Graduate School

Visiting Research Fellows

The Graduate School offers the Visiting Research Fellow and non-degree student statuses to accommodate visiting graduate students from other institutions and other non-degree students.

The Visiting Research Fellow status is for graduate students from other institutions who would like to come to Brown for durations of usually less than 12 months to conduct research with a Brown faculty member. Visiting Research Fellows are not enrolled in classes and do not have official student status at Brown. They are required to have a faculty advisor at Brown who will supervise and direct their activities.

Required Documentation for Appointment as a Visiting Research Fellow

I. Health Insurance

International Visiting Research Fellow

International Visiting Research Fellows (VRF) are required to purchase a health insurance plan for the
duration of their time in the United States. Brown University has selected the Accident and Sickness plan
for International Participants (Inbound to Brown).

Inbound scholars may enroll at www.gallagherstudent.com/brown-iss. Simply click on the ENROLL NOW link
on the left side of the page, and it will prompt you to create an account and then enroll.

  • Since you are not issued a Brown ID until you reach campus, please enter 999999999 in the 'Student ID' field when setting up your account.  
  • This enrollment form is used for both students and scholars.
  • You will also be asked to provide a United States address when enrolling. If you do not yet have a United States address, please use the address of the department with which you are associated.  All correspondence from Gallagher is via email, therefore no mail will be sent to this address. 
  • You will receive a confirmation email within 2 business days, and can log in after that to access your ID card. 
  • Premiums are based on monthly enrollment, and unfortunately cannot be prorated. 
  • If you have questions about this policy, please identify the Brown University International Student &
  • Scholars Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan when calling Gallagher Student Health, as Gallagher services many different plans. 
  • Acceptable documents for demonstrating health insurance coverage include a health insurance card issued by Gallagher with your name on it; a signed letter on letterhead from Gallagher stating coverage; or proof of payment from Gallagher. The Brown University Graduate School will provide confirmation to the Office of International Students and Scholar Services (OISSS) that the Gallagher Accident and Sickness health insurance is in effect. An international VRF who does not provide proof of this health insurance will not have their appointment activated and will not receive a Brown ID card.

Domestic Visiting Research Fellow

At the time of appointment, a domestic Visiting Research Fellow (VRF) is required to provide proof of health insurance.

Acceptable documents from your U. S. based insurer for demonstrating health insurance coverage include a health insurance card with your name on it; a signed letter on letterhead stating coverage; or proof of payment. A domestic VRF who does not provide proof of health insurance will not have their appointment
activated and will not receive a Brown ID card.

Financial Support

A Visiting Research Fellow (VRF) who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States and who requires the assistance of Brown to obtain a visa is required to provide documentation of their ability to meet all anticipated expenses during the period of stay. Current requirements stipulate $2,770 per month for the visitor, an additional $583 per month for each additional adult, and an additional $415 per month for each child age 18 or under. We recommend that you consider
the required levels of support as the minimum you will need, actual expenses at Brown are likely to be higher. Proof of your ability to meet these costs is best provided in the form of a bank certificate/statement that indicates the current availability of the required amount in U.S. currency or funds easily convertible into U.S. dollars. The adequacy of your financial arrangements is subject to reviews by University authorities and by the U.S. consulate at the time of your visa application.

When satisfactory certification is presented, the appropriate entry form (I-20 or DS-2019) will be issued to you. These financial documents should be sent to the Host department along with the appointment request. Once your documents have been received and processed we will issue a formal letter of invitation as a VRF at the Brown University Graduate School.