Foreign Visitors and Visiting Scholars

Overview

UCSF strives to create a welcoming and collaborative environment for international visitors while also upholding our obligation to comply with export control regulations. These regulations exist to safeguard sensitive technology and information from unauthorized transfer outside the U.S. This includes items like lab equipment, software, and technical data, and even visual inspection by visitors subject to export restrictions. While routine academic interactions are usually exempt, some activities may require an export license. 

Hosting Foreign Visitors

To ensure compliance, all non-U.S. visitors must undergo Restricted Party Screening against restricted party lists. Depending on their campus access and visit purpose, access to export-controlled equipment and data may be restricted. 

Before any lab or facility visit, work with the UCSF Export Control Office to:

  • Screen all non-U.S. persons against the specially designated and restricted parties lists. 
  • Review the proposed activities, determine if access or exposure to controlled items is required, and determine if a license is required. 
  • Identify export-controlled equipment, data, or technology and implement a technology control plan (if necessary) to appropriately secure them from access by unlicensed, non-U.S. persons. 
  • Alert your colleagues to the upcoming visit so they are aware of any potential issues involving controlled items. 

If you are uncertain about any of the requirements, need help developing a technology control plan, or think you may need to apply for an export license, please contact UCSF Export Control for assistance. 

Hosting Visiting Scholars

If you are hosting a visiting scholar: 

For assistance with international student and scholar visas, please contact UCSF’s International Student & Scholar Services Office