Support for Foreign Travel for All NWS Employees

The IAO provides administrative support for foreign travel for all NWS employees and for visitors hosted by NWS/IA, known as "invitational travelers". This support includes:

• Processing official passport and visa requests through the NOAA Travel Office
• Providing guidance on the Federal Travel Regulations and NOAA Travel Regulations
• Making travel arrangements for NWS/IA invitational travelers
• Coordination and routing of NWS foreign travel packages to NWS DAA

Related Links of Interest:

• **NWS Foreign Travel Procedures**
• **NOAA Foreign Travel Training (power point)**
• MARS-Management Analysis and Reporting System (FOTOS)
• eCountry Clearance
• Gelco Travel Manager
• Integrated Travel Manager (ITM) Information
• Federal Express Shipping
• XE Universal Currency Converter
• NOAA Foreign Travel Website
• Department of State Travel
• NWS Travel Card Program
• WMO Reimbursable Travel
• Form CD-15: Transmit/Route Slip
• Form CD-210: Record of Gift or Bequest
• Form CD-334: Request for Approval of Extra Fare Air Accommodations
• Form CD-342: Rcord of Gifts and Decorations from Foreign Governments
• Forms by Number

The Department of State J1 Visa Program for Visiting Foreign Research Scholars

The IAO is the focal point for NWS-hosted visiting scientists and researchers who require NOAA-sponsored J1 visas. J1 visas are issued by the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services and administered by the Department of State through the Exchange Visitor Program.

J1 visas are non-immigrant visas, and participants in the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program are expected to return to their home countries when they complete their programs. Entry into the United States as a participant in the Exchange Visitor Program is granted with the understanding that participants will complete the objectives of a single program category.

The IAO complies with Department of Homeland Security directives regarding the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS), an automated process to collect, maintain and manage information about international foreign students and exchange visitors during their stay in the United States.

Related Links of Interest:

• U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services
• Exchange Visitor Program
• Department of Homeland Security
• Student and Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS)

The Focal Point for International Visitors to NWS Facilities Nationwide

The offices of the National Weather Service receive many different types of international visitors, including heads of foreign Meteorological Services and their staff and associates, delegations from foreign governments in related disciplines, members of regional and international organizations, individual scientific and technical collaborators, foreign students and trainees, and members of foreign academic communities.

Policy guidance for foreign national visitors to all Department of Commerce facilities are prescribed in the "U.S. Department of Commerce Manual of Security Policies and Procedures."

The policies contained in the Security Manual apply to all departmental facilities, activities, and operations. The NWS follows this guidance and coordinates with the Office of NOAA Security to ensure coordination with all of its visitors.
The NWS IAO is the focal point for both short-term and long-term international visitors to NWS facilities.

Related Links of Interest:

• Deemed Export Technology Control Program
• How to Sponsor Foreign National toa NOAA Facility