admitted into the United States without a visa. A machine-readable
passport is a passport that has two typeface lines printed at the bottom
of the biographical page, which can be read by machine. Travelers
without machine-readable passports must obtain a non-immigrant visa at a
U.S. Embassy or Consulate before gaining access to the United States.

**(Applicable for J1:)** It is a requirement by the U.S. Department of
State, that oversees the Exchange Visitor Programs, that visiting
researchers/scholars holding a J1 classification show minimum funding of
\$1,400 per researcher, \$450 per spouse and \$200 per child, monthly
for the full term of the appointment. Please provide IRSO with proof of
funding, on official stationery, with English translation, when
requesting the DS-2019.

**(Applicable for J1:)** The Department of State also requires you to
maintain medical coverage as well as medical evacuation and repatriation
insurance for the duration of your appointment. Information on the type
of medical coverage required will be sent to you along with the DS-2019
form. You will have the choice of either bringing your own health plan
with you, or purchasing one at LBL upon your arrival. This information
should be considered as you seek funding for your term here. If you
choose to bring your own health plan, please make sure that the letter
from your insurance company is accompanied by an English translation.

**(Applicable if travel is being supported:)** If you will be making
your own travel arrangements, please be advised that Federal Travel
Regulations require that U.S. carriers must be used for travel that is
to be reimbursed from federal grants and contracts.

**(Next paragraph is to be used only if Guest is coming to LBL from
within the United States):** We are informed that your current visa
status is appropriate for your visit to LBNL. Please make sure to obtain
written authorization from your sponsoring institution before coming to
LBNL.

Upon your arrival at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, please
contact \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ at the
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ division, Mail Stop \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_,
(510) 486-\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_, to complete the necessary guest sign-up.
Please bring with you all your immigration documents, including your
passport, and verification of your health insurance coverage (with
English translation). If you will need to purchase the insurance at the
time of your appointment, please bring some means of payment (for
example, personal check, cashier's check or money order). Please do not
bring cash.

If you have questions about visa requirements, please do not hesitate to
contact IRSO. Any questions regarding your visa application should be
addressed to Mr. Ben Ortega ([BOrtega@lbl.gov](mailto:Bortega@lbl.gov)))
from IRSO.

Sincerely,

Host/Sponsor, title

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_Division

cc: International Researchers & Scholars Office (IRSO)

Enclosures: Support Letter to American Embassy and U.S.C.I.S.

rev.6/5/08